Our staff has compiled what the top 'experts' are predicting the New England Patriots will do in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

EXPERT: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN

LAST UPDATED: January 22, 2025

PICK: Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State

Kiper's Analysis:
"Carter is instinctive and fast, and he seems to always be around the ball. He converted from off-ball linebacker to the edge this season and dominated to the tune of 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. For a New England team that struggled to get pressure, Carter would be a massive addition. New coach Mike Vrabel could move him around and use his disruptive traits to improve the Patriots' league-low sack count (28). New England also has glaring holes at receiver and on the offensive line. If Hunter is still on the board, he fits. Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan makes some sense, too. And there's a shot the Pats get an offer to trade back, which would put them in a better spot to take one of the top offensive tackles. But Carter -- my No. 2 prospect -- could take this defense to another level."

Click here for Mel Kiper's full mock draft.

EXPERT: Josh Edwards, CBS Sports

PICK: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

LAST UPDATED: January 20, 2025

Edward's Analysis:
"The expectation is that most teams will prefer Travis Hunter at cornerback, but he has the talent to appear in some wide receiver packages as well. New England needs to supplement the offensive core, so it would not be a surprise if the Patriots favored a full-time player like Tetairoa McMillan."

Click here for Josh Edward's full mock draft.

EXPERT: Jason McIntyre, Fox Sports

PICK: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

LAST UPDATED: January 17, 2025

McIntyre's Analysis:
"The Pats had the worst offensive line for much of the season. Yes, they'd love to trade down, but whichever tackle they draft here should start from Day 1. "

Click here for Jason McIntyre's full mock draft.

EXPERT: Dane Brugler, The Athletic

LAST UPDATED: January 15, 2025

PICK: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Brugler's Analysis:
"How we view the Patriots' needs at the moment compared to three months from now could vary wildly, based on the cap space this organization has to address key positions in free agency. With his tracking skills and fluid catch radius, McMillan has a skill set similar to that of Tee Higgins (who shouldn't see a minute of free agency, if the Bengals are smart)."

Click here for Dane Brugler's full mock draft.

EXPERT: Vinny Iyer, The Sporting News

LAST UPDATED: January 15, 2025

PICK: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Iyer's Analysis:
"The Patriots had the fewest sacks in the NFL under former defensive-minded coach Jerod Mayo. Carter was unstoppable wrecking plays with pass rush and run diagnosis in the CFP and would be a great first pick for the Mike Vrabel era."

Click here for Vinny Iyer's full mock draft.

EXPERT: Danny Kelly, The Ringer

PICK: Will Campbell, OT LSU

LAST UPDATED: January 7, 2025

Kelly's Analysis:
"The Patriots beat the Bills in Week 18 to lose out on the first pick, but they don't need to draft a quarterback, so they still end up with a very good player here. Campbell can provide a massive boost to New England's porous offensive line, boasting the light footwork and overall athleticism to play at left tackle but the demeanor and body type to fill in at guard. He gives the Pats the options they need up front to protect Drake Maye in 2025."

Click here for Danny Kelly's full mock draft.

EXPERT: Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports

PICK: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

LAST UPDATED: January 15, 2025

Trapasso's Analysis:
"Hunter to the Patriots would be tremendous for everyone involved. New England gets a ridiculous two-way player, and Hunter can be featured prominently right away."

Click here for Chris Trapasso's full seven-round mock draft.

EXPERT: Rob Rang, Fox Sports

PICK: Mason Graham, DL Michigan

LAST UPDATED: January 15, 2025

Rang's Analysis:
"The Patriots entered Week 18 projected to have the No. 1 overall pick, but a stunning victory over the Buffalo Bills pushed them three spots lower and yet still cost head coach Jerod Mayo his job. Whoever his replacement will be — former Patriots linebacker and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is rumored to be a candidate — will recognize Graham's talent. Paired with blossoming star Keion White, the Patriots could have the makings of a dominant defensive line."

Click here for Rob Rang's full mock draft.

DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer