Ranking the New England Patriots’ 4 biggest draft needs

The New England Patriots need...well...a lot. As a reflection of their ongoing rebuilding process, the Pats have more holes than a Swiss Cheese charcuterie board. While it might look daunting, it also presents opportunities for head coach Mike Vrabel to mold this team in his image. He has a QB in Drake Maye, and some really intriguing defensive players who are coming back from injury. Now, it’s about filling out the rest of the roster with core talents, especially up front.

Who fits that bill (no pun intended) in the 2025 NFL Draft? Here’s who I think fits the Patriots’ biggest needs in the class.

1 . Offensive tackle

As you read this, Drake Maye got sacked. Yes, it’s the offseason and he still got sacked. The Patriots’ offensive line, especially at tackle, have to improve to get the most out of the young signal caller. With the way that Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels want to operate their offense, having a line that can grind out yards on the ground and keep Maye upright has to take top priority.

Best fits: Josh Simmons, Ohio State, Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota, Anthony Belton, NC State

2. Wide Receiver

It seems like Bengals’ wideout Tee Higgins is going to remain in Cincinnati, which knocks this wide receiver free agent class down a significant notch. Patriots’ wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk suffered through confidence issues last season, and beyond him the New England receiver room is full of specialists and inconsistency. Finding an outside guy who can be a downfield target for Maye has to be one of the biggest needs for the Patriots if they want to take the next step in 2025.

Best fits: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, Jayden Higgins, Iowa State, Bru McCoy, Tennessee

3. EDGE

The Patriots very quietly have a big need at pass rusher going into 2025. The Pats finished 23rd in Pass Rush Win Rate in 2024, but since trading Josh Uche to the Chiefs, there was no consistent pass rush on the outside. With DT Christian Barmore on the inside and Keion White being more of a versatility and hammer piece than a true winner, getting a guy who can win in 1v1 situations is gonna be huge, especially against the monsters the Pats face in the division.

Best fits: Abdul Carter, Penn State, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College, Bradyn Swinson, LSU

4. Cornerback

Christian Gonzalez is an All-Pro caliber player, but he needs some help in the secondary. The Pats have to face QB Josh Allen and Miami Dolphins’ WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle twice a year--loading up on a secondary that can slow those guys down has be be one of the bigger needs for New England going into the draft. It’ll allow Marcus Jones to play more inside and free up everyone else in the secondary as well.

Best fits: Travis Hunter, Colorado, Azareye’h Thomas, FSU, Cobee Bryant, Kansas