The Patriots’ 2023 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the team has a lot of needs to fill. They need to add depth to their defense, find a long-term replacement for Tom Brady at quarterback, and improve their offensive line. With the 14th overall pick in the draft, the Patriots are in a good position to address some of these needs. In this mock draft, we will take a look at who the Patriots could select with their first seven picks.
With their first pick, the Patriots select Utah quarterback Cameron Rising. Rising is a 6’2″, 210-pound quarterback who has been one of the most productive passers in the country over the past two seasons. He has thrown for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons, and he has also rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns in that span. Rising is a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. He is also a very good leader and has been a captain of the Utah football team for the past two seasons.
With their second pick, the Patriots select Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart. Stewart is a 6’4″, 290-pound defensive lineman who is one of the most athletic and disruptive players in the country. He has recorded 15 sacks and 30 tackles for loss in his career at Texas A&M. Stewart is a versatile player who can play anywhere on the defensive line. He is also a very good pass rusher and has the potential to be a dominant player in the NFL.
Charting the Future: Round 1 Selections
Overview
The New England Patriots enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a plethora of needs, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. As the draft unfolds, many experts believe that New England will use their first-round pick to address their pass rush.
Top Projected Picks
According to NFL Mock Draft Database, the Patriots are widely projected to select one of the following pass rushers with their top pick:
| Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Foskey | Defensive End | Notre Dame |
| Nolan Smith | Outside Linebacker | Georgia |
| Derick Hall | Outside Linebacker | Auburn |
Isaiah Foskey
Foskey, a 6’5″, 265-pound defensive end from Notre Dame, is a highly touted prospect with exceptional athleticism and pass-rushing skills. He possesses a unique combination of size, speed, and power, making him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.
Nolan Smith
Smith, a 6’3″, 235-pound outside linebacker from Georgia, is another talented pass rusher with a diverse skillset. He is known for his quick first step, powerful spin move, and ability to generate pressure from various positions.
Derick Hall
Hall, a 6’4″, 245-pound outside linebacker from Auburn, is a versatile defender with a knack for getting to the quarterback. He excels at using his length and speed to disrupt the passing game and also contributes effectively to run defense.
Building the Foundation: Round 2 Picks
In the second round of the 2025 mock draft, the Patriots have several key needs to address, including bolstering their pass rush, improving their offensive line, and adding depth to their secondary. With the 35th overall pick, they select:
EDGE: Nolan Smith (Georgia)
Smith is a highly athletic edge rusher with exceptional speed and bend. He possesses a versatile skill set that allows him to both generate pressure off the edge and drop into coverage. In his junior season at Georgia, Smith recorded 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, demonstrating his ability to make an impact as a pass rusher and disrupt the opposing offense.
| Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Nolan Smith | EDGE | Georgia |
With their second pick in the second round (46th overall), the Patriots select:
OT: Broderick Jones (Georgia)
Jones is a massive and athletic offensive tackle with impressive size and strength. He is a natural run blocker who excels at creating movement in the trenches. Jones also has good pass-blocking technique and is adept at protecting the quarterback’s blind side. In 2023, he helped Georgia’s offense lead the nation in scoring, showcasing his ability to contribute to a high-powered offense.
| Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Broderick Jones | OT | Georgia |
Adding Depth and Versatility: Round 3 Additions
The Patriots’ third-round selections provide crucial depth and versatility to their roster. Here are their picks:
#94 Overall: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
Foskey brings explosive pass-rushing ability and relentless pursuit to the Patriots’ defense. His impressive athleticism enables him to generate pressure from multiple angles.
#103 Overall: Matthew Bergeron, G/C, LSU
Bergeron is a versatile interior lineman who can play both guard and center. His excellent footwork, balance, and power make him an asset in both the running game and pass protection.
