The NFL draft is less than three weeks away, and the Patriots hold a top-five pick that could play a pivotal role in their rebuild.
However, recent reports surrounding the team’s picking ahead of New England, namely the Browns and Giants, have not been ideal regarding where the Patriots stand and who may still be available for them.
The Athletic‘s Jeff Howe reported Saturday that there is “growing belief” around the NFL that Cleveland will draft Hunter No. 2 overall. Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter had been the favorite to land with the Browns since March, when ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on “NFL Live” and reported that Abdul Carter was “shaking up to be” a Brown.