With the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX, it's officially 'NFL Draft Season' for all 32 teams. For those organizations eliminated from playoff contention early on, the evaluation process has been well underway. The New England Patriots were sure to send high-level front office personnel to the all-star games, in order to observe and meet with potential draft targets. The next phase of the draft season is also the most critical.
The NFL Scouting Combine has been hosted by the city of Indianapolis for the past 40 years. Every February, National Football Scouting (NFS) president Jeff Foster spearheads the selection process by gathering votes from every team, which determines the approximate 350 invites. It's the ultimate apples-to-apples comparison for pro talent evaluators. When you factor in the same surface, with the same drills, conducted in the same indoor conditions at Lucas Oil Stadium, year-after-year, it provides NFL decision-makers with a common baseline.
When stacking a big board, the combine can serve as a slippery slope. By the time NFL teams arrive to Indianapolis, the board has been set, key fits have been identified, others will be flagged based on character, or medical but there will always be players who test well, which forces teams to do their due diligence. While disciplined teams try to stick to their initial rankings, there is a human element factor when it comes to player evaluation. There are two attributes that can't be taught; they are size and speed. Hence, when one, or both of those categories check out exceptionally well, it's only natural to over-emphasize value in those areas. It forces the front office to re-assess their initial stance, which can be challenging when test results make you reconsider your initial gut-check evaluation.
However, the single most important element of the combine is the medical testing. A red flag during the examination could create uncertainty surrounding a player's status. Such players are called back to Indy one final time prior to the draft for a medical re-examination. These prospects often require third-party opinions from team doctors. The other aspect that NFL teams find value in at the combine are the player interviews. Much similar to a date-dash fashion, teams are allowed to huddle up with prospects for formal visits in 15-minute intervals. Of course, there are also plenty of informal meetings held down back-alley hallways of the JW Marriott and downtown Indianapolis.
The 2025 NFL Draft can make-or-break the new leadership regime. New England conquered last year's draft by finding a new franchise quarterback. However, the dire lack of talent still resulted in just four wins this past season. On offense, more firepower is needed at the skill positions, if the Patriots are to reclaim the AFC East back from the Buffalo Bills, or compete with the AFC powerhouse squads such as the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. Equally important would be shoring up the offensive line. Surely, the combine can help provide solutions for some of the Patriots problems.
Bottom Line: New England needs to find some additional building blocks to lay on their foundation and the combine is a great way to identify those potential prospects. We have previewed each position and have highlighted several prospects whom the Patriots could target on offense at the NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled for February 27th through March 2nd.
BSJ brings you behind the scenes with our exclusive NFL Draft coverage. Be sure to check back next week for our Patriots Defense Combine Preview!
QUARTERBACKS
When studying the roots of New England Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, we know that his Pro Football Hall of Fame father Ron Wolf, believed in stockpiling quarterbacks. In fact, despite Brett Favre entrenched as the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback, the senior Wolf selected a quarterback in seven of eight drafts between 1992-99. Players selected during that time frame such as Mark Brunell and Matt Hasselbeck were later flipped in exchange for bountiful trade hauls. Last year, we saw the younger Wolf oversee his first NFL Draft. Based on early indications, not only did he nail the Patriots first round pick of franchise signal-caller Drake Maye but he doubled down with a page right our of his father's playbook by selecting another quarterback in round six with Joe Milton. According to a recent BSJ report, Milton has been rumored as potential trade bait. Whether New England deals off Milton or not, we can expect Wolf to continue to roll the dice on Day 3 quarterbacks for as long as he continues to oversee the war room. Let's examine who some of those candidates could be in the Class of 2025:
Quinn Ewers, Texas: The once-promising draft stock surrounding Ewers has plummeted drastically based on front office types we spoke to in Mobile due to accuracy and durability concerns. There's a realistic chance that Ewers could fall to Day 3. A selection of Ewers and then flip of Milton for additional and/or future picks could be one draft-day strategy worth exploring.
Tyler Shough, Louisville: Many coaches got to see the sixth-year Shough up close and in person for the first time at the Senior Bowl. He turned some heads. Those who have been keeping a keen eye on his journey already knew that Shough possessed all the tools in the toolbox. Staying healthy was an issue early on in his career but his maturation has really shined bright.
Max Brosmer, Minnesota: From New Hampshire to Minnesota, the Georgia native is no stranger to playing in poor weather conditions, a requisite for playing quarterback in New England. Brosmer might have the quickest release of any quarterback in this year's draft and has started 47 career games at the collegiate level. He projects as a late-round pick worth a roll of the dice.
RUNNING BACKS
For the second consecutive year, New England will be selecting in the top five. As nice as it would sound to plug-in a running back with All Pro potential such as Ashton Jeanty of Boise State, there are more prominent prospects expected to be available at No.4 overall. Considering how many needs the team has and the great depth of the running back class, it's also unlikely that the Patriots invest in the position on Day 2. However, they must attempt to upgrade the room at some point and Day 3 could be ripe for the picking. Here are a few players who could be hanging around on the final day of the draft:
Kyle Monangai, Rutgers: One of the most underrated prospects in this year's class, Monangai is as impressive as any runner to hail from Rutgers, including Ray Rice and Isiah Pacheco. His compact frame, lower body strength, vision and acceleration should translate well to the next level. With a stacked crop and Monangai flying under the radar, he could be a Day 3 steal for the Patriots.
RJ Harvey, UCF: The Patriots lack a home run hitter and Harvey is a threat to take it the distance any time he touches the ball. While they enjoyed more explosive plays on the ground than in the air, the Patriots' longest run from scrimmage was last season just 45 yards by Antonio Gibson. Adding Harvey to the mix would provide a change-of-pace-slasher.
LeQuint Allen, Syracuse: With a tough, hard-nosed run style, Allen is a grind-it-out between-the-tackles type of back who is also an exceptional pass-catcher out of the backfield. Looking ahead, Rhammondre Stevenson has two years remaining on his rookie deal and New England is likely to part ways based on his production to this point. Allen would be ready to assume the position.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Sadly, the Patriots had one of the most putrid receiving corps in the NFL. This is a high priority position of need and all rounds should be in consideration for New England to find a bonafide WR1. The last time the team had a 1,000-yard receiver was Julian Edelman (2019). It's hard to win in the NFL without the threat of explosive plays on offense. New England was the only NFL team with a higher explosive rate running the ball than passing it, according to The Athletic. That speaks volumes to the state of disarray this unit currently stands. An injection of both veteran reinforcements and youthful legs is likely needed. Here is one player on each day of the draft that New England could look to target:
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona: Our sources have indicated that McMillan is about to blow the lid off Lucas Oil Stadium with one of the most impressive combine performances we have ever witnessed. His combination of size, speed, athleticism and yards-after-catch ability is something that comes around once in a decade. McMillan is in play at No.4 overall.
Tre Harris, Mississippi: A big, sturdy, physical wideout, Harris is a polished route runner with dependable hands. Few players have enjoyed the type of consistency and production as Harris, having totaled at least 900 receiving yards in each of the past three seasons, while adding 25 touchdowns during that span. He projects as a Day 2 talent with starter characteristics.
Tory Horton, Colorado State: Once considered a heralded prospect in his own right, a season-ending leg injury, which required surgery has dampened the draft stock of Horton. His public torching of Travis Hunter for 133 receiving yards against in-state rivalry Colorado two years ago is a glimpse into the type of potential Horton possesses, making him a Day 3 name worth monitoring.
TIGHT ENDS
It was a solid showing from the tight end tandem of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper this past season. For Hunter, who led the team with 674 receiving yards and just turned 30 years old, his contract doubles in 2025 to $10.5M. Meanwhile Hooper, who was the fourth leading receiver on the team with 476 yards, is primed command more than the $3M he earned in 2024 in free agency. Luckily for the Patriots, it's a great year to seek a tight end via the draft. There are some potential high-impact players atop the class, in addition to several targets who could be good fits for the Patriots in later rounds. Some of the more logical fits are as follows:
Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame: If you tuned in to the College Football Playoff run made by Notre Dame, then you may have noticed the fearless Evans making big play catches over the middle during clutch moments. An effective pass-catching target, Evans is also a suitable fit as an inline blocker. His well-rounded skill-set would seem to be worth a mid-round investment.
Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse: A pure pass-catching threat, Gadsden presents a long, agile target in the mold of Darren Waller. His athleticism and yards-after-catch ability is what separates him from other prospects at the position. His dad, Oronde Gadsden, spent six seasons with the Miami Dolphins but the younger Gadsden II would be welcomed with open arms in Foxborough.
Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech: Should New England wait until the late rounds to add an additional tight end into the fold, Hawes would be the equivalent of adding an extra offensive lineman. His blocking technique is top-notch and while he isn't going to make a major impact in the passing attack, he also won't get your hurt. Hawes can come up with a scoop when needed.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The greatest need on offense is on the offensive line. New England will be on a mission to stabilize the front unit, if they wish to take the next step in contention. Look no further than the domination that was on display in Super Bowl LIX, as the Philadelphia Eagles put on a masterclass clinic of excellence, mauling over the Kansas City Chiefs defense. There is some position flexibility with the current O-line group, as the Patriots continue to experiment and find best fits for players such as veteran Mike Onwenu who projects as a key cog moving forward at tackle or guard. We also saw Cole Strange shift from guard to center, as he enters the final year of his contract. More recently, the Patriots release of Chukwuma Okorafor creates another void. Finding upgrades and having players settle into more defined roles will only help create continuity. We highlighted numerous potential offensive line draft candidates in our BSJ Senior Bowl Recap. Here are some more prospects who would prosper in New England:
Charles Grant, William & Mary: A small school product with big-time game, Grant is a fiery type who demonstrates tremendous strength, excellent bend and a tenacious demeanor. The combine will be the first time scouts will get to poke and prod Grant who didn't participate in the all-star circuit. However, his upside is as high as any offensive lineman in the draft.
Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Florida: The mammoth Crenshaw-Dickson towered over the competition at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Dallas last month. A transfer from San Diego State, Crenshaw-Dickson stepped right in and made a smooth transition to the SEC, starting 12 games at right tackle this past season for the Gators. His best football would seem to be ahead of him.
Bryce Cabeldue, Kansas: While Cabeldue doesn't possess great size or girth such as the aforementioned players, he compensates with excellent technique, hand placement, toughness and experience. Another standout at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where New England sent several scouts to observe, Cabeldue was one of the top performer throughout the week and would make for an ideal target on Day 3 of the draft.