#121 Overall: Jaren Kanak, S, Oklahoma
Kanak is a dynamic safety with exceptional range and ball skills. His ability to cover ground and make plays on the ball provides the Patriots with a much-needed playmaker in the secondary.
| Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| #94 Overall | Isaiah Foskey | EDGE | Notre Dame |
| #103 Overall | Matthew Bergeron | G/C | LSU |
| #121 Overall | Jaren Kanak | S | Oklahoma |
Addressing Specific Needs: Round 4 Acquisitions
In the fourth round of the 2025 Patriots Mock Draft, the team has identified specific needs that they aim to address. Here is a detailed breakdown of their key acquisitions:
| Position | Player | College |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Tackle | Zach Rice | North Carolina |
| Wide Receiver | Kayshon Boutte | LSU |
| Inside Linebacker | Troy Anderson | Montana |
| Safety | Jamal Anderson | Tennessee |
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Zach Rice (OT, North Carolina): With Isaiah Wynn entering his contract year, the Patriots need to bolster their offensive tackle depth. Rice is a massive (6’6", 325 lbs) tackle with athleticism and a nasty streak. His addition would provide the team with a versatile and capable backup who can step into the starting lineup when needed.
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Kayshon Boutte (WR, LSU): The Patriots lack a true deep threat at wide receiver. Boutte is an explosive playmaker with exceptional speed and route-running ability. He can stretch the field and open up the passing game for New England’s young quarterback.
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Troy Anderson (ILB, Montana): The Patriots desperately need to find a long-term replacement for Ja’Whaun Bentley at inside linebacker. Anderson is a tackling machine with excellent instincts and athleticism. He can cover a lot of ground and make plays all over the field.
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Jamal Anderson (S, Tennessee): The Patriots have a strong safety tandem in Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips, but depth is a concern. Anderson is a versatile safety who can play both free and strong safety. His athleticism and coverage skills would make him a valuable addition to the New England defense.
Focus on Upside: Round 5 Selections
In the fifth round, the Patriots have two selections: the 144th and 160th overall picks. With these picks, they should prioritize players with high upside who can develop into impact players in the NFL. Here are a few potential targets:
Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia is a 6-foot-7, 253-pound tight end with excellent size and athleticism. He had a breakout season in 2021, catching 37 passes for 598 yards and six touchdowns. However, he is still relatively raw as a pass-catcher and blocker. With his athleticism and size, there is a possibility he could develop into a long-term solution at the tight end position.
Isaiah Thomas, CB, Oklahoma is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound cornerback with great length and athleticism. He is an aggressive tackler and physical presence in coverage. With his length and athleticism, he could develop into a quality starter in the NFL.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA is a 6-foot-1, 220-pound running back with a powerful running style. He rushed for 1,137 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021, and he has the potential to be a workhorse running back in the NFL.
| Position | Player | College | Overall Pick |
|—|—|—|—|
| TE | Jelani Woods | Virginia | 144th |
| CB | Isaiah Thomas | Oklahoma | 160th |
| RB | Zach Charbonnet | UCLA | 160th |
Developing for the Future: Round 6 Additions
In the sixth round of the mock draft, the Patriots focused on adding depth and versatility to their roster. They selected a pair of offensive linemen, a defensive back, and a wide receiver with the potential to develop into valuable contributors down the road.
Guard – Cole Hutson (Central Michigan)
Hutson is a physical and athletic guard who excels in the run game. He has the strength to move defenders off the line of scrimmage and create running lanes, and he also possesses the agility to pull and get to the second level.
Tackle – Jacob Capra (Virginia)
Capra is a massive tackle with good feet and a strong base. He is a powerful run blocker who can also hold his own in pass protection. His experience playing in the ACC against top-tier competition should help him transition smoothly to the NFL.
Cornerback – Jaylon Jones (Texas A&M)
Jones is a long and athletic cornerback who has the size and speed to match up with receivers of all sizes. He is a willing tackler and has good ball skills, intercepting three passes in his collegiate career.
