The New England Patriots have stockpiled the assets necessary to attack the many holes on their roster through free agency and the 2025 NFL draft.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a deep draft when it comes to offensive difference-makers. That doesn’t many talents won’t pan out, but it’s an indicator that the Patriots might want to stick to the philosophy of drafting the best players available over reaching for positions of need.
The thinking with this particular mock draft is that the Patriots make full use of their top-ranked salary cap space to address multiple areas of need on the roster. That would enable them to draft more freely without the urge to force a pick out of desperation.
Here’s how the board turned out for the Patriots in our latest 2025 NFL mock draft:
Round 1, Pick No. 4: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Patriots need a game-wrecker on defense, and Abdul Carter is a one-man demolition show. His elite playmaking abilities have been compared to Dallas Cowboys’ star edge rusher Micah Parsons for good reasons.
Not only would he put fear in opposing offenses, but he would open up more playmaking opportunities across the board for underperforming players, such as burgeoning star defender Keion White
TRADE!
The Patriots could have added more offensive line help with this pick, but the opportunity to come away with a two-time Pro Bowl receiver was too enticing to turn down. DK Metcalf is a dominant offensive weapon on the outside, and the Patriots are severely lacking in a vertical threat to keep opposing defenses honest.
The Seattle Seahawks have serious cap issues entering the 2025 season, and they could be looking to move off Metcalf’s contract to fix the other trouble spots on their roster. Metcalf is still only 27 years old and in the prime of his career.
Patriots get: WR DK Metcalf
Seahawks get: 2025 second-round draft pick
Round 3, Pick No. 69: T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina
T.J. Sanders was a game-wrecker along the defensive front for the South Carolina Gamecocks. More importantly, he has the technique and physical tools to carry that dominance with him to the NFL level. With so many questions surrounding Christian Barmore’s health, the Patriots could use a good insurance policy.
Round 3, Pick No. 77: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
This was a no-brainer pick for a talented guard who could go much earlier than this spot. Tate Ratledge was arguably the best guard in the entire country last season. The Patriots need more than just tackle help along the offensive front. Ratledge would be a huge addition to a room that also has Mike Onwenu and Layden Robinson.
Round 4, Pick No. 105: Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State
The expectation is that the Patriots make a move for a left tackle in free agency. They could also look to trade for help at the position. Patriots Wire’s Cam Garrity shared a few possibilities in a recent post.
North Dakota State guard Grey Zabel won’t wow with his athletic traits, but he’s a technician with underrated footwork. He could grow into a legitimate contributor once he’s up to speed at the next level.
Round 5, Pick No. 145: Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
The Patriots need some youth in the pipeline at running back. Rhamondre Stevenson is still the No. 1 option, and Antonio Gibson is a solid choice for a No. 2. However, I wouldn’t expect coach Mike Vrabel to be so lenient if the fumble issues continue for Stevenson in 2025. Kansas’ Devin Neal is a versatile playmaker who presents a threat as both a runner and receiver.
Round 7, Pick No. 219: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
Alabama safety Malachi Moore has too much potential to pass up this late in the draft. He’s a smart defensive player who should be able to pick things up quickly. Although he’s far from a physical freak, his high football IQ would give him a chance to serve as a rotational piece earlier than most taken this late.
Round 7, Pick No. 222: J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
J.J. Pegues is an explosive playmaker off the ball, but he still needs to refine his technique at the next level. The Patriots need to consider retooling their defensive front to prepare for the possibility that Christian Barmore could miss some time. Pegues would serve as a solid project right out of the gates for defensive coordinator Terrell Williams.
Round 7, Pick No. 240: Ja’Corey Brooks, WR, Louisville
Ja’Corey Brooks had to leave Alabama to finally break out as a receiver in Louisville. The phsyical traits are off the charts, but he has struggled to live up to the hype of his own talent at the collegiate level.
Perhaps that’s all in the rearview after he eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving at Louisville. It wouldn’t hurt for the Patriots to take a flier on him and see how he holds up next to players like Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.
