2025 NFL Offseason: New England Patriots

New England Patriots (Last Year: 4-13)

NFL Draft Team Grade: A Grade

Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Patriots must focus all of their energy addressing the offense. Drake Maye showed potential as a rookie, but he was surrounded with miserable talent. New England needs multiple offensive line upgrades, a No. 1 receiver, and a backfield partner for Rhamondre Stevenson.

2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Patriots were lauded for their draft class by the media. While the talking heads on TV are often wrong, it seems as though this is an exception.

The first thing I looked at when dissecting New England’s overall class was how many picks were used to help Drake Maye. The Patriots correctly realized that they needed to help Maye, with their first four selections used on the supporting cast. Two offensive linemen, a receiver, and a running back were obtained, and every pick scored a B+ or higher.

The Patriots reversed their strategy after that, focusing on their poor defense. Most of their picks were good, save for the Craig Woodson selection at No. 106. Woodson was considered a UDFA prospect, so drafting him atop Round 4 was bizarre. Still, that was the only poor selection the Patriots made, so they can be forgiven for that.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

4. Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU – A+ Grade

The Patriots could have been scared off by Will Campbell’s short arms, but I think this would have been a huge mistake. Plenty of offensive linemen with short arms have thrived over the years. Campbell has elite tape and athleticism. In fact, prior to the 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Combine, only two offensive linemen recorded his level of athleticism: Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs. That’s pretty great company! The Patriots obviously made the correct pick here to find much-needed protection for Drake Maye.

38. TreVeyeon Henderson, RB, Ohio State – A Grade

I’m not a big fan of Rhamondre Stevenson, so I’m all for the Patriots attempting to either upgrade him or complement him. TreVeyon Henderson should be a better pro, and he’s one of the best players available. He can play all three downs for New England, which Stevenson can’t really do that well. Henderson easily could have gone in the first round.

69. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State – B+ Grade

This is an obvious need. The Patriots have nothing at receiver, and that includes Stefon Diggs, who is coming off a torn ACL. Kyle Williams is a third-round prospect who could have easily gone late in the second, so I like this pick for New England.

95. Jared Wilson, C, Georgia – A+ Grade

We go from one of the dumbest picks of all time to an A+ selection. Jared Wilson is a great choice. The Patriots needed to add three offensive linemen in this class, including a center, and Jared Wilson is highly athletic with lots of upside.

106. Craig Woodson, S, California – MILLEN Grade

This reminds me of when Bill Belichick would just quit on the draft on Day 3 and select players who were going to be UDFAs. What is this pick? Craig Woodson had UDFA written all over him. Maybe seventh round at best. This is a terrible pick. The Patriots could have taken better players who could have filled needs.

137. Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State – A+ Grade

I can see why the Patriots traded up for Joshua Farmer. I thought there was a chance he could sneak into the second round, so this is a huge steal. Famer can play well as both a run stuffer and a pass rusher, and the Patriots needed help in both regards.

146. Bradyn Swinson, DE, LSU – A+ Grade

The Browns aren’t the only team getting great value in Round 5. Bradyn Swinson is someone I’ve had going on Day 2 in most of my updates. He’s a talented edge rusher with a good combination of speed and strength. The Patriots needed another edge rusher, so I love this pick.

182. Andres Borregales, K, Miami – B Grades

The first kicker or punter is off the board. Bravo to NFL teams for waiting until the sixth round. Andres Borregales was 18-of-19 last year, including 7-of-8 from 40-plus.

220. Marcus Bryant, OT, Missouri – B Grade

Marcus Bryant is a lengthy tackle with some upside. He has a ton of starting experience in school, too. Adding more protection for Drake Maye isn’t a bad idea.

251. Julian Ashby, LS, Vanderbilt – B+ Grade

Julian Ashby was the only long snapper I expected to be drafted. Julian Ashby could have gone earlier than this, so this is a rare event in which there’s some value with a long snapper.

257. Kobee Minor, CB, Memphis – C Grade

The Patriots traded into this pick to draft a cornerback. I know people were anticipated for Cobee Bryant to be drafted. Instead, New England picked Kobee Minor. I didn’t have Minor being drafted, so perhaps the Patriots should have gone with Bryant instead.

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.