Bill Simmons is keen on shaking things up when it comes to the New England Patriots’ 2025 NFL Draft plans. Forget helping Drake Maye, Simmons says — it’s time for the Pats to snag a defensive star in the first round.
The Patriots need a jolt on defense, and Simmons argues they should stop focusing on offense and prioritize adding a game-changing defensive player to their roster.
Bill Simmons Urges Patriots to Prioritize Defense Over Drake Maye in 2025 Draft
Simmons has a bold suggestion for the Patriots as they prep for the 2025 NFL Draft: forget helping Maye and focus on getting a defensive star instead.
After a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024, the Patriots are under the leadership of new head coach Mike Vrabel, and Simmons believes they should make defense their top priority.
His pick would be Abdul Carter, one of the best defensive prospects in the draft. Simmons even envisions Carter being the Patriots’ newest version of Willie McGinest.
Simmons also sees the potential for a strategic move. If Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Carter go early, he thinks the Patriots should trade down with the Las Vegas Raiders to secure Mason Graham at No. 6.
I want Abdul Carter or Mason Graham for NE. Make the DL a strength. Splurge on an LT + Higgins in free agency.
Best-case: Ward/Sanders go 1-2, Hunter to NYG … Carter to NE at 4 aka McGinest 2.0.
If Ward/Hunter/Carter go 1-2-3 — NE swaps 4 w/ LV for 6 + a pick, takes Graham.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 16, 2025
Simmons didn’t forget about the offense. He’s hoping for a big splash in free agency with WR Tee Higgins, who could be a valuable target for Maye.
Would Will Campbell Be a Better Fit?
While Maye was sacked 34 times in 2024, which is nothing compared to Caleb Williams’ 68 sacks, the Patriots must address their offensive line issues.
Luckily, many analysts feel their are advantageous options available to New England at No. 4 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In PFSN’s latest NFL mock draft, Brentley Weissman predicts the Patriots will select LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell.
“The Patriots look like they have struck gold in rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and now they look to build around him to ensure he has enough support to continue to develop. New England could go with a playmaker here but decides to build up front in the trenches with the draft’s best offensive lineman, Will Campbell.
“Campbell is an athletic tackle who plays with an outstanding base and excellent balance. He may not be the most physically gifted blockers that we have seen go early, but he offers an extremely high floor. Campbell will go a long way in fortifying the offensive line.”
With the Patriots’ rebuild underway, all eyes are on the 2025 NFL Draft.