"That is not what New England wanted to hear" - Adam Schefter delivers grim outlook for Mike Vrabel's Patriots' 2025 NFL Draft plans
The New England Patriots were expected to be the first team to pick a non-quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. The three teams ahead of them in the draft order — the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants — need a new signal-caller and were expected to use their picks to draft one.
If all three teams picked a quarterback, the Patriots could pick the player they had atop their draft board. However, the Titans have thrown a wrench in their plans. The team's president of football operations, Chad Brinker, claimed that the franchise won't necessarily use the first overall to pick a quarterback.
During a conversation with reporters on Wednesday, he said:
"We won't pass on a generational talent with the first pick in the NFL draft. We won't do that."
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Brinker's revelation is bad news for new head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots' plan to land the best player in the draft who isn't a quarterback. In a telephonic interview on WEEI 93.7 FM, he said:
"[Chad Brinker's] quote told me that they are not locked into taking a quarterback at one. That is not what New England wanted to hear - that quote today."
Patriots' draft plan: Who will the franchise pick with their top pick?
The Patriots were expected to use the fourth overall pick to draft Colorado Buffaloes' dual-threat star Travis Hunter or Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter. The duo are touted as the two best players in the draft.
The latter is the more coveted prospect and New England reportedly had its sights set on landing the pass rusher. However, Brinker's comment about the Titans being open to using the first overall pick to draft a "generational talent" could allude to their interest in picking Carter.
The Patriots could pivot to drafting Hunter, who played on offense as a wide receiver and on defense as a cornerback for the Buffaloes. However, New England needs several superstar-caliber players after a dismal 4-13 season.
If the Titans pick Carter, the Patriots could trade the fourth overall pick and drop down in the order for better picks in the latter rounds of the draft. Tennessee's decision with the top pick will severely impact New England's plans and they'll prepare for all possibilities before the draft commences on April 24th.