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The New England Patriots entered the 2025 NFL draft hoping to fill out their offense after going heavy on defense in free agency.
With five draft day trades throughout Day 2 and Day 3, the Patriots showed a clear strategy: maximize value, build around quarterback Drake Maye and strengthen the roster across the board.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and lead personnel executive Eliot Wolf had a focused, disciplined draft, targeting athletic, competitive players that fit the new mold of the Patriots' future. Without further ado, here are the grades for each selection in the Patriots' 2025 draft class.
Grade: A
The Patriots addressed their biggest need by selecting LSU left tackle Will Campbell. Instead of overthinking it, they ran the card up. Campbell will protect Drake Maye’s blind side for years to come and fits exactly what the Patriots have lacked — a cornerstone left tackle with toughness, polish and leadership. It was the perfect pick for what this franchise needed.
Grade: A+
One of the best offensive weapons in the entire class, TreVeyon Henderson brings home-run ability as a runner and receiver. Despite already having Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, the Patriots invested heavily in dynamic skill talent, and rightfully so. Henderson immediately raises the ceiling of the offense and fits perfectly into a modern NFL attack.
Grade: B+
An explosive slot receiver, Williams gives the Patriots another twitchy separator to develop alongside Drake Maye. Though he’ll need to add strength to better fight through contact, his upside as a route-runner and after-the-catch threat makes this a savvy investment in the third round. New England finally committed to building weapons around their young quarterback.
Grade: A-
After trading back twice, the Patriots landed the best center in the class on my board. Wilson is an elite athlete with natural processing skills, making him a seamless long-term replacement for David Andrews. His grip strength and reach blocking need refinement, but his upside and scheme fit make this a tremendous value pick late in Round 3.
Grade: B
Woodson is a true centerfield free safety — something the Patriots have lacked for years. His leadership, communication and field vision are standout traits. While safety wasn't the most urgent need and the Patriots could have addressed other positions here, it's hard to fault them for adding a versatile, intelligent defensive back who can contribute immediately in sub-packages and special teams.
Grade: A
This was one of my favorite value picks of the draft. Farmer offers versatility across the defensive line, can rush the passer and hold his ground against the run. New England continues building a deep, talented front seven. Farmer fits the Patriots' desire to raise the floor of the roster by bringing in tough, athletic players who can develop into long-term contributors.
Grade: A-
A talented pass rusher who fell further than expected, Swinson brings serious upside as a rotational edge player. There were whispers about character concerns, but the Patriots did their homework. In a room that already includes Harold Landry and Keion White, adding Swinson's athleticism and twitch off the edge could pay off in a big way if he hits his potential.
Grade: B
The Patriots needed a kicker and grabbed the best one in the class. Borregales has a strong leg and was highly regarded throughout the draft process. There are questions about how he'll handle cold weather kicking, but this was a necessary move for a team that hasn't had stability at kicker since Stephen Gostkowski’s departure.
Grade: B+
Bryant is a sneaky upside bet at tackle. Big frame, long arms and athletic movement skills for his size — the Patriots bet on traits here. With Doug Marrone now coaching the offensive line, there’s reason to believe Bryant can be developed into a capable swing tackle or depth piece, continuing the trend of investing in the trenches.
Grade: B-
Drafting a long snapper isn't flashy, but the Patriots didn’t want to get into a UDFA bidding war. Ashby was one of the best long snappers available and represents another example of the Patriots modernizing their roster. Mike Vrabel, Eliot Wolf and Ryan Cowden are clearly trying to replace many of the captains and leaders from the old Belichick era with fresh voices and a new locker room identity.
Key veterans like Jacoby Brissett, Deatrich Wise Jr., Jonathan Jones, Ja'Whaun Bentley and David Andrews are all gone. Joe Cardona could be next, as the Patriots look to turn over the roster and leadership groups, and Ashby represents the latest iteration of that trend.
Hunter Henry remains, but he’s not a homegrown Belichick-era player — he originally developed with the Los Angeles Chargers before coming to New England. The Patriots are clearly building toward a new culture with new voices and fresh leadership.
Grade: C
A lottery ticket at corner, Minor projects as a developmental nickel with special teams upside. There's very little film on him against elite competition, but he shows some natural quickness and toughness. At this stage in the draft, you’re just taking swings on traits, and Minor offers just enough to be worth a look.
This year's Mr. Irrelevant will have to fight hard to beat out a crowded room, but there are some good traits despite very limited film.
The Patriots nailed their biggest priority: building around Drake Maye. They invested in the trenches, added dynamic skill players, brought in versatile defenders and stayed aggressive with their trades without mortgaging the future.
Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf brought a clear, consistent vision to this draft. For the first time in a long time, the Patriots are firmly pointed in the right direction.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 2025 NFL draft results: Grading every Patriots pick
Continue reading...
With five draft day trades throughout Day 2 and Day 3, the Patriots showed a clear strategy: maximize value, build around quarterback Drake Maye and strengthen the roster across the board.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and lead personnel executive Eliot Wolf had a focused, disciplined draft, targeting athletic, competitive players that fit the new mold of the Patriots' future. Without further ado, here are the grades for each selection in the Patriots' 2025 draft class.
