Now that the dust has settled on the 2025 NFL Draft, it's time to examine how the pieces fit into the construction of the overall 53-man roster. When we reflect back on the second draft under the watch of Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, it's clear that the organization had a vision on how to utilize their picks. It's also evident that first-year head coach Mike Vrabel had a significant influence inside the war room.
After an offseason that focused primarily on addressing the defensive side of the ball in free agency, New England went into the draft in an offensive state of mind. It's safe to say that after the NFL Draft in Green Bay, franchise quarterback Drake Maye is going to be much better protected. In fact, the organization invested heavily on offense, utilizing their first four selections to enhance the supporting cast.
There was no hesitation in taking LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with the fourth overall selection. A modern-day gladiator, Campbell stated he will 'fight and die' to protect Maye, which sums up the type of tenacious blindside protector that the Patriots are inheriting. New England struck gold in Jared Wilson out of Georgia. Considered by many to be the premier center in the draft, Wilson has a strong chance to start - possibly at left guard as well - which is tremendous value.
One reality that came to fruition is that the team placed a heavy emphasis on upgrading the backfield. By making running back a priority, New England landed one of the most well-rounded runners in TreVeyon Henderson. The electric Ohio State back is dangerous runner who can bust loose for big chunks, is a legitimate pass-catcher out of the backfield and takes pride on putting defenders on their butt. However, the front office didn't draft strictly based on need. In round three, they stayed true to their board and took wideout Kyle Williams out of Washington State. Kudos to Vrabel/Wolf for making a gutsy pick on a player not invited to the combine, at a position in which he may have whiffed twice on a year ago. Instead, he kept swinging!
On Day 3, the Patriots shifted their attention to the defensive side of the ball, acquiring three prospects who could factor into key rotational cogs with their first three picks. In mid-round selections of safety Craig Woodson of California, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer of Florida State and Bradyn Swinson of LSU, New England added some much-needed depth at critical spots. Especially in the case of Farmer, who possesses starter-caliber traits and serves as an insurance policy should any health concerns arise for Christian Barmore.
Lastly, one key point we can gather is that Vrabel is going to place a lot of energy in solidifying the special teams units. It requires special discipline to stay the course, but a conscious effort was made, as the team selected a kicker and long snapper. Even Henderson, who took some reps as a kick returner for the Buckeyes, could get a look-see. Many of the late-round picks who will boost depth, will also be vying for roles on special teams.
Below is a pick-by-pick look at the New England Patriots' Class of 2025 NFL Draft Class:
ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL
Rd.1 No.4. Will Campbell, OT, LSU — Knocked for his lack of arm length, Campbell hasn’t had an issue manning the left tackle position since his arrival at Baton Rouge. His nastiness and swag should go a long way in building the Mike Vrabel culture.
Rd.2 No.38. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State — An electric runner, Henderson significantly enhances the Patriots backfield with his multidimensional skill set. He brings a slashing style but is also a receiving threat and one of the best blocking backs.
Rd.3 No.69. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State — The Patriots stayed true to their board and pulled the trigger on the speedy Williams, who wasn’t invited to the combine. His short-area quickness and ability to separate should work well in the slot.
Rd.3 No.95. Jared Wilson, C, Georgia — Being able to nab the nimble Wilson at this stage was tremendous value. The battle-tested middle man is expected to compete for the starting center and/or left guard spot and brings the versatility to play all three interior positions.
Rd.4 No.106. Craig Woodson, S, California — A well-rounded safety with adequate size and excellent athleticism. With his range to cover ground, step up against the run and solid pass coverage skills, Woodson could step in to backup either safety spot.
Rd.4 No.137. Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State — It was a surprise to see Farmer slide to Day 3. His length, power and get-off are top-shelf, while he possesses an explosive first step. Farmer projects as a key rotational piece along the defensive line.
Rd.5 No.146. Bradyn Swinson, ER, LSU — A late bloomer, Swinson busted out in a big way during his final year, demonstrating a relentless motor in pursuit of the quarterback. Making sure Swinson learns the playbook will be a top priority for the pass-rusher.
Rd.6 No.182. Andres Borregales, K, Miami — No one drafts more kickers than New England, who have taken three in the past five years. The Venezuela-born Borregales, who spent his entire college career at Miami, will need to adjust to the climate.
Rd.7 No.220. Marcus Bryant, OT, Missouri — An experienced prospect, Bryant started 42 games across SMU and Missouri. He tends to struggle against speed but he should increase the level of competition at backup tackle.
Rd.7 No.251. Julian Ashby, LS, Vanderbilt — Another draft pick invested on special teams, the undersized Ashby drew league-wide interest leading up to April. A bit undersized, he is the first Commodores player or long snapper drafted since 2021.
Rd.7 No.257. Kobee Minor, S, Memphis — Who doesn’t like a good underdog story? Chosen as this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” Minor owns a high motor and is a solid open-field tackler who plays downhill. He’ll need to earn his way onto the roster via specials.