Wide Receiver – Josh Downs (North Carolina)
Downs is a shifty and elusive slot receiver who can create separation with his quickness and route running. He is also a reliable target with good hands and the ability to make tough catches in traffic.
| Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Cole Hutson | Guard | Central Michigan |
| Jacob Capra | Tackle | Virginia |
| Jaylon Jones | Cornerback | Texas A&M |
| Josh Downs | Wide Receiver | North Carolina |
Strengthening the Roster: Round 7 Picks
Defensive Back, Central Michigan: Dontae Bull
Bull is a versatile defender who can line up at cornerback or safety. He has good size (6’1″, 200 lbs) and athleticism, and he is a physical tackler. Bull needs to improve his coverage skills, but he has the potential to be a valuable contributor on special teams and as a depth piece on defense.
Offensive Guard, Ohio State: Josh Fryar
Fryar is a massive guard (6’6″, 325 lbs) with good strength and athleticism. He is a good run blocker who can maul defenders in the trenches. Fryar needs to improve his pass protection skills, but he has the potential to be a valuable addition to the Patriots’ offensive line.
Linebacker, UCLA: JonJon Vaughns
Vaughns is a speedy linebacker (6’1″, 225 lbs) who can cover a lot of ground. He is a good tackler and has a knack for making big plays. Vaughns needs to improve his strength and physicality, but he has the potential to be a valuable contributor on special teams and as a depth piece on defense.
Defensive Tackle, Minnesota: MJ Anderson
Anderson is a space-eating defensive tackle (6’4″, 310 lbs) who can clog up the middle of the line. He is a good run defender who can draw double teams. Anderson needs to improve his pass rush skills, but he has the potential to be a valuable contributor on the Patriots’ defensive line.
Wide Receiver, Kentucky: Dane Key
Key is a speedy wide receiver (6’3″, 190 lbs) who can stretch the field. He is a good route runner who can create separation from defenders. Key needs to improve his hands and consistency, but he has the potential to be a valuable contributor to the Patriots’ passing game.
Running Back, Wisconsin: Braelon Allen
Allen is a powerful running back (6’2″, 230 lbs) who can run through arm tackles. He is a good pass protector and can also contribute on special teams. Allen needs to improve his vision and agility, but he has the potential to be a valuable contributor to the Patriots’ backfield.
Tight End, Sam Houston State: Isaac Schleyer
Schleyer is a big tight end (6’6″, 260 lbs) with good blocking and receiving skills. He is a good target in the red zone and can also contribute on special teams. Schleyer needs to improve his route running and consistency, but he has the potential to be a valuable contributor to the Patriots’ offense.
| Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 234 | Dontae Bull | Defensive Back | Central Michigan |
| 236 | Josh Fryar | Offensive Guard | Ohio State |
| 240 | JonJon Vaughns | Linebacker | UCLA |
| 246 | MJ Anderson | Defensive Tackle | Minnesota |
| 253 | Dane Key | Wide Receiver | Kentucky |
| 260 | Braelon Allen | Running Back | Wisconsin |
| 264 | Isaac Schleyer | Tight End | Sam Houston State |
8. The Patriots’ Defense Gets a Boost
With their final pick of the draft, New England selected Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr., adding another talented piece to their already-stout defense. Porter Jr. is a physical and instinctive defender with excellent ball skills and a knack for making big plays. He will compete for a starting role immediately and could help the Patriots improve their pass rush and coverage.
Physical Attributes and Skills
Porter Jr. boasts an impressive physical profile for a cornerback, standing at 6’2″ and weighing in at 190 pounds. He has good speed and agility, allowing him to keep pace with receivers both deep and in the slot. His strength and tackling ability make him a reliable presence in the run game as well.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Porter Jr.’s strengths include:
* Excellent ball skills and instincts
* Strong zone coverage abilities
* Physicality and tackling prowess
His weaknesses include:
* Occasional lapses in coverage
* Can be susceptible to double moves
* Needs to improve his tackling technique at times
Overall Assessment
Porter Jr. has the potential to be a starting-caliber cornerback in the NFL. His combination of size, athleticism, and instincts make him a difficult matchup for opposing receivers. While he has some areas to improve, his ceiling is high, and he could make a significant impact on the Patriots’ defense in the years to come.
