New England Patriots 7 round 2025 NFL mock draft reloads team to build around Drake Maye's stellar rookie year

The New England Patriots are at a crossroads for their future. After just a year removed from Bill Belichick's departure from the team, they are already looking for their second head coach in two years. Jerod Mayo was fired after leading a truly disastrous season for the team.

On the bright side, Drake Maye looked like everything they could have hoped for, and more, at quarterback, and some younger contributors like Christian Gonzalez, Kayshon Boutte, Keion White, Demario Douglas, and Layden Robinson took strides this season. 

With a top-five pick and plenty of cash to burn in free agency, the future still feels bright for the Patriots, if they can get the right head coach in charge. 

New England Patriots 7-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 4: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

In the simulation I ran, Travis Hunter fell off the board every time. With none of the offensive line close to being worth it here, it turns to best player available. Fortunately for the Patriots, BPA also fits a critical need of the team. 

Too often, New England's lack of a pass rush bit the team. Only two teams in the NFL finished with fewer pressures and the Patriots were dead-last in sacks on the year. That just can't happen if you want to be a competitive team. 

Abdul Carter can be the solution to the team's woes. Carter is an unbelievable athlete, capable of generating havoc through sheer freakish athletic traits. 

Round 2, Pick 38: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary

The Patriots likely have three starting spots on the offensive line solidified, with Cole Strange at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard, and Caedan Wallace (probably) at right tackle, leaving the left side wide open to attack in the draft and free agency. Ideally, however, New England aims to find their long-term blindside protector in the draft.

Charles Grant is an elite athlete, combining an excellent blend of length, movement skills, and competitive toughness that lets him dominate the competition. As he grows with NFL conditioning and improves his technique, Grant has the tools to be a quality long-term NFL tackle. 

Round 3, Pick 69: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

Part of New England's lack of pass rush was little push in the middle of their defense. With no Christian Barmore, the defensive tackle group provided little to affect the quarterback, combining for just 40 pressures and six sacks in 2024. 

If you're not familiar with Omarr Norman-Lott's game yet, get ready, because I have a feeling he will emerge as a consensus top-100 (or higher) player in the 2025 class. He is a powerful and explosive three-technique who will boost New England's defensive line right away. 

Round 3, Pick 77: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois

New England might have found some solutions with Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, but they still need to continue adding talent in their wide receiver room, both in the draft and free agency. 

Pat Bryant is a bonafide "X" wide receiver at the next level, possessing good size, length, hands, and separation ability to be a reliable starter outside at the NFL level. 

Round 4, Pick 105: Jared Wilson, OC, Georgia

Cole Strange might be settled in at center (we'll see what ends up happening with David Andrews), but I wouldn't be comfortable there if I were the Patriots. Adding quality competition at the pivot spot wouldn't be a bad idea. 

Jared Wilson has only been a one-year starter at center himself, but has the quickness, awareness, and play strength to be a starter or quality backup at the next level. He has played at both guard spots and center as well, giving him some versatility. 

Round 5, Pick 143: Ethan Downs, EDGE, Oklahoma

New England shouldn't stop adding to their pass rush after just one pick. They need to continue boosting their front seven. 

I couldn't think of a more "New England Patriot" in this year's draft than Ethan Downs. The physicality, motor, and run defense he brings to the table should make him a quality addition to any team in the NFL. 

Round 7, Pick 217: Teddye Buchanan, LB, Cal

Only one linebacker room in the NFL allowed more passing touchdowns than New England's this season. Ja'Whaun Bentley will be back from injury next season, but the rest of the room needs a nice infusion of talent. 

Teddye Buchanan has little buzz around him, but he's an impactful player with a nose for the football. In his career, he has 11 PBUs and eight interceptions. Additionally, he has extensive special teams experience, with close to 500 snaps in his career. 

Round 7, Pick 220: Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech

Only two teams trotted out more 12-personnel looks than the Patriots this season, according to SportsInfoSolutions. With Austin Hooper set to hit free agency, the Patriots should look to reinforce that room. Hunter Henry is an established quality starter, but little is proven behind him. 

Jackson Hawes can be a nice complement to Henry and last year's seventh-round pick Jaheim Bell. He is an absolute road grader in blocking while still offering some solid ability in the passing game. 

Round 7, Pick 241: Silas Bolden, WR, Texas

The bottom of New England's wide receiver room is far from settled after some rocky rookie seasons from Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. The opportunity is there to continue adding playmakers to this room. 

Silas Bolden is small, but he has a knack for making plays when the ball comes his way. What could separate him in New England's room is his ability as a returner, with two punt return touchdowns and close to 1,500 return yards in his career at Oregon State and Texas.