The first and only season of the Jerod Mayo era went about as poorly as it could go for the New England Patriots. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye spent the entire season running for his life. The Pats' leading receiver was tight end Hunter Henry, with a mere 674 yards. The running game? Underwhelming as Rhamondre Stevenson stalled out at 801 yards.
Once a staple and the backbone of the New England franchise, the defense fell flat on its face. And to add insult to injury, the Patriots won a meaningless Week 18 game with recently traded quarterback Joe Milton III to snatch the No. 4 pick from the jaws of the No. 1 overall pick.
Enter Mike Vrabel. The Patriots Hall of Famer turned head coach and de facto general manager was tasked with changing the culture and rebuilding the roster. With his first NFL Draft as Patriots' head coach in the books, the verdict is in. And rebuild that roster he did. Below is a pick-by-pick list of the Patriots' transformational draft and how they project as rookies in 2025:
Round 1, Pick No. 4 - Will Campbell, OT, LSU: Several new, shiny toys for Drake Maye were there for the taking for the Patriots at No. 4. But without time to throw, it doesn't matter who Maye's weapons are. With no blocking up front, good luck with the running game. New England made the absolute right decision to take Campbell to protect Maye's blindside and anchor the offensive line for years to come.
2025 prediction: Campbell will be the day one starter at left tackle tasked with keeping Maye's jersey clean and setting the tone against the best edge rushers in the league. It's a new era in New England, and look for the transformation in the trenches to move quickly.
The Patriots' running back room gets interesting!
Round 2, Pick No. 38 - TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State: Did somebody say shiny new toys? Well, lookie here. The Pats addressed a huge offensive line need in the first round, and Henderson fell right into their lap in the second. While Rhamondre Stevenson's future in New England isn't exactly assured, he is more of a "thunder" back, while Henderson is lightning in a skillet. In today's NFL, you need multiple running backs, and New England appears to have the perfect complementary backs on their roster.
2025 prediction: While Patriots fans will be chomping at the bit to see Henderson take over as RB1 and get the majority of the touches, look for him to settle in as the change of pace back working hand in hand with Stevenson. Similar to how Quinshon Judkins got more carries than Henderson at Ohio State, don't be surprised if the same scenario happens in New England. Don't get it twisted - Henderson will not be a backup. But he will be a part of a two (plus) back system.
Round 3, Pick No. 69 - Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State: Even after drafting receivers in the second and fourth rounds a year ago, the Patriots didn't have a single receiver with more than 621 yards a year ago. New England signed Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency, and with the addition of Williams, there is officially a logjam at WR. Williams has shown tremendous speed and separation ability, even against the top corner in America and the No. 2 overall pick, Travis Hunter (see video below).
2025 prediction: The Patriots have at least eight receivers who will be competing for roster spots this fall. Judging from what we saw a year ago, look for Williams to emerge into that group that makes the cut and starts to build a connection with Maye. New England may not have a WR1 (unless Diggs returns to peak form), but the Pats have plenty of options to build a successful core.
The Patriots get a steal!
Round 3, Pick No. 95 - Jared Wilson, C, Georgia: The 10-year David Andrews era ended this offseason. The center from Georgia had become an organizational model for the "Patriot Way," but New England released him this March. So, how do you replace the veteran center from Georgia? With another center from Georgia, of course. Wilson started 12 games for the Bulldogs in 2024, including the two wins over Texas and the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal vs. Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
2025 prediction: Wilson isn't the only new center on the Patriots' roster, so don't expect him to start. At least not yet. New England also brought in former Minnesota center Garrett Bradbury in free agency, so look for Wilson to learn the ropes from the veteran and gradually earn his way into a competition to be the starter.
Round 4, Pick No. 106 - Craig Woodson, S, California: If there's one strength of the New England defense, it is the secondary. Adding Woodson to the mix, who started 42 games at Cal, gives the Patriots an experienced rookie who can learn from Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, and Marcus Jones and who should make an impact at some point.
2025 prediction: Look for Woodson to make the 53-man roster and push for playing time in year one.
Round 4, Pick No. 137 - Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State: A monster in the middle at 6-3, 305, Farmer should compete with Christian Barmore for reps at defensive tackle. Farmer started 25 games at Florida State, recording 64 tackles, 15 TFLs, and nine sacks over the past two seasons.
2025 prediction: Another virtual slam dunk to make the 53-man roster, Farmer will compete for a starting role but will be in the mix regardless as he learns the system.
Round 5, Pick No. 146 - Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU: The value picks kept coming for Vrabel and Co. The Oregon transfer turned in his best season as a collegiate player in 2024, earning second-team All-SEC honors while leading LSU with 13.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and 12 quarterback hurries. At 6-4, 250, Swinson is a dynamic disruptor who has the potential to grow alongside Keion White, Anfernee Jennings, and fellow new addition Harold Landry III.
2025 prediction: Swinson will make it interesting, but with New England's veteran depth on the edge, look for him to begin the season on the practice squad.
Round 6, Pick No. 182 - Andres Borregales, K, Miami: The Patriots hit the reset button at the kicker position, and did they ever strike gold with this one. In 50 career games, Borregales connected on 74-of-86 field goals and 183-of-184 extra-point attempts. Mr. Reliable, to say the least. He saved his best for his last year in college, missing just one kick—from 45 yards away.
2025 prediction: You can pencil in Borregales as the Patriots' starting kicker. Maybe even use a Sharpie. It's a new era in New England, including the kicker position.
Round 7, Pick No. 220 - Marcus Bryant, OT, Missouri: The "other" Mizzou offensive tackle, Bryant started all 13 games for the Tigers at left tackle and helped the O-Line lead the SEC in time of possession at 32:54 per game. Standing 6-7 (and weighing in at 317), Bryant is an ominous force who can potentially be a rotational player on the offensive line in time.
2025 prediction: With Will Campbell selected to start at LT, Bryant is at the very least, a backup at his natural position. However, he will more than likely be on the practice squad, looking to hone his craft and grow into his frame.
Round 7, Pick No. 251 - Julian Ashby, LS, Vanderbilt: The little details matter. While most seventh-round picks are destined for the practice squad, Vrabel went outside the box and drafted a long snapper in Ashby. When Ashby's name was called, the writing was already on the wall for Patriots' mainstay Joe Cardona. And with Cardona and the Patriots parting ways this Tuesday, Ashby is officially the New England long snapper.
2025 prediction: The only long snapper on the Patriots roster, expect Ashby to fill the void left by Cardona as the starting long snapper.
Round 7, Pick No. 257 - Kobee Minor, DB, Memphis: Will "Mr. Irrelevant" become a relevant member of the Patriots' team? Not right away. The well-traveled corner from Dallas, Texas, is coming off a career-high 37 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles this past season at Memphis. With New England's depth in the secondary, Minor is a prime target to play on the practice squad and begin to adapt to the system.
2025 prediction: Minor will almost certainly be a Pats' practice squad member following his "Mr. Irrelevant" accommodations. Time will tell if he makes his way to the 53-man roster.
Overall Draft Grade: A+