Patriots
The Patriots missed out on the prospect to select first overall in an NFL draft for the primary time since 1993 after a Week 18 win over the Bills.
But even after missing that chance, New England should still be in the very best position so as to add a blue-chip talent to its roster with the fourth pick within the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Here's a have a look at a few of New England's potential targets because the clock hits the clock in late April.
Travis Hunter, Colorado – CB/WR
It stays to be seen whether Hunter – arguably probably the most talented prospect on this draft class – will even be available at No. 4. But whether the Titans, Browns and Giants (who hold the primary three picks) prioritize either quarterbacks or other areas based on the depth chart, there's a slim likelihood that a novel blue-chip talent like Hunter could possibly be available to New England.
Nick Baumgardner created such a scenario in his latest mock draft, with each the Titans (Miami QB Cam Ward) and Giants (Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders) taking signal-callers – and the Browns choosing LSU tackle Will Campbell at No. 2.
Hunter won the Heisman Trophy this season by filling up the stat sheet on either side of the ball – he had 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns for Colorado, while also recording 4 interceptions and 11 passing catches because the team's No. 1 cornerback. Breakups recorded.
Given the various glaring holes and lack of talent on New England's roster, adding a player with Hunter's skill set and flexibility can be very tempting. While it's unlikely he would play heavy reps at each wideout and corner on the NFL level, Hunter could become a lockdown corner alongside Christian Gonzalez – while also contributing on offense in certain packages.
He will not be the franchise's No. 1 prospect on the NFL level, but Hunter could possibly be a dynamic playmaker if asked – especially if the Patriots add one other top goal in Drake Maye like Tee Higgins.
Abdul Carter, Penn State-Edge
In terms of pure talent and potential, Carter could possibly be New England's next best choice after Hunter.
Yes, the Patriots' most pressing need could be on the offensive line. But a passer like Carter could quickly become a dynamic playmaker and cornerstone of New England's defense in record time.
New England's declining defense had several issues in 2024, particularly when it got here to putting pressure on opposing QBs. The Patriots finished dead last within the league with just 28 sacks this season, while they were also tied for second-worst within the league with the Browns with just 0.7 takeaways per game.
Carter is an explosive athlete with the vital stature (6-foot-1, 220 kilos) to outplay opposing tackles. He collected 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and 22 tackles for a loss at Penn State this season.
“The Patriots miss out on the first overall pick, but make up for it by landing the best EDGE in the class in Abdul Carter.” SB Nation's Joseph Acosta said of Carter in his latest mock draft. “Carter is a crazy mix of power and explosiveness and has the flexibility to drop into coverage or rush the passer, where the Patriots desperately need help.” I'm not particularly high on this OL class, in order that's why a lift to grab the very best defender available at a position that is required.”
Will Johnson, Michigan – CB
Similar to Hunter, Johnson is certainly one of the highest cornerbacks on this draft class – and would give New England an elite corner duo alongside Gonzalez.
Johnson was limited to only six games this season resulting from injury, but his athleticism, larger frame (6-foot-1, 200 kilos) and instincts in blocking receivers and anticipating passes from QBs could make him a talent , who is simply too good to pass for New England.
Despite his injury issues in 2024, as a sophomore, Johnson was a powerful force in Michigan's run to a national title in 2023. He was named the National Championship Defensive MVP Award after a save against Washington QB Michael Penix within the championship game at NRG Stadium Jr. had enforced.
Will Johnson’s last two interceptions as a Michigan Wolverine were both pick-sixes.
Legend. pic.twitter.com/324GjzD19G
— Brock Heilig (@brockheilig) December 11, 2024
“Johnson’s skills immediately improve the Patriots’ ability to defend the pass and strengthen their overall defense.” Bleacher Report analyst Cory Giddings said of Johnson's passing with New England.
Mason Graham, Michigan – DT
Defensive tackles, very like offensive linemen, aren't precisely the flashiest options – especially on the subject of top-10 picks.
But Graham comes across as a one-man scrap team in the course of the D-line – able to stuffing the run while squeezing the pockets around a quarterback.
Graham could possibly be a force if he's on the identical line with Keion White, while the uncertain status of Christian Barmore's forward may lead New England to contemplate a possible substitute in Graham.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Graham recorded 46 tackles and three.5 sacks with Michigan last season.
“The Patriots entered Week 18 projected as the No. 1 overall pick, but a blowout win over the Buffalo Bills dropped them three spots and still cost head coach Jerod Mayo his job.” Rob Rang of Fox Sports wrote in his mock draft. “Whoever his successor is – former Patriots linebacker and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is rumored to be a candidate – will recognize Graham's talent. Together with rising star Keion White, the Patriots could have the makings of a dominant defensive line.”
Will Campbell, LSU – OT
The Patriots have their quarterback of the long run in Drake Maye. Now they should protect him.
Improving the offensive line could possibly be probably the most pressing offseason goal for Eliot Wolf and the remaining of New England's top team.
New England allowed 52 sacks this season – the fifth-most within the NFL and probably the most sacks allowed in a 12 months by New England since 1999.
There are still some questions open Campbell's arm's length And whether or not he's higher suited as a guard at the subsequent level, he established himself as arguably probably the most consistent tackle within the SEC last season.
“New England won its final, but it may have lost a lot of influence in the process,” said Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz said in his USA Today mock draft. “The Patriots are now behind several quarterback-hungry teams, hurting their prospects for a tradeback that could have helped them increase their draft capital while securing a top offensive lineman or receiver.”
“As it stands, they’ll solve their most pressing problem by grabbing Campbell, a consensus All-American who could possibly be the stabilizing presence this shaky front is missing.
Kelvin Banks, Jr., Texas – OT
Rather a lot can change when it comes to the draft leaderboard between now and April.
Therefore, there may be a likelihood that Banks could overtake Campbell as the highest tackle on this draft class.
Banks won the 2024 Outland Trophy because the country's best center backalthough he has now played 39 straight games at left tackle for the Longhorns. Similar to Campbell, the 6-foot-2 Banks was projected by some draft evaluators as a guard on the NFL level.
“Kelvin Banks Jr. was my OT1 in the summer and nothing has changed. He is athletic, has good feet, plays with balance and power and uses his hands well. Right now he’s better at passing than he is at running, but it’s close – and he’s only going to get better.” Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports said in his mock draft.
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona – WR
The Patriots not only have to protect Maye, but additionally they have to get him some weapons.
New England had arguably the league's worst receiving corps in 2024, with DeMario Douglas having probably the most receiving yards amongst Patriots wideouts with 621. The last time a Patriots wideout reached 1,000 yards in a single season was Julian Edelman in 2019.
A physical wideout like McMillian could possibly be Maye's top goal in 2025. In 12 games this season with Arizona, McMillain recorded 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns.
“The 6-foot-2, 220-pound receiver has the resemblance of Mike Evans and Drake London, with smooth movement for his size and exceptionally strong hands,” says PFF's Trevor Sikkema McMillan said in a mock draft released last month.
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