2025 NFL draft primer: Everything you need to know about Patriots

[ASFN Admin]

The New England Patriots are faced with a franchise-altering draft just one year after selecting Drake Maye third overall.

It’s likely that they have their quarterback of the future, and they’ve also hired a solid NFL head coach in Mike Vrabel—someone who has proven he can win in this league. Now it’s time to get back to what the Patriots have long excelled at: building a complete roster.

This year’s NFL draft kicks off Thursday, April 24 at 8 p.m. ET (Round 1), continues Friday, April 25 (Rounds 2–3) at 7:00 p.m. ET and wraps up Saturday, April 26 (Rounds 4–7) at 12:00 p.m. ET. The Patriots are positioned to be one of the most active teams across the board. There’s also the undrafted free agent (UDFA) period immediately following the draft, where New England has historically found strong contributors.

Let’s break down the Patriots’ 2025 NFL draft situation, including their draft picks, offseason roster movement, team needs, ideal fits and some Day 3 sleepers to watch.

Patriots 2025 draft picks​

• Round 1, Pick 4
• Round 2, Pick 38
• Round 3, Pick 67 (via Atlanta)
• Round 3, Pick 69
• Round 4, Pick 106
• Round 5, Pick 144
• Round 5, Pick 171 (via Dallas)
• Round 7, Pick 220
• Round 7, Pick 238 (via Chargers)

No picks in Round 6.

Key departures​

The Patriots lost several veteran contributors this offseason as they transition into a new era.

• Deatrich Wise Jr., DE – signed with Washington
• Jonathan Jones, CB – signed with Washington
• Davon Godchaux, DT – Traded to New Orleans
• Ja’Whaun Bentley, LB – Released
• David Andrews, C – Released

These departures cleared the way for a revamped roster philosophy under the new coaching staff and signaled that Vrabel wants his voice in the building instead of the previous regime's.

Key additions​

New England was aggressive in improving the floor of the roster. They added reliable veterans and key starters across all three phases.

• Harold Landry III, EDGE – from Tennessee
• Robert Spillane, LB – from Las Vegas
• Carlton Davis, CB – from Detroit
• Morgan Moses, OT – from the Jets
• Milton Williams, DT – from the Eagles
• Garrett Bradbury, C – from the Vikings
• Stefon Diggs, WR – from Houston
• Depth additions: Mack Hollins (WR), Josh Dobbs (QB), Marcus Epps (S), Jack Gibbens (LB)
• Re-signed: Austin Hooper (TE), Christian Elliss (LB), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (DT)

It’s a stronger, more experienced group overall. Now the draft must elevate the ceiling.

Top 5 draft needs​

1. Left Tackle
2. Left Guard
3. Defensive End / Pass Rusher
4. X Receiver
5. Center

Additional Day 3/UDFA needs could include nickel corner, depth running back, developmental tight end and a free safety with range.

Best fits at each position of need​

Left tackle

• Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) – Plug-and-play franchise tackle with elite traits and leadership qualities.
• Will Campbell (LSU) – All-SEC tackle with good tape, though some concerns about measurables.
• Armand Membou (Missouri) – Athletic tackle with upside, scheme-versatile.
• Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College) – A local, high-floor option who could start early at right tackle or swing.

Left guard

• Tate Ratledge (Georgia) – Physical, nasty mauler with movement skills and pass-blocking polish.
• Gray Zabel (North Dakota State) – Former tackle who will likely slide inside, brings positional flexibility and strong processing.
• Tyler Booker (Alabama) – Thick, powerful SEC-tested guard with upside as a tone-setter.

Defensive end/pass rusher

• Abdul Carter (Penn State) – Micah Parsons-like. Explosive, bendy, and aggressive—a potential star.
• Landon Jackson (Arkansas) – Deatrich Wise-type with frame, power and scheme fit for New England.
• Tyler Batty (BYU) – High-motor technician who fits the Vrabel mold.
• Jah Joyner (Minnesota) – A versatile late Day 3 name to know—good size and developmental upside.

X receiver

• Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) – Dominant frame, reliable hands, polished route runner. A true WR1 profile.
• Jayden Higgins (Iowa State) – Big-play threat with a great catch radius and consistent production.
• Elic Ayomanor (Stanford) – Athletic, physical and technically sound—a high-floor fit for a Patriots-style offense.

Center

• Jared Wilson (Georgia) – Elite movement skills, can get to the second level with ease, smart and tough.
• Jake Majors (Texas) – Technician with a strong understanding of protections and poise under pressure.
• Seth McLaughlin (Ohio State) – SEC-tested, experienced center with intelligence and grit.

Day 3 sleepers/UDFA fits​

Here are some under-the-radar players who could be options on Day 3 or as priority UDFAs.

• Jack Nelson, OT (Wisconsin) – Left tackle turned projected right tackle. Technique and penalties need work, but starter traits are there.
• Raheim Sanders, RB (South Carolina) – SEC bruiser with three-down potential. Ball security and pass protection must improve.
• Luke Lachey, TE (Iowa) – Injuries have kept him out of the spotlight, but he’s a plus blocker with receiving upside.
• LeJohntay Wester, WR (Colorado) – tactical route runner with natural hands and special teams experience. Undersized but competitive.
• Donovan Smith, QB (Houston) – Big-bodied developmental passer. Could follow the Joe Milton path as a UDFA project.

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent Patriots history. With a franchise quarterback in place and a roster full of hungry veterans, it’s time for this team to add difference-makers. Stay tuned Thursday night to see how it all unfolds.

Be sure to check out the full positional rankings and mock draft series to get an even deeper look at the names the Patriots could call.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 2025 NFL draft primer: Everything you need to know about Patriots

Continue reading...