The New England Patriots are expected to lead the league in salary cap space heading into free agency, but there are no certainties they’ll solve all of their problems through the sign and trade period.
Sure, they need to hit a home run in free agency, but they also need to knock it out of the park at the 2025 NFL draft as well.
They currently own the No. 4 overall pick in the first round, which puts them in a unique position to potentially trade down for more picks. If Penn State’s Abdul Carter or Colorado’s Travis Hunter is still on the board at No. 4, then it’s best to not complicate things and make the pick.
But if it’s a choice between Michigan’s Mason Graham and a couple of more quality draft picks, things could get interesting for the Patriots. I entered this mock draft with the assumption that the Patriots missed out on Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin in free agency. They can’t afford to go into Year 2 of Drake Maye with a lackluster receiving corps.
Here’s our latest 2025 NFL mock draft:
TRADE! Round 1, Pick No. 8: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
With Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter off the board, the Patriots make the decision to trade down with the Carolina Panthers to accumulate more draft picks.
Michigan’s Mason Graham or LSU’s Will Campbell would have been solid pick-ups for the Patriots, but the extra picks would help them fill more holes on their roster.
The first hole they opt to fill is one of the biggest, and it’s at the wide receiver position. Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan has all of the makings of a star wide receiver. He has size, speed and serious home run ability on the outside.
Pairing an explosive playmaker like that with Drake Maye would completely transform the Patriots’ offense.
Patriots get: 2025 first-round pick (No. 8), 2025 second-round pick (No. 57), 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 110)
Panthers get: 2025 first-round pick (No. 4)
Round 2, Pick No. 38: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell is a one-man wrecking crew on the defensive side of the ball. He can pressure quarterbacks along the defensive front, but he’s also athletic enough to get back in coverage and defend against the pass. It seems like every year we’re talking about the need for the Patriots to get more athletic at linebacker. This is an opportunity for them to do exactly that.
Round 2, Pick No. 57: Wyatt Milum, OT, West Virginia
There’s a little luck with this pick with West Virginia offensive tackle Wyatt Milum falling in the second round. He could potentially be a Day 1 selection for one of the many teams looking for a promising left tackle prospect.
The Patriots will attempt to address the offensive line in free agency, but it would also be wise to draft a prospect with some upside. Milum projects to be a future long-term starter with a great blend of technique and power that should lead to him contributing right out of the gates.
Round 3, Pick No. 69: Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan
Don’t worry, the Patriots aren’t getting through this draft without addressing their need for a legitimate edge rushing threat. Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart is a freak when he’s able to pin his ears back and get after opposing quarterbacks. Granted, he has some work to do to develop into an every-down player, but he’s talented enough to help an NFL defense become more disruptive right out of the gates.
Round 3, Pick No. 77: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
Seeing Brock Bowers hit the ground running in Las Vegas should pique everyone’s interest when it comes to tight end prospects, like Harold Fannin Jr.
Bowling Green’s offensive standout does most of his damage with the ball in his hands. Coupling Fannin with Hunter Henry as a teammate and mentor could set the Patriots up for greatness at the tight end position for years to come.
TRADE!
The Patriots drafted Tet McMillan in the first round, but they still need more experience and consistency at wide receiver. Los Angeles Rams wideout Cooper Kupp is currently on the trade block, and he could likely be dealt for a fourth-round draft pick.
Granted, the Patriots would need to restructure his contract. But as a former All-Pro and Super Bowl MVP, he’d be a solid veteran playmaker for quarterback Drake Maye and an invaluable source of information for a young wide receivers room.
Patriots get: WR Cooper Kupp
Rams get: 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 105)
Round 4, Pick No. 110: Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
Rhamondre Stevenson could be on thin ice heading into this season. He’s coming off two consecutive seasons where he has struggled to produce on the ground. Honestly, both Ezekiel Elliott and Antonio Gibson looked like more efficient running backs than Stevenson in the Patriots’ offense. There’s hope that could change with an improved offensive line.
Instead of waiting around and seeing what happens, the Patriots could be proactive in drafting another versatile running back, like Kansas’ Devin Neal, who has the potential to develop into an every-down back at the next level.
He’d also serve as insurance if Stevenson fails to shake his bad fumbling habit.
