2025 Patriots NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Building around Drake Maye with key trade at No. 4

The New England Patriots made a strong focus on bolstering their defense in free agency, adding several starters. However, they have not done much to improve their offense yet. Expect that to change in the 2025 NFL Draft as they look to build around quarterback Drake Maye.

New England Patriots mock draft

The New England Patriots trade down in the first round with the Las Vegas Raiders, allowing the Raiders to move up and select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. In return, the Patriots acquire an additional second-round pick (37th pick overall) while still securing the top offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft. LSU’s Will Campbell, a 2024 All-American would be a day-one starter for New England at offensive guard, addressing a key need at the left guard position.

While investing both of their top picks in the offensive line might seem excessive, securing two long-term starters could be the right strategy for the Patriots. Josh Conerly Jr. stands out as one of the most athletic tackles in the 2025 class, boasting quick feet and the mobility necessary to thrive at left tackle in the NFL. He would provide strong competition for Vederian Lowe, who struggled last season, allowing five sacks and earning a disappointing 54 overall grade from Pro Football Focus

After bolstering the offensive line with their first two picks, the Patriots shift their focus to adding weapons for Drake Maye. Their first move is addressing the wide receiver position, as New England ranked 30th in PFF’s receiver grades and didn’t land any big-name free agents. By selecting Luther Burden III, the Patriots secure a dynamic playmaker who was once considered a potential top-10 pick before experiencing a down year with the Tigers.

One area the Patriots did focus on in free agency was the front seven, adding new starters in Milton Williams, Harold Landry, and Robert Spillane. However, they still need depth at the position, which they address with the selection of LSU’s Bradyn Swinson. Swinson is an ideal fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker, perfectly matching New England’s defensive scheme. Last season, he was a disruptive force, recording 13.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.

For the second time in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Patriots bolster their wide receiver corps, this time selecting Utah State’s Jalen Royals. Despite being limited to just seven games last season due to a foot injury, Royals still led Utah State in receiving. He finished the year on a hot streak, surpassing 150 receiving yards in each of his last three games, showcasing his big-play ability and potential as a dynamic weapon for New England’s offense.

While the Patriots have two solid running backs in Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, both are more physical, power-style runners. By selecting Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson, New England adds a more explosive playmaker to their backfield. The 2024 SEC Offensive Player of the Year rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns, including 17 runs of 15+ yards. Sampson also brings value as a receiver, hauling in 40 catches last season—an area where the Patriots are looking for more production from their running backs.

The Patriots are set at tight end with Hunter Henry, who led the team in receiving yards last season, and Austin Hooper. However, with both players over 29, adding a young, developmental tight end could be a smart move for the future. Evans is a physical playmaker who excels at making contested catches and is tough to bring down after the catch, giving New England a potential long-term option at the position.

The Patriots brought in Khyiris Tonga this offseason to be their starting nose tackle, but he posted just a 60.0 overall grade and a 57.1 run defense grade last season, according to Pro Football Focus. By selecting Nazir Stackhouse, New England adds another big-bodied defender who could potentially push Tonga for the starting job. Landing a player with that kind of upside in the seventh round would be an excellent value pick for the Patriots.

With their final two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, New England selects two players who were not invited to the NFL Combine but impressed with strong performances at their pro days. The first is Buffalo linebacker Shaun Dolac, who led the nation with 168 tackles last season. Dolac showcased his athleticism with a 4.55-second 40-yard dash and demonstrated his strength with 25 reps on the bench press.

The other player New England selects, who also impressed with strong testing numbers, is Central Arkansas running back ShunDerrick Powell. The FCS All-American ran an impressive 4.40 40-yard dash and posted a 40.5-inch vertical jump. Like Dylan Sampson, Powell is a breakaway threat, leading all FBS and FCS running backs with a 63.7% breakaway run rate among those with at least 75 carries last season.

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