The New England Patriots are entering the 2025 NFL season with hopes their 2025 NFL Draft class helps propel them as a competitor in the AFC East and a playoff contender.
With a new head coach in Mike Vrabel and key additions via free agency and the draft, the Patriots will enter the season with higher expectations, especially with second-year quarterback Drake Maye anticipated to take a step in his career.
If draft picks like left tackle Will Campbell, running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Kyle Williams make the contributions expected, the Patriots could shift their attention to other positions of need in the 2026 NFL Draft like at edge rush and more targets at both wide receiver and tight end.
In looking at prospect talent headed into the 2025 college football season, there are players the Patriots should have on their target board.
Five potential New England Patriots fits:
Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami
If Keion White breaks out as a pass rush star for the Patriots in 2025, there will still be a need for another pass rusher in New England. Looking at EDGE rush prospects who should be on the Patriots radar, Miami’ Rueben Bain Jr. tops the list since he is a player who should fall into that mid-first round range where the Patriots will likely select in the 2026 NFL Draft.
At 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, Bain Jr is a force off the edge. His first-step quickness and pure motor is tough for any offensive line to handle. He also has some pass rush techniques like a swim move that helps in his bull rush in pursuit of the quarterback. Bain Jr. does have some medical concerns that can put his durability in question, but in all, a young pass rusher Mike Vrabel can work with.
Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
If the Patriots go in another direction in with their first pick, a nice Day 2 prospect to watch is Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei. With great size at 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, Uiagalelei has similar upside as Bain Jr. in that he is quick off the snap with athletic versatility to play as a stand-up linebacker or hands down at the end of the defensive line.
In coming off a season in which he racked up 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and an interception, Uiagaleli could put himself in position to slip into the late first round if he has another productive season in 2025 at Oregon and improve on his rawness as a pass-rusher. In all, another young defensive talent Vrabel could work with.
Offensive upgrade
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The top wide receiver to watch in 2025 is Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior is coming off a tremendous sophomore season hauling in 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. In a breakout season, Tyson demonstrated his ability to separate from defenders with his explosiveness and quickness against tight coverage. What the Patriots and Drake Maye will love more about Tyson is his intermediate route running which they will get experience with Stefon Diggs on the team.
What also stands out about Tyson is his willingness to block as a receiver. This is an attribute the Patriots are already using with Mack Hollins on the team. That ability to impact the game in other ways besides his playmaking will put him high on the radar for many teams.
More New England Patriots at NFL Mocks:
Jack Endries, TE, Texas
Let’s face it, Hunter Henry isn’t getting any younger. Tight end may not be the top priority for the Patriots in 2026, but it will be an opportune time for the team to perhaps double dip at the position. A Day 2 option is Texas tight end Jack Endries. With 56 receptions for 623 yards and 2 touchdowns, Endries is entering the 2025 season with the Longhorns as a player on the Biletnikoff Award watch list as college football season’s outstanding receiver.
If catching the ball from projected top QB prospect Arch Manning won’t propel those chances, his overall skillset as a playmaker and a contested catch king will make him one of the top tight ends on many team’s boards. He would give Maye another big, reliable target as either a successor to Hunter or a player who can form a tandem with the veteran tight end.
Max Klare TE, Ohio State
Another tight end the Patriots should keep an eye on is Ohio State’s Max Klare. A stud pass-catching tight end in 2024, Klare caught 51 receptions for 685 yards and 4 touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Klare goes from Purdue to OSU as a smooth route runner who can create yards after the catch. He could be compared to Brock Bowers with his ability to make an impact offensively, but the spotlight will be on him to see how effective he can be with Ohio State.
In all, the type of tight end Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels loves to play call for and another potential weapon for Drake Maye. He should be a day 2 option for the Patriots if he does declare for 2026 NFL Draft.