The New England Patriots need a fresh start after finishing 4-13 for the second consecutive season. The once-dominant franchise has struggled to find success in the post-Tom Brady era, but a major change at the top could be the start of something special.
Former Patriots star linebacker and three-time Super Bowl champion Mike Vrabel was hired as the team’s new head coach, and he could have the team trending in the right direction right away with a savvy offseason and a strong 2025 NFL Draft.
Patriots Projected To Draft Jayden Higgins as Maye’s Top Target
As the Patriots look toward the NFL Draft, it’s clear the focus will be on surrounding second-year quarterback Drake Maye with the weapons he needs to succeed. Maye showed flashes of potential in his rookie season, starting 12 games and throwing for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
His regular season QB+ rating of 74.3 (ranked 19th in the NFL) showed us glimpses of the talent that made him the third overall pick. Now, it’s up to the Patriots’ front office to give Maye the tools to take the next step.
According to PFSN’s latest seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft, analyst Joe DeLeone predicts New England will prioritize adding a true playmaker for Maye, selecting 6’4” wide receiver Jayden Higgins with the 38th overall pick. Higgins, a towering target with impressive speed for his size, could become the go-to weapon the Patriots’ young quarterback desperately needs.
“Accumulating more receiving options for Drake Maye needs to be addressed this offseason. Jayden Higgins is a tall, long receiver prospect with unexpectedly high-level athleticism. His combination of route running and length could make him Maye’s No. 1 target as a rookie.”
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Higgins is both big and productive. In college, he scored 28 touchdowns, consistently proving to be a reliable red-zone threat and a nightmare for opposing defenses. His sharp route-running ability, combined with his physical presence, makes him a dangerous weapon on deep routes and contested catches.
For a Patriots offense that has lacked a true No. 1 receiver for years, Higgins could be a game-changer.
A Critical Offseason for New England’s Rebuild
The Patriots’ offensive struggles last season were no secret and they ended the year with a grade of 65.5 (D), according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric. The lack of explosive playmakers left Maye without reliable targets, and the team’s inability to stretch the field made their offense predictable.
Adding a receiver like Higgins could open things up for Maye, giving him a consistent option in crucial moments and allowing the offense to finally find some rhythm.
But fixing the passing game isn’t the only priority. New England still has glaring needs on the offensive line and could use reinforcements on defense. However, finding Maye’s go-to receiver should be at the top of their list.
For the Patriots and Vrabel, the 2025 NFL Draft could be the first real step toward building a competitive roster that can once again contend in the postseason.