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The New England Patriots entered free agency with over $127 million in cap space, knowing they needed to overhaul their roster.
They focused on filling major holes, increasing leadership and adding talent at key positions. Their free agency approach was not about signing superstars but about raising the floor of the roster and putting themselves in a position to draft the best player available instead of being forced to fill needs.
Key signings like Milton Williams, Robert Spillane, Morgan Moses, Carlton Davis III and Mack Hollins show that Mike Vrabel and the front office are committed to improving both the talent and the culture in the locker room. They replaced aging veterans like David Andrews, Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise Jr. with players who fit their new vision.
Now, with free agency behind them, it’s time for the Patriots to use the draft to add young foundational pieces for the future.
This mock draft will focus on impact players, depth pieces and developmental prospects who can grow alongside quarterback Drake Maye and help shape the next era of Patriots football.
Trade Details:
New England trades down five spots with the New Orleans Saints, who move up to take a player they had their eyes on. However, the Patriots land my No. 1 offensive tackle in the draft, Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr.
Banks Jr. has a great tape, measured well at the combine and played at Texas as a premier left tackle. He was talked about for a long time as the better prospect between himself and LSU's Will Campbell until a report painted him as a better guard than tackle at the NFL level.
The same has been done to Campbell, but Banks never gained the positive PR back that Campbell did, which is strange. Regardless, he solves a major problem for the Patriots.
Banks is a plug-and-play left tackle who would immediately solidify the Patriots' offensive line. With Morgan Moses already at right tackle and Caedan Wallace developing to eventually take over, the Patriots’ offensive line takes a massive leap forward with this move.
Trade Details:
The Patriots move back into the first round to secure a true X receiver in Iowa State's Jayden Higgins.
This might not be the Higgins fans wanted at the start of the offseason, but this is the Higgins Patriots fans will learn to love. He has good size, speed and hands, and very much reminds me of Brian Thomas Jr. from last year, who went in the first round to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Minnesota needs more picks, as they only have four after trading for former San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason. The Patriots can get aggressive while the Vikings can add some picks between 24 and 97.
After missing out on big-name free agents, the Patriots get their long-term No. 1 receiver. Higgins gives Drake Maye a top outside target to grow with and allows Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Ja’Lynn Polk to fill complementary roles.
Veterans Mack Hollins and Kendrick Bourne, as well as second-year player Javon Baker will have a chance to compete in camp for complementary roles, but Higgins would immediately become the team's top target.
Schwesinger is one of the best off-ball linebackers in this draft, providing instincts, coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline speed. He is a perfect fit for the new-look Patriots defense under Terrell Williams, who prefers smaller, speedy linebackers.
With Ja’Whaun Bentley playing more edge-setting duties on early downs and Anfernee Jennings rotating in, Schwesinger adds much-needed coverage ability and will be a centerpiece of the Patriots’ defense for years to come as their star, mike linebacker.
It might not be the sexiest pick, but the Patriots need to not fall into the trap of all offense or all defense in the draft. If they do, they'll be doing what they did in the 2021 offseason and 2025 offseason every four years, replacing talent through free agency.
Drafting for need is okay, but you can't do it every round. The Patriots need young, controllable talent all around the team.
Mason Taylor is the son of NFL Legend, Jason Taylor, and is one of the better pass-catchers in this class. He might not be an immediate starter, but he has good size, hands and route-running to be a threat for years to come. The Patriots need to take a look at a tight end in this class, and they land a legit one here.
Taylor can play in line but thrives as the move tight end, and he could be a long-term option to grow with Drake Maye. He would also benefit from joining one of the better tight end rooms in the league based on last season's production.
Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are two strong role models to show him how to be an NFL tight end. Not that he needs it, necessarily. After all, his father is a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Trade Details:
Ratledge is a powerful interior lineman who immediately fills the left guard spot in Josh McDaniels' offense. The Patriots aren't too sold on Sidy Sow, Cole Strange or Layden Robinson just yet to fill in at left guard right away, but Ratledge gives them an immediate starter as one of the best interior linemen in the class.
