Patriots
The Patriots appear to have found each a franchise QB in Drake Maye and a proven No. 1 cornerback in Christian Gonzalez.
But New England still lacks multiple playmakers on each side because the Patriots look to place together a competitive roster in the approaching years.
The Patriots can have the chance so as to add one other blue-chip prospect to their profile list in the approaching months via the 2025 NFL Draft.
While this current draft class is probably not as deep as last 12 months's, New England must be well-positioned so as to add probably the greatest players to this current group of prospects – especially for the reason that Patriots aren't on the lookout for one QB like Cam are Ward or Shedeur Sanders.
But with the Patriots – is currently ranked third overall – Who should the team prioritize coming into play at the tip of April on condition that there are several holes of their roster?
Here's the newest NFL mock draft recap and who experts have tipped to be New England's first-round pick.
Field Yates, ESPN: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Given that New England could each use one other corner to pair with Gonzalez, an explosive playmaker on offense, Yates believes New England should goal the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Hunter.
“Hunter is the most electrifying player in his class and the highest-ranked young player on my list. “He has the ability to make a difference on both sides of the ball,” Yates wrote. “He has rare acceleration and elite playmaking qualities as a receiver, but I also see lockdown coverage skills – including elite ball skills and instincts – as a cornerback.” Keep in mind that on offense, he doesn't just rank sixth in receiving yards ( 1,152) and second in TD catches (14), but additionally has 4 interceptions and 10 pass breakups on defense.”
While Hunter offers essentially the most potential, Yates was candid in acknowledging that New England is likely to be tempted to focus on its offensive line with the No. 3 pick.
“The Patriots have a significant need at left tackle, so targeting someone like Kelvin Banks Jr. out of Texas is at least a talking point,” Yates added. “But when you consider the gaps at receiver and cornerback opposite Christian Gonzalez, Hunter is too good to pass up.”
Rob Rang, FOX Sports: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
While many of the discussion about New England's draft needs has centered around tackles and pass catchers, Rang believes a disruptive pass rusher like Carter is likely to be too good to pass up for the Patriots at No. 3 overall.
“No one needs to tell Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo the impact quality defensive backs can have on a franchise,” Rang wrote. “Carter has the most explosive first step of anyone in this class. Combine him with rising star Keion White, and the Patriots could have the makings of a dominant defensive line.”
Joseph Acosta, SB Nation: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
“I think New England would make a run for the podium if the board fell like that,” Acosta wrote. “Hunter is an electric talent who would be a good receiver but could be an incredible cornerback with his instincts and ball skills. A duo of Hunter and Christian Gonzalez would be one of the best young duos in the NFL.”
Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
“The Patriots need to surround rookie quarterback Drake Maye with better players,” Flick wrote. “New England is last in the league in passing offense, averaging just 170 yards per game, and needs help on its offensive line and positional talent.
“How special is Hunter? He ranks in the top six in the country in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,152) and receiving touchdowns (14), and no one is sure whether he's better suited as a receiver or cornerback at the next level. He has intercepted four passes this fall, two of them in his last three games. No matter where the Patriots take him, he will be a star.”
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Edwards has the Patriots sign one other impact receiver within the 6-foot-2 McMillan, who has drawn comparisons to Mike Evans.
“The offensive line must be a priority for the Patriots, but Tetairoa McMillan could rank higher on their board,” Edwards wrote. “Most draft decision makers would tell you that the best player available outweighs the need, but this would be an interesting case study with the Patriots to this point.”
Brad Crawford, 24/7 Sports: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
“College football’s best player, Travis Hunter, plays on both sides of the Buffaloes’ football and averages more than 130 snaps per game,” Crawford wrote. “However, that won’t happen in the NFL.
“The New England Patriots would have to decide whether Hunter is better suited as a top wide receiver prospect or as someone who has a decades-long career as a shutdown cornerback. With the franchise's future at quarterback solidified with Drake Maye, it makes sense here to recruit the best overall player when he is available.”
Count Jones as another NFL Draft expert who believes Carter would be the biggest asset for New England.
Even with a strong season from Keion White, the Patriots currently have the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL with 27. Carter has accumulated 10 sacks, 37 solo tackles and two forced fumbles with the Nittany Lions so far this year.
“Abdul Carter has significant potential in the 2025 edge rusher class and is just beginning to capitalize on his skills,” Jones wrote. With a height of 1.80 meters and a weight of 110 kilograms, he demonstrates top athleticism and an aggressive approach to pass rushing. His physicality, flexibility and explosive movements allow him to win battles on the road almost immediately.
“Although he continues to be developing his repertoire of pass-rush techniques, Carter has the potential to grow to be one in all the highest edge rushers within the NFL as Carter continues to learn the position and hone his skills.”
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