The scouting combine begins next week, as the NFL universe gets set to ascend upon Indianapolis for a week-long evaluation process that includes player interviews, medical examinations and ultimate physical testing, in what will amount to be the biggest job interview opportunity that all 329 participants will ever participate in. For the New England Patriots, it means a chance to improve the roster for both the short and long-term.
With New England still meshing new figures in their front office roles, this offseason will be even more critical than a year ago. The patience of modern-day NFL owners has become a much shorter leash than yesteryear and for very good reason. Long gone are the days of a 'five-year plan,' just go ask Robert Kraft who jettisoned his hand-picked head coach successor Jerod Mayo after one season. A quick glance around the league shows organizations such as the Washington Commanders (four wins in 2023, to 12 wins in 2024) and Los Angeles Chargers (five wins in 2023, to 11 wins in 2024), are able to turn it around in one year. Another four-win season will not be tolerated.
Sure, finding the right head coach is vital and securing a franchise quarterback is necessary. New England secured the latter last year with their selection of Drake Maye and all indications point towards them nabbing the right headmen on this go around with the hiring of Mike Vrabel. Of course, the combine is just the next phase of the offseason re-construction for the Patriots. Come March, while college scouts hit the road for NFL pro days, pro personnel will be making recommendations on who the organization should target in free agency. New England will enter the free agent market with more cap space than any other team in the NFL ($126M), according to OverTheCap.com. This is a double-edged sword, as the need to spend it wisely.
While free agency tends to spring optimism in March, teams are often forced to overpay for needs. It's where improvements are made. However, championships are built in April through the NFL Draft. The combine is an excellent way to evaluate top prospects side-by-side on the field, while getting to know who they are as a person, off it. Below is a preview of potential targets that New England could look to identify at each position, along with an assessment of how dire of a need the team has at each group. Be sure to check out our Patriots Combine Preview: Offense Edition, in case you missed it and stay tuned to BSJ for exclusive on-location coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled for February 27th through March 1st in Indianapolis.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
When reflecting upon the Patriots 2024 campaign, one might look back at the black cloud hovering over the organization last August when it was announced that defensive tackle Christian Barmore had been diagnosed with blood clots, as a sign of foreshadowing to come. Not only was it a scary life-threatening moment for Barmore but a morally deflating piece of news that rocked coaches and players alike with a gut punch. Barmore would eventually make his way back and appear in four games but New England will continue to monitor his health moving forward. Filling in for Barmore was journeyman Daniel Ekuale, who now hits free agency after starting 16 games for the club. As insurance, one of the first orders of business for the team included re-signing Jeremiah Pharms for depth. Look for more pieces to be added.
Mason Graham, Michigan: When constructing a championship-caliber team, the foundation must be built with cornerstone players. That being said, Graham is the type of talent that has to be in play for the Patriots at pick No.4. While defensive tackle might not be the most dire need, selecting the best player available is certainly a draft day philosophy New England should apply, as Graham possesses All-pro caliber burst, bend, agility and strength.
Rylie Mills, Notre Dame: The massive Mills is known to gobble up double team assignments, while providing interior pass-rush. A three-year starter and team captain, he is able to generate tremendous knock-back and forklift opposing linemen off their mark due to his great power. Mills suffered a season-ending right knee injury during the College Football Playoff, which could drop him down a bit in the draft. However, he projects as a down-the-road starter.
CJ West, Indiana: One of the heralded leaders responsible for the Hoosiers turnaround this past year, West played a key role on defense in stuffing the run, while also showcasing his ability to penetrate the backfield. He possesses elite-level strength, superb quickness and charges offensive linemen like a bowling ball with spikes. The lack of height and length could make some leery but West owns starter-caliber traits and could be a Day 3 diamond.
EDGE RUSHERS
The most glaring need on defense is at the edge. New England ranked dead last (32nd overall) in the NFL with just 28 sacks in 2024. While their top pass-rusher Keion White (five sacks) is set to return, he registered just one sack over the final 15 games. The Patriots will need to make a decision on whether or not to re-sign Deatrich Wise (five sacks), who turns 31 this summer. Regardless, draft picks will be invested into the edge rusher spot. Much like the quarterback position on offense, pass-rushers also tend to get pushed up the board, so New England will need to be active in the market early on to ensure they nab some reinforcements. Below are some potential options who could be available on all three days of the draft.
Abdul Carter, Penn State: As previously stated, New England needs to continue to collect blue-chip talent and Carter is arguably the draft's top overall prospect. With quarterbacks in high demand, there's still a possibility that Carter could slide to the Patriots in round one. An explosive edge presence with a diverse pass-rush repertoire, he has a similar body frame as Von Miller, which could make him a fit as a 4-3 defensive end, or 3-4 outside linebacker.
Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA: Obtaining a premier pass-rush presence often requires investing first-round picks. Should the Patriots fail to land Carter, they will need to explore the draft and develop alternative to finding edge impact. One of the most body-beautiful and explosive players at the Reese's Senior Bowl was Oladejo, who split time between linebacker and defensive end for the Bruins. His violent burst, strength and versatility were on full display in Mobile and would be a welcomed addition.
David Walker, Central Arkansas: A four-time FCS All-American who has posted video game type stats, Walker has shown the ability to set the edge as a pass-rusher, or against the run and is athletic enough to drop back in coverage when needed. Over the past three seasons, he has tallied an eye-popping 63 tackles for loss, including 31 sacks. This makes him an ideal developmental stand-up 3-4 linebacker worth rolling the dice on Day 3 of the draft.