His prowess in the run game would help solidify a potential offensive line of Kelvin Banks (LT), Tate Ratledge (LG) Garrett Bradbury (C), Mike Onwenu (RG) and Morgan Moses (RT).
Pegues adds much-needed defensive line depth behind Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. In a class with an abundance of talent on the defensive line, the Patriots can't afford to skip on taking one, despite paying $184 million to Williams and Barmore.
Barmore is dealing with blood clots, and the focus should be on returning to health as a human, so we're not counting him when making this pick. If he returns, the Patriots' focus on the trenches would have both the defensive and offensive lines doing a complete 180 from last year with this selection.
Pegues fits the scheme and would match well with some of the other depth pieces on passing downs, but again, he is a developmental option who needs to work on his run defense.
Trade Details:
Batty is a high-motor, power-rusher who fills the void left by Deatrich Wise Jr. He is a Vrabel guy, a true lunch-pail type of defensive lineman who is a pillar of the community in Utah, where he is from.
Batty could be a fun EDGE project that could actually get some reps early on as a rush end. Landry is more of an outside linebacker, so deploying someone like Batty to generate pressure would allow Landry to do what he does best and clean up the sacks.
Batty could eventually develop into a strong end opposite of Keion White and allow the Patriots to generate pressures with a four-man front, but for now, he is a fun project who will have a third-down role early on and compete with K'Lavon Chaisson for snaps.
Etienne is a versatile, pass-catching back who fits Josh McDaniels’ offense. The Patriots will need to replenish the running back pipeline, and Etienne is a good option here.
While he doesn't have the production you would hope, the tape shows good hands, route-running and awareness as a pass protector. He fits the mold of all the former Patriots receiving backs of old and would give the team much-needed depth as a change-of-pace option.
McDaniels will likely get back to the role-specific backfield as opposed to alternating drives, and Etienne could have a role on obvious passing downs or trick plays utilizing two running backs. Gibson can move out wide and allow the Patriots to create some fun looks with both him and Etienne.
Marshall Jr. has good size and is a willing tackler. His pedigree of playing in the SEC meant he went up against NFL talent and held his own. He has a lot of work to do with technique but has the physicality Vrabel would want from his corners. Marshall would compete right away for a depth role and special teams spot.
With Carlton Davis III having injury concerns throughout his career, the Patriots need to address the outside corner depth, even if it's a developmental guy. That means if Alex Austin slides in, they will have a true backup they can call in.
You do not want to leave it up to one injury derailing the secondary you worked hard to rebuild, so Marshall fits the bill here.
Similar to what was said about Etienne, the Patriots need to revamp the running back pipeline, and Sanders is a close copy of Rhamondre Stevenson in the early-down bruiser role. Sanders will likely be featured more as a depth guy and developmental runner, but the Patriots need to add some depth here at a cost-controlled measure.
Part of a good draft is not always about finding stars, starters or key role players. It's about keeping key depth pieces at lower costs by getting guys who can fill in when needed and develop in the background.
Solid runners are hard to come by in the NFL. With this being a strong running back class, it pushes a good one down to the seventh round, and the Patriots pounce to complete their new-look running back room of Stevenson, Gibson, Etienne and Sanders.
Terrell Jennings and Kevin Harris will also compete for those last two roles in camp.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Trades galore, Patriots get multiple firsts in 7-round 2025 mock draft
Continue reading...
They focused on filling major holes, increasing leadership and adding talent at key positions. Their free agency approach was not about signing superstars but about raising the floor of the roster and putting themselves in a position to draft the best player available instead of being forced to fill needs.
Key signings like Milton Williams, Robert Spillane, Morgan Moses, Carlton Davis III and Mack Hollins show that Mike Vrabel and the front office are committed to improving both the talent and the culture in the locker room. They replaced aging veterans like David Andrews, Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise Jr. with players who fit their new vision.
Now, with free agency behind them, it’s time for the Patriots to use the draft to add young foundational pieces for the future.
