3 Most Likely Patriots Draft Targets After Losing Out on First Overall Pick

3. Abdul Carter, Defensive End, Penn State

As much work as the offense needs, this defense could use some playmakers as well. The Patriots ranked dead last in sacks per game this year with 1.6, and their top pass rushers, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Keion White, finished with 5 sacks apiece, both leading New England. Getting pressure on the QB is crucial in the NFL, especially with how elusive quarterbacks are today. The Patriots found themselves struggling to get pressure, which allows for coverages to break down, resulting in big plays for opposing offenses, a tale we saw too many times this season. This exceptional pass rusher from Penn State could help New England generate more pressures.

Carter is a 6-foot-3, 251-pound edge rusher for Penn State, a team that is very much alive in the College Football Playoff. This season, Carter has 40 solo tackles, 11 sacks and 2 forced fumbles for the Nittany Lions. He is a stalwart on the defensive line for James Franklin and a big reason why Penn State is playing for a National Championship berth on Thursday, January 9th.

Just like Campbell and McMillan, Carter is one of those guys you cannot pass up on, as his speed, strength and flexibility off the edge is something you don't see much of from a guy his size. He would provide the Patriots with a true edge rusher that could provide double-digit sack numbers for years to come. Carter's play style fits perfectly into today's NFL and would give the Pats an exceptional athlete on the defensive side of the ball. Along with his exceptional pass-rush skills, Carter can play in coverage as well and has elite sideline-to-sideline speed for his position. There is so much to like about Carter and his skill set, as he has opened many eyes this season to become one of college football's premier defensive players.

Carter would be a starter on defense from day one and would help bolster the young core defensively, alongside Christian Gonzalez and Keion White. Depending on what this Patriots front office believes is the biggest need, you cannot go wrong with an athletic edge rusher with untapped potential, and Carter provides every bit of that.

Whether it's Campbell, McMillan or Carter, the Patriots will have their hands full with this decision in April. New England could benefit from all 3 of these players in different ways. It will be interesting to see how the Patriots fare in free agency before the draft, as that could change their outlook on who to select in late April.

The start of Free Agency is scheduled for March 10th, and the NFL Draft kicks off on April 24th.

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