The New England Patriots find themselves picking in the top four for the second consecutive year, despite appearing to have found their franchise quarterback in 2024. The Patriots slumped to a 4-13 record, plagued by offensive-line problems and a lack of receiver talent that hindered their offense.
In the latest seven-round Mock Draft from PFSN’s Ian Cummings, the team addresses its offensive line and pass rush early, before adding a receiver in round three.
4) Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Protection and playmaking on offense should both be on the cards for the Patriots in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, protection may be the priority in Round 1 with Drake Maye entering a crucial sophomore campaign. The blindside must be reinforced.
“I would take Armand Membou, but the Patriots hosted Will Campbell on a 30 visit — not Membou,” Cummings writes. “It could be a smokescreen, or it could be an indicator of interest. Either one is a top-10 talent; Campbell makes his mark with footwork, mobility, and compact power.”
38) Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA
One year into his career as a full-time EDGE, Oladejo recorded 57 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks and brims with potential. He’s well-leveraged, explosive, and powerful, with exciting versatility.
After three straight offensive selections, Mike Vrabel gets some names to tinker with in his area of expertise. Last year’s unit was the third-worst in the league per PFSN’s Defense+ metric. Vrabel should automatically stabilize some of the numbers, but he will need the right kind of help to make it a reality, and Oladejo could provide exactly that.
69) Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
“The Patriots hosted Kyle Williams on a 30 visit and could be fantasizing about utilizing his vertical, RAC, and route-running skills as a safety blanket for Maye.” Approximately 5’11”, 184 pounds, Williams won’t win with size, but his twitched-up separation skills bode well.
After a strong three-year stretch at UNLV, Williams recorded 61 catches for 843 yards and six scores for the Cougars in his first season before posting career-high numbers in 2024. He posted 70 receptions for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns.
77) Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
“Injuries, age, and a below-average wingspan could push Tate Ratledge down the board, but he has the makings of an athletic, tone-setting long-term starter at guard for the Patriots,” according to Cummings.
Protecting Maye has to be New England’s top priority, in the short and long term, making the Georgia product a perfect player for the roster. Following a successful college career, which included multiple first-team All-SEC selections (junior and senior seasons) and All-American honors, Ratledge looks ready for the next stage.
106) Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
The Patriots could continue to build on the year Rhamondre Stevenson had as the lead running back by adding Dylan Sampson out of Tennessee to the roster. Sampson’s quick acceleration and agility are the best among running backs in this class and would provide safety cover behind Stevenson.
Sampson is coming off a career-best season, rushing for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns, besides 143 receiving yards.
144) Thomas Perry, OL, Middlebury
The Patriots continue adding to their offensive line with Thomas Perry out of Middlebury. Widely considered one of the toughest and strongest players in the draft class, the addition of Perry could mean the Patriots have three-fifths of their offensive line in the bag.
171) Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky
Stout brings versatility, physicality, and playmaking instincts to the table, showcasing his ability to thrive in multiple spots. “Projecting best as a nickel DB at 5’9″, 182 pounds, Stout is a fluid, fast-flowing cover man.”
220) Seth McLaughlin, OC, Ohio State
New England makes another addition to the offensive line in Seth McLaughlin, a three-year starter at center with 34 career starts, including 10 in 2024 inside Ohio State’s 54-48 run-pass split. McLaughlin won the 2024 Rimington Trophy, despite suffering an Achilles injury in the middle of November.
238) Marques Sigle, S, Kansas State
The Patriots round up the draft by adding depth to their secondary. Marques Sible comes with good physicality as a run support player. He may not be the best at his position in the class, but Sigle has been consistent in the past three years, posting six interceptions, 150 tackles, one sack, and two touchdowns.
I hope this isn’t remotely the case