LINEBACKERS
Aside from the recent release of Sione Takitaki, the linebacker unit remains relatively intact from a year ago but we should expect to see changes with a new regime and different defensive scheme. Coming off a pectoral injury that limited him to just two games this past year, run-stuffing linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley could be on his way out as a cap casualty under Vrabel, who is looking to get more athletic at the position. During his absence, Christian Ellis stepped up and played a key role, finishing third on the team with 80 tackles. Ellis will enter free agency looking to capitalize on his career year after earning just under $1M this past season. With few off-ball linebackers projected to come off the board on Day 1, there could be tremendous value to be found in the middle rounds of the draft.
Carson Schwesinger, UCLA: An instinctual MIKE backer who keeps his head on a swivel, Schwesinger has one of the more fascinating stories in this year's draft, as an unranked recruit out of high school, to being named All-American this past season for the Bruins. He'll make for an interesting case study come draft weekend, as he has started just 10 games during his four-year collegiate career. However, he brings added value on special teams.
Teddye Buchanan, California: A versatile off-ball linebacker who specializes in pass coverage, Buchanan is able to defend running backs and tight ends alike, while providing aid in the run game. He hails from the FCS ranks, where he earned a penchant for clutch plays and turnovers at UC-Davis, before transferring to Cal for his final year. Initially, he projects as a valuable backup, capable of filling in at all spots with the upside to start down the road should he reach his peak pro potential.
Tyreem Powell, Rutgers: A lateral, sideline-to-sideline, hair-on-fire type, with quick closing ability, Powell served as the vocal leader and team captain for the Scarlet Knights. One of the true thumpers of this year's draft class, Powell should measure in as one of the bigger linebackers at the combine. He brings an extensive resume as a three-year starter, along with over 200 career tackles and an intense work ethic. He could emerge as a combine winner and could help upgrade the overall depth.
CORNERBACKS
New England enters the offseason razor thin at cornerback. One cornerback spot is solidified with the emergence of Christian Gonzalez, who proved durable and reliable during his second season in Foxborough. The Patriots have him under contract through 2027, should they choose to exercise his fifth-year option. However, after Gonzalez, there are many unanswered questions. Key veteran Jonathan Jones is set to become a free agent and his achy body will be 32 years old. The 2016 undrafted free agent will be seeking one final payday after earning $8M in 2024. New England will need to add for the now but also look ahead to the future, as slot corner Marcus Jones will be entering the final year of his contract. A second starting corner, plus depth on the boundary and at slot are needed.
Travis Hunter, Colorado: Adding a cornerstone talent such as Hunter is the best scenario that New England can envision with their first pick. A bonafide lockdown corner, Hunter would pair with Gonzalez to create one of the most formidable duos in the NFL. Considering the current state of the Patriots wide receiver corps, Hunter would certainly help boost the offense also. New England should sprint to the podium if Hunter is still available at pick four.
Trey Amos, Mississippi: A stellar press man cover corner, Amos is long, lean and physical. He demonstrates keen awareness and does an excellent job of getting his head turned around, while staying between the ball and receiver. Should New England wait until Day 2 to add an impact corner, Amos would be an excellent compliment to the secondary, as an intense competitor who doesn’t allow an inch. His size and SEC-proven resume should translate very well to the next level.
Zah Frazier, UTSA: In terms of size, there isn't a more towering cornerback prospect than Frazier, who comes in at 6-foot-3 and brings blazing speed to accompany his rare length. A somewhat raw prospect, Frazier played fewer than 100 snaps prior to this year but enjoyed a breakout season, snagging six interceptions. It's only natural for him to draw comparisons to former teammate Tariq Woolen (Seahawks), with some NFL scouts giving him even higher marks.
SAFETY
With heavy investments made during last offseason into the safety position, New England won't have much flexibility to make significant changes. Starters Kyle Dugger ($15.26M in 2025) and Jabril Peppers ($6.45M in 2025) both signed new deals, which were met with mixed results. They would appear to remain set with this duo for at least another season. After bouncing around three teams in as many seasons, backup Jaylinn Hawkins seems to have found a permanent home in New England, as he filled in admirably when called upon, making seven spot-starts. New England should look to re-sign the pending free agent. With many other dire needs at the forefront, the Patriots are unlikely to add any safeties via the draft until the later rounds. The good news is, there are some gems to be uncovered.
Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State: A big, fast, physical safety who serves as an enforcer on the backend of the defense, Winston suffered a torn ACL during the second week of the regular season. Prior to the injury, the hard-hitting Winston was considered to be a first-round value. With the Patriots holding three selections on Day 2, it would be wise to monitor the latest medical status surrounding his health status, as Winston would upgrade the unit.
Andrew Mukuba, Texas: After four productive seasons at Clemson, Mukuba transferred to Austin for his final season and enjoyed his finest campaign to date. The defensive playmaker was responsible for five interceptions, while racking up 69 tackles as the last line of the Longhorns defense. A native of Zimbabwe, Mukuba did not discover football until the fifth grade. His rapid development is an indication that his best football is still ahead of him.
Alijah Clark, Syracuse: A lengthy, physical, in-the-box defensive back who is versatile enough to play either safety spot, Clark can lay the lumber. The speedster possesses incredible athleticism, along with natural ball skills and toughness. He's expected to be one of the more fluid athletes in attendance at the combine. A mid-to-late round draft target, Clark would add value to New England due to his versatility to step in at multiple spots.
