After months of speculation, the 2025 NFL Draft is nearly here.
For Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf, this will be an extremely important part of the Patriots rebuilding process. After another 4-win season, the team still lacks ample depth and blue-chip prospects to turn this franchise into a playoff contender.
That’s where this draft could come in.
Although this year’s class lacks elite talent, it’s deep with potential starter depth. If the Patriots can come away with multiple starters, on both sides of the ball, it would go a long way to getting back in the playoff picture.
By now, the Patriots top needs are clear. The team needs to better protect Drake Maye after allowing 52 sacks last season. That was the sixth-most in franchise history – and it can’t happen again. In our final mock draft, we shore up the Patriots offensive line and add depth to other positions of need.
Here’s a look:
First round, pick 4:
Will Campbell, LSU, OT, 6-6, 319
This is a no-brainer. The Patriots haven’t had stable play at left tackle since 2021. Their biggest need is left tackle. Campbell is the best left tackle in this draft. A three-year starter, he’s an elite athlete. That’s why some believe Campbell is an instant starter at tackle despite having a shorter wingspan. A two-time captain, he also has the leadership qualities that Vrabel covets. Campbell is the best offensive line prospect this year. The Patriots need to protect Drake Maye better than they did last season. Campbell will be an upgrade.
Second round, pick 38:
Tyler Booker, Alabama, OG, 6-4, 321 pounds
The Patriots shouldn’t stop at just upgrading their left tackle position. The team also lacks a proven starter at left guard since the team wants Cole Strange to stay at center. Booker is one of the best left guards in this draft. He started 26 games there at Alabama. He profiles as an instant starter and will create a dangerous duo with Campbell. The First Team All-American and captain also has outstanding leadership qualities. Booker would be another way to upgrade the Patriots offensive line.
Third round, pick 69:
Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA, Edge, 6-3, 259 pounds
This is an impressive draft class for defensive linemen. The Patriots should walk away with at least one projected starter. Oladejo could be that player. He has experience playing linebacker but stood out as an edge rusher at UCLA. Oladejo is a physical and violent rusher, which fits into Vrabel’s defensive style. He led UCLA in sacks with 4.5 last year. He also had 57 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and two pass breakups. Wolf went to his Pro Day and had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.
Third round, pick 77:
Jacob Parrish, Kansas State, CB, 5-9, 191 pounds
The Patriots could use depth behind Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, and Marcus Jones. Parrish is a 5-foot-10, athletic cornerback, who runs a 4.35 40-yard dash. A 2-year starter, he can play the slot and outside. Last year, he led Kansas State with seven pass breakups, an interception, and 50 tackles. Parrish had four interceptions and nine pass breakups the year before. He had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.
Fourth round, pick 106:
Ty Robinson, Nebraska, DT, 6-5, 288 pounds
This draft is loaded with defensive linemen and the Patriots should add depth behind Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. Robinson fits the mold of what Mike Vrabel covets in defensive tackles. At 6-foot-5, 288 pounds, he’s a great athlete. Last year, he finished with seven sacks, 37 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and four pass deflections. Robinson has the versatility to play on the edge and inside. On special teams, he blocked a field goal.
Fifth round, pick 144:
Brashard Smith, SMU, RB, 5-9, 194 pounds
Smith would give the Patriots more running back depth and a potential third-down back of the future. He went to Miami as a receiver and played that position for three seasons. Smith transferred to SMU last year and transitioned to running back. He finished with 1,332 yards to go with 14 touchdowns. Smith also added 39 receptions for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Smith is also a standout kickoff returner.
Fifth round, pick 171:
Jalen Travis, Iowa State, OT, 6-7, 339 pounds
The Patriots should double-dip at tackle in this draft. Travis is an intriguing developmental prospect who stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 338 pounds. He has an arm length of 34 7/8 inches. Travis started his collegiate career at Princeton where he started at right and left tackle. He transferred to Iowa State and started 11 games at left tackle last season. Travis is a good athlete and projects as a swing tackle in the NFL.
Seventh round, pick 220:
Eli Cox, North Carolina, IOL, 6-5, 306 pounds
The Patriots should add depth to their center position. Cox started 35 games there for Kentucky over the last three seasons. He also has versatility, starting 12 games at right guard. He earned All-SEC honors the last two seasons as a center. Cox also has plus-character traits as a two-time captain. As an athlete, he fits the mold of what Josh McDaniels has historically looked for in an interior offensive lineman.
Seventh round, pick 238:
Tyler Loop, Arizona, K, 5-11, 191 pounds
Loop has one of the biggest legs among kickers in this draft. Last season, he set an Arizona school record with a 62-yard field goal. He made 83.8% of his field goals (67-of-80) over his collegiate career. Last year, Loop made 78.3% (18-of-23) of his field goal attempts. He also excels on kickoffs. Last year, 53 of his 56 attempts landed for touchbacks. Loop also has experience as a punter.
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