This mock draft will focus on impact players, depth pieces and developmental prospects who can grow alongside quarterback Drake Maye and help shape the next era of Patriots football.
Round 1, Pick No. 9 (via New Orleans) – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Trade Details:
- Patriots receive: No. 9 (1st), No. 40 (2nd), No. 93 (3rd), 2026 third-round pick
- Saints receive: No. 4 (1st)
New England trades down five spots with the New Orleans Saints, who move up to take a player they had their eyes on. However, the Patriots land my No. 1 offensive tackle in the draft, Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr.
Banks Jr. has a great tape, measured well at the combine and played at Texas as a premier left tackle. He was talked about for a long time as the better prospect between himself and LSU's Will Campbell until a report painted him as a better guard than tackle at the NFL level.
The same has been done to Campbell, but Banks never gained the positive PR back that Campbell did, which is strange. Regardless, he solves a major problem for the Patriots.
Banks is a plug-and-play left tackle who would immediately solidify the Patriots' offensive line. With Morgan Moses already at right tackle and Caedan Wallace developing to eventually take over, the Patriots’ offensive line takes a massive leap forward with this move.
Round 1, Pick No. 24 (via Minnesota) – Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Trade Details:
- Patriots receive: No. 24 (1st), No. 139 (5th), No. 187 (6th)
- Vikings receive: No. 38 (2nd), No. 77 (3rd)
The Patriots move back into the first round to secure a true X receiver in Iowa State's Jayden Higgins.
This might not be the Higgins fans wanted at the start of the offseason, but this is the Higgins Patriots fans will learn to love. He has good size, speed and hands, and very much reminds me of Brian Thomas Jr. from last year, who went in the first round to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Minnesota needs more picks, as they only have four after trading for former San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason. The Patriots can get aggressive while the Vikings can add some picks between 24 and 97.
After missing out on big-name free agents, the Patriots get their long-term No. 1 receiver. Higgins gives Drake Maye a top outside target to grow with and allows Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Ja’Lynn Polk to fill complementary roles.
Veterans Mack Hollins and Kendrick Bourne, as well as second-year player Javon Baker will have a chance to compete in camp for complementary roles, but Higgins would immediately become the team's top target.
Round 2, Pick No. 40 (via New Orleans) – Carson Schwesinger LB, UCLA
Schwesinger is one of the best off-ball linebackers in this draft, providing instincts, coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline speed. He is a perfect fit for the new-look Patriots defense under Terrell Williams, who prefers smaller, speedy linebackers.
With Ja’Whaun Bentley playing more edge-setting duties on early downs and Anfernee Jennings rotating in, Schwesinger adds much-needed coverage ability and will be a centerpiece of the Patriots’ defense for years to come as their star, mike linebacker.
It might not be the sexiest pick, but the Patriots need to not fall into the trap of all offense or all defense in the draft. If they do, they'll be doing what they did in the 2021 offseason and 2025 offseason every four years, replacing talent through free agency.
Drafting for need is okay, but you can't do it every round. The Patriots need young, controllable talent all around the team.
Round 3, Pick No. 69 – Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Mason Taylor is the son of NFL Legend, Jason Taylor, and is one of the better pass-catchers in this class. He might not be an immediate starter, but he has good size, hands and route-running to be a threat for years to come. The Patriots need to take a look at a tight end in this class, and they land a legit one here.
Taylor can play in line but thrives as the move tight end, and he could be a long-term option to grow with Drake Maye. He would also benefit from joining one of the better tight end rooms in the league based on last season's production.
Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are two strong role models to show him how to be an NFL tight end. Not that he needs it, necessarily. After all, his father is a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Round 3, Pick No. 78 (via Arizona) – Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
Trade Details:
- Patriots receive: No. 78 (3rd)
- Cardinals receive: No. 93 (3rd), No. 139 (5th), No. 220 (7th)
Ratledge is a powerful interior lineman who immediately fills the left guard spot in Josh McDaniels' offense. The Patriots aren't too sold on Sidy Sow, Cole Strange or Layden Robinson just yet to fill in at left guard right away, but Ratledge gives them an immediate starter as one of the best interior linemen in the class.
