With the 2025 NFL Draft now less than a month away, the outlook for teams is coming into focus. Whether it’s the New England Patriots securing a key free agent to address a roster need, scouts attending pro days in full force, or prospects improving—or hurting—their draft stock, every move is shaping the upcoming draft.
In this week’s NFL Draft Notebook, we examine why wide receiver is no longer a major need for the Patriots, highlight a prospect whose slow 40-yard dash may be misleading, and more.
Patriots secure Stefon Diggs—How it shapes their 2025 Draft strategy
The New England Patriots have finally addressed their need for a top-tier wide receiver by signing Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $69 million deal. This move gives quarterback Drake Maye a true No. 1 target, but it also raises questions about how it will impact their 2025 NFL Draft plans.
With Diggs now in the fold, it’s unlikely the Patriots will use the fourth overall pick on a wide receiver. While Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan was never a strong candidate for that selection, there had been speculation that they might consider Colorado’s Travis Hunter, given his ability to play both cornerback and wide receiver. However, the addition of free-agent cornerback Carlton Davis III and Diggs makes that move even less probable.
That said, the Patriots will likely still look to add depth at wide receiver in the middle rounds. In my recent mock draft, I had them selecting Luther Burden III in the second round, a move that remains a strong possibility as they seek to upgrade the spot opposite Diggs. Additionally, with five picks on Day 3, expect them to target at least one more pass-catcher later in the draft.
Another area where this signing could impact New England’s draft strategy is their approach to the fourth overall pick. The Patriots would love to see Penn State’s Abdul Carter fall to them, but he’s widely expected to be the first non-quarterback selected, making that scenario unlikely. This increases the chances of the Patriots trading down, particularly with a team looking to draft Shedeur Sanders. If they move back but remain in the top 10, they could shift their focus to bolstering the offensive line with a player like LSU’s Will Campbell or Texas’s Kelvin Banks Jr.
While the addition of Diggs solidifies the Patriots' receiving corps, it also adds flexibility to their draft strategy. Whether they trade down or stay put, their focus now shifts to surrounding Maye with the right supporting pieces to accelerate their rebuild.
Don’t let the 40 fool you—Xavier Restrepo is a playmaker
A player who likely hurt his draft stock at his pro day is Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who posted a 4.83-second 40-yard dash. This time would have ranked as the slowest among wide receivers at the NFL Combine and will undoubtedly impact how teams view him heading into the NFL Draft.
However, despite his disappointing 40 time, Restrepo could become a steal in the 2025 NFL Draft. His on-field production and playmaking ability prove he is a high-quality slot receiver. His greatest strength is his ability to create separation, a key factor in him becoming Miami’s all-time leading receiver. This skill was further supported by his testing numbers, including a 4.21-second short shuttle, which would have ranked eighth among receivers at the Combine.
Xavier Restrepo’s 40 time DOESN’T MATTER. Restrepo played 90.5% of his snaps as slot merchant last year. Watch his tape and you will see he knows when he is open in man or zone and how to separate to win on ones. A QBs best friend for moving the chains.pic.twitter.com/im4E3vWBue
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 25, 2025
Another reason Restrepo projects as a reliable NFL receiver, despite his lack of straight-line speed, is his exceptional hands. He hauled in 69 receptions this past season, securing 62% of his targets in tight coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he dropped only two passes all year, consistently plucking the ball out of the air with strong, reliable hands.
While his 40-yard dash may cause some teams to pass on him, a franchise that prioritizes game film over testing numbers will recognize his talent and likely snag him on Day 3 of the draft.
Chicago Bears eye Texas offensive tackles Kelvin Banks as top NFL Draft target
A few weeks ago, I wrote that Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks would be the best choice for the Chicago Bears with the 10th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. It now appears that General Manager Ryan Poles may share that view, as he was in attendance for Texas’ Pro Day on March 25.
Targeting Banks makes perfect sense for the Bears, primarily because he is the top left tackle prospect in this draft class. He possesses elite footwork, is one of the most athletic linemen available, and has been dominant on the field. This season, he was named a unanimous All-American while allowing just one sack.
"If I can say, ‘Guys, who do I want you to emulate? I want you to emulate Kelvin Banks. The way he’s gone about his business has been tremendous."Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian
Chicago is expected to address the left tackle position in the draft, given that Braxton Jones has been a middle-of-the-pack performer and is coming off a fractured fibula. Adding Banks, alongside offseason acquisitions like Drew Dalman, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson, would significantly bolster an offensive line that surrendered an NFL-high 68 sacks last season.
Another player the Bears showed interest in during Texas’ Pro Day was running back Jaydon Blue. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy was also in attendance, likely keeping a close eye on Blue, who showcased his explosiveness with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The Bears could target him as a potential third-day selection.
Mason Taylor continues to impress
I might be the highest on LSU tight end Mason Taylor among draft analysts. On my board, he carries a late first-round grade and is one of the most underrated prospects in this year’s draft.
The main reason I’m so high on Taylor is his well-rounded game. This past season, he set an LSU tight end record with 55 receptions and is now the program’s all-time leader among tight ends in both receptions and receiving yards. He has also showcased his versatility, lining up in a variety of positions—splitting time between a traditional in-line tight end role and being flexed out wide. Additionally, he has held up well as a blocker, demonstrating the strength needed to hold the point of attack.
Mason Taylor already has his name at the top of the LSU record book @masontaylor52 pic.twitter.com/aAKpPr6Qct
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) September 24, 2024
Taylor also put up strong numbers at LSU’s Pro Day on March 26. He ran an impressive 4.65-second 40-yard dash and recorded 28 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. These numbers further solidify his case as a late first-round pick.
When it comes to potential landing spots, both Super Bowl participants from this past season—Philadelphia and Kansas City—could be strong candidates. The Eagles might be looking to move on from Dallas Goedert, who is coming off his least productive season since his rookie year. Meanwhile, the Chiefs could see Taylor as the heir apparent to Travis Kelce, who may only have another year or two left in his career.