Analyzing the Team’s Draft Strategy
The Patriots’ 2025 draft strategy is expected to focus on addressing the team’s most pressing needs, including strengthening the offensive line, bolstering the pass rush, and adding depth to the wide receiver and secondary positions. With a solid foundation in place, the team is poised to make a strong run in the upcoming season. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their potential draft strategy:
Round 1, Pick 11: Offensive Tackle
The Patriots are expected to prioritize solidifying their offensive line in the first round. With Isaiah Wynn and Trent Brown entering the final years of their contracts, the team needs to secure a long-term solution at tackle. Potential targets include Peter Skoronoski (Northwestern) and Kelvin Banks (Texas), both of whom have the size, athleticism, and potential to become impact players in the NFL.
Round 1, Pick 18: Edge Rusher
The Patriots’ pass rush has been inconsistent in recent years, and they will look to add a dynamic edge rusher in the first round. Nolan Smith (Georgia) and Shemar Stewart (Texas) are among the top prospects available, and both have the potential to make an immediate impact on the defense.
Round 2, Pick 32: Wide Receiver
The Patriots need to add more weapons to their passing attack, especially with the potential departure of Jakobi Meyers in free agency. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) and Jordan Addison (USC) are two highly talented wide receivers who could provide the team with a much-needed boost in the slot.
Round 3, Pick 66: Interior Defensive Lineman
The Patriots’ interior defensive line has been a source of weakness in recent years, and they will look to add a disruptive presence in the middle of the defense. Gervon Dexter (Florida) and Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh) are two intriguing prospects who could provide a much-needed upgrade.
Round 3, Pick 90: Cornerback
The Patriots’ secondary has been solid in recent years, but they need to add more depth at cornerback. Darius Rush (South Carolina) and Cam Smith (South Carolina) are two potential targets who have the potential to develop into quality NFL starters.
Round 4, Pick 107: Tight End
The Patriots have a need for a reliable tight end who can contribute as both a receiver and a blocker. Jake Witt (Northern Michigan) and Davis Allen (Clemson) are two potential targets who have shown the ability to stretch the field and make plays in the red zone.
Round 4, Pick 118: Offensive Guard
The Patriots’ offensive line could use some additional depth, especially at guard. Josh Conerly (Oregon) and Olusegun Oluwatimi (Michigan) are two talented prospects who could provide the team with some much-needed reinforcements in the trenches.
Round 5, Pick 152: Safety
The Patriots’ safety position has been a bit of a question mark in recent years, and they will look to add some depth and athleticism to the back end of their defense. Antonio Johnson (Texas A&M) and Daniel Scott (California) are two potential targets who have the potential to make an impact in coverage and against the run.
Round 5, Pick 156: Quarterback
The Patriots have a secure quarterback in Mac Jones, but they could still look to add a developmental prospect in the later rounds. Cade Klubnik (Clemson) and Henry To’oTo’o (Tennessee) are two potential targets who could provide some depth and competition behind Jones.
Round 6, Pick 190: Linebacker
The Patriots’ linebacker corps has been depleted by injuries in recent years, and they will look to add some depth and athleticism to the middle of their defense. Edwin Kolenge (Georgia) and Josh Josephs (Tennessee) are two potential targets who have the potential to make an impact as run-stoppers and pass-rushers.
Round 7, Pick 228: Running Back
The Patriots have a solid running back tandem in Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris, but they could still look to add some depth and versatility to the position. DeWayne McBride (Vanderbilt) and Chase Brown (Illinois) are two potential targets who could provide the team with some additional speed and playmaking ability.
Round 7, Pick 245: Defensive Tackle
The Patriots’ defensive tackle rotation could use some additional depth, and they will look to add a late-round prospect who can provide some push in the middle of the defense. Weston Kramer (Weber State) and Will Mallory (Miami) are two potential targets who could provide the team with some additional size and strength.
Projecting the Impact of the New Players
Linebackers
The Patriots addressed their need for a pass rusher by drafting outside linebacker Rylan Jones in the first round. Jones is a physical presence with a knack for getting after the quarterback. He should immediately become a starter and provide a much-needed boost to the Patriots’ pass rush.