His prowess in the run game would help solidify a potential offensive line of Kelvin Banks (LT), Tate Ratledge (LG) Garrett Bradbury (C), Mike Onwenu (RG) and Morgan Moses (RT).
Round 4, Pick No. 106 – J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
Pegues adds much-needed defensive line depth behind Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. In a class with an abundance of talent on the defensive line, the Patriots can't afford to skip on taking one, despite paying $184 million to Williams and Barmore.
Barmore is dealing with blood clots, and the focus should be on returning to health as a human, so we're not counting him when making this pick. If he returns, the Patriots' focus on the trenches would have both the defensive and offensive lines doing a complete 180 from last year with this selection.
Pegues fits the scheme and would match well with some of the other depth pieces on passing downs, but again, he is a developmental option who needs to work on his run defense.
Round 4, Pick No. 124 (via Philadelphia) – Tyler Batty, EDGE, BYU
Trade Details:
- Patriots receive: No. 124 (4th)
- Eagles receive: No. 144 (5th), 2026 6th-round pick
Batty is a high-motor, power-rusher who fills the void left by Deatrich Wise Jr. He is a Vrabel guy, a true lunch-pail type of defensive lineman who is a pillar of the community in Utah, where he is from.
Batty could be a fun EDGE project that could actually get some reps early on as a rush end. Landry is more of an outside linebacker, so deploying someone like Batty to generate pressure would allow Landry to do what he does best and clean up the sacks.
Batty could eventually develop into a strong end opposite of Keion White and allow the Patriots to generate pressures with a four-man front, but for now, he is a fun project who will have a third-down role early on and compete with K'Lavon Chaisson for snaps.
Round 6, Pick No. 187 (Via Minnesota) – Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
Etienne is a versatile, pass-catching back who fits Josh McDaniels’ offense. The Patriots will need to replenish the running back pipeline, and Etienne is a good option here.
While he doesn't have the production you would hope, the tape shows good hands, route-running and awareness as a pass protector. He fits the mold of all the former Patriots receiving backs of old and would give the team much-needed depth as a change-of-pace option.
McDaniels will likely get back to the role-specific backfield as opposed to alternating drives, and Etienne could have a role on obvious passing downs or trick plays utilizing two running backs. Gibson can move out wide and allow the Patriots to create some fun looks with both him and Etienne.
Round 7, Pick No. 217 – Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida
Marshall Jr. has good size and is a willing tackler. His pedigree of playing in the SEC meant he went up against NFL talent and held his own. He has a lot of work to do with technique but has the physicality Vrabel would want from his corners. Marshall would compete right away for a depth role and special teams spot.
With Carlton Davis III having injury concerns throughout his career, the Patriots need to address the outside corner depth, even if it's a developmental guy. That means if Alex Austin slides in, they will have a true backup they can call in.
You do not want to leave it up to one injury derailing the secondary you worked hard to rebuild, so Marshall fits the bill here.
Round 7, Pick No. 238 – Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina
Similar to what was said about Etienne, the Patriots need to revamp the running back pipeline, and Sanders is a close copy of Rhamondre Stevenson in the early-down bruiser role. Sanders will likely be featured more as a depth guy and developmental runner, but the Patriots need to add some depth here at a cost-controlled measure.
Part of a good draft is not always about finding stars, starters or key role players. It's about keeping key depth pieces at lower costs by getting guys who can fill in when needed and develop in the background.
Solid runners are hard to come by in the NFL. With this being a strong running back class, it pushes a good one down to the seventh round, and the Patriots pounce to complete their new-look running back room of Stevenson, Gibson, Etienne and Sanders.
Terrell Jennings and Kevin Harris will also compete for those last two roles in camp.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Trades galore, Patriots get multiple firsts in 7-round 2025 mock draft
Continue reading...
