New England Patriots Post-Combine 2025 NFL 7-Round Mock Draft: Mike Vrabel loads up the defense to take the pressure off Drake Maye

Donovan Jackson, a former guard turned tackle, put out arguably the best tackle film of anyone in this class despite switching positions midseason. He's a smooth athlete who can play tackle or guard at the next level. 

Round 3, Pick 69: Demetrius Knight, LB, South Carolina

Linebacker is an underrated need for New England heading into next season, as the team had some truly despicable play out of this unit after Ja'Whaun Bentley went down with an injury. The speed and playmaking out of this room needs to improve in a major way if Mike Vrabel wants to turn the defense around. 

Demetrius Knight is a jaw-dropping athlete with good instincts who would provide exactly that for the Patriots' defense. 

Round 3, Pick 77: Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan

I also expect New England to attack their pass rush pretty hard in the offseason after a horrific 2024 season here.

Josaiah Stewart is undersized, but he is twitchy, explosive, and physical despite his size. Coming off of one of the most productive seasons in the country last year, Stewart can be an effective subpackage rusher for the Patriots.

Round 4, Pick 105: CJ West, DT, Indiana

With the Patriots letting Davon Godchaux seek a trade and the uncertainty around Christian Barmore's health a lingering concern, defensive tackle is a concerning need for New England. 

CJ West is a strong, explosive tackle who would immediately plug the middle of New England's line while also adding a solid rotational pass rusher inside.  

Round 5, Pick 145: Willie Lampkin, OL, North Carolina 

New England has their interior figured out for next season, in my opinion, with Layden Robinson-David Andrews-Mike Onwenu occupying the starting roles. However, they need to keep investing in their depth and add competition at left guard