Round 1, Pick 4: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Grade: A
The Patriots addressed their biggest need by selecting LSU left tackle Will Campbell. Instead of overthinking it, they ran the card up. Campbell will protect Drake Maye’s blind side for years to come and fits exactly what the Patriots have lacked — a cornerstone left tackle with toughness, polish and leadership. It was the perfect pick for what this franchise needed.
Round 2, Pick 38: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Grade: A+
One of the best offensive weapons in the entire class, TreVeyon Henderson brings home-run ability as a runner and receiver. Despite already having Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, the Patriots invested heavily in dynamic skill talent, and rightfully so. Henderson immediately raises the ceiling of the offense and fits perfectly into a modern NFL attack.
Round 3, Pick 69: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Grade: B+
An explosive slot receiver, Williams gives the Patriots another twitchy separator to develop alongside Drake Maye. Though he’ll need to add strength to better fight through contact, his upside as a route-runner and after-the-catch threat makes this a savvy investment in the third round. New England finally committed to building weapons around their young quarterback.
Round 3, Pick 95: Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
Grade: A-
After trading back twice, the Patriots landed the best center in the class on my board. Wilson is an elite athlete with natural processing skills, making him a seamless long-term replacement for David Andrews. His grip strength and reach blocking need refinement, but his upside and scheme fit make this a tremendous value pick late in Round 3.
Round 4, Pick 106: Craig Woodson, S, California
Grade: B
Woodson is a true centerfield free safety — something the Patriots have lacked for years. His leadership, communication and field vision are standout traits. While safety wasn't the most urgent need and the Patriots could have addressed other positions here, it's hard to fault them for adding a versatile, intelligent defensive back who can contribute immediately in sub-packages and special teams.
Round 4, Pick 137: Joshua Farmer, DL, Florida State
Grade: A
This was one of my favorite value picks of the draft. Farmer offers versatility across the defensive line, can rush the passer and hold his ground against the run. New England continues building a deep, talented front seven. Farmer fits the Patriots' desire to raise the floor of the roster by bringing in tough, athletic players who can develop into long-term contributors.
Round 5, Pick 146: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Grade: A-
A talented pass rusher who fell further than expected, Swinson brings serious upside as a rotational edge player. There were whispers about character concerns, but the Patriots did their homework. In a room that already includes Harold Landry and Keion White, adding Swinson's athleticism and twitch off the edge could pay off in a big way if he hits his potential.
Round 6, Pick 182: Andres Borregales, K, Miami
Grade: B
The Patriots needed a kicker and grabbed the best one in the class. Borregales has a strong leg and was highly regarded throughout the draft process. There are questions about how he'll handle cold weather kicking, but this was a necessary move for a team that hasn't had stability at kicker since Stephen Gostkowski’s departure.
Round 7, Pick 220: Marcus Bryant, OT, Missouri
Grade: B+
Bryant is a sneaky upside bet at tackle. Big frame, long arms and athletic movement skills for his size — the Patriots bet on traits here. With Doug Marrone now coaching the offensive line, there’s reason to believe Bryant can be developed into a capable swing tackle or depth piece, continuing the trend of investing in the trenches.
Round 7, Pick 251: Julian Ashby, LS, Vanderbilt
Grade: B-
Drafting a long snapper isn't flashy, but the Patriots didn’t want to get into a UDFA bidding war. Ashby was one of the best long snappers available and represents another example of the Patriots modernizing their roster. Mike Vrabel, Eliot Wolf and Ryan Cowden are clearly trying to replace many of the captains and leaders from the old Belichick era with fresh voices and a new locker room identity.
Key veterans like Jacoby Brissett, Deatrich Wise Jr., Jonathan Jones, Ja'Whaun Bentley and David Andrews are all gone. Joe Cardona could be next, as the Patriots look to turn over the roster and leadership groups, and Ashby represents the latest iteration of that trend.
Hunter Henry remains, but he’s not a homegrown Belichick-era player — he originally developed with the Los Angeles Chargers before coming to New England. The Patriots are clearly building toward a new culture with new voices and fresh leadership.
Round 7, Pick 257: Kobee Minor, CB, Memphis
Grade: C
A lottery ticket at corner, Minor projects as a developmental nickel with special teams upside. There's very little film on him against elite competition, but he shows some natural quickness and toughness. At this stage in the draft, you’re just taking swings on traits, and Minor offers just enough to be worth a look.
This year's Mr. Irrelevant will have to fight hard to beat out a crowded room, but there are some good traits despite very limited film.
Overall Patriots 2025 draft grade: A
The Patriots nailed their biggest priority: building around Drake Maye. They invested in the trenches, added dynamic skill players, brought in versatile defenders and stayed aggressive with their trades without mortgaging the future.
Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf brought a clear, consistent vision to this draft. For the first time in a long time, the Patriots are firmly pointed in the right direction.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 2025 NFL draft results: Grading every Patriots pick
Continue reading...