In the second round, the Patriots selected inside linebacker Jamal Anderson. Anderson is a versatile player who can play both inside and outside linebacker. He is a good tackler and has a good feel for the game. He should be a solid contributor to the Patriots’ defense.
Cornerbacks
The Patriots added depth to their cornerback group by drafting Darius Rush in the third round. Rush is a physical corner who is not afraid to tackle. He should be a good fit for the Patriots’ physical defense.
In the fourth round, the Patriots selected Brandon Smith, a small, quick cornerback with good ball skills. Smith should be a good slot corner and could also contribute on special teams.
Safeties
The Patriots added a young, talented safety in the fifth round by drafting Jordan Battle. Battle is a good athlete with good range. He should be a good depth piece for the Patriots’ defense.
In the sixth round, the Patriots selected Tyree Gillespie, a versatile defensive back who can play both safety and cornerback. Gillespie is a good tackler and has good coverage skills. He should be a good contributor on special teams.
Special Teams
The Patriots added a potential starting punter in the seventh round by drafting Blake Haubeil. Haubeil is a strong-legged punter with good accuracy. He should be able to compete for the starting job immediately.
The Patriots also added some depth to their special teams unit by selecting long snapper Tucker Addington in the seventh round. Addington is a good athlete with a strong leg. He should be a good backup long snapper for the Patriots.
| Player | Position | Round | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rylan Jones | OLB | 1 | Mississippi State |
| Jamal Anderson | ILB | 2 | Georgia |
| Darius Rush | CB | 3 | South Carolina |
| Brandon Smith | CB | 4 | Penn State |
| Jordan Battle | S | 5 | Alabama |
| Tyree Gillespie | S/CB | 6 | Missouri |
| Blake Haubeil | P | 7 | Ohio State |
| Tucker Addington | LS | 7 | Texas |
Patriots 2025 Mock Draft: 7 Rounds of Future Talent
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, it’s never too early to look ahead to the future. With the Patriots holding the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s plenty of speculation about who they might select. Here’s a seven-round mock draft projection for the Patriots in 2025:
- Round 1, Pick 6: Edge Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
Hutchinson is a dynamic pass rusher who would immediately upgrade the Patriots’ defense. He had 14 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2022, and he’s only going to get better.
- Round 2, Pick 39: Cornerback Jaheim Oatis, Alabama
Oatis is a physical specimen who can play both inside and outside cornerback. He had three interceptions and eight pass breakups in 2022, and he’s expected to be a first-round pick in 2025.
- Round 3, Pick 68: Wide Receiver Julian Fleming, Ohio State
Fleming is a 6’2″, 215-pound wide receiver who is a great target for quarterbacks. He had 50 catches for 767 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022, and he’s expected to be a top-10 wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Round 4, Pick 98: Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech
Gibbs is a versatile running back who can both run and catch passes out of the backfield. He had 1,494 total yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022, and he’s expected to be a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Round 5, Pick 128: Safety Dasan McCullough, Indiana
McCullough is a hard-hitting safety who is always around the ball. He had 48 tackles and three interceptions in 2022, and he’s expected to be a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Round 6, Pick 162: Linebacker Dane Key, Kentucky
Key is a speedy linebacker who can cover a lot of ground. He had 75 tackles and two interceptions in 2022, and he’s expected to be a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Round 7, Pick 192: Defensive Tackle Walter Nolen, Texas A&M
Nolen is a massive defensive tackle who can clog up the middle and create havoc for opposing offenses. He had 25 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2022, and he’s expected to be a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
People Also Ask
Does this mock draft take into account the Patriots’ salary cap situation?
No, this mock draft does not take into account the Patriots’ salary cap situation. The Patriots are currently projected to be over the salary cap in 2025, so they will need to make some roster moves before the draft. This could affect the players they target in the draft.
What are the Patriots’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Patriots have several areas of need on their roster, including edge rusher, cornerback, wide receiver, and running back. They also need to add depth to their defense and offensive line.
Who is the best player available at No. 6 overall in this mock draft?
The best player available at No. 6 overall in this mock draft is edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson is a dynamic pass rusher who would immediately upgrade the Patriots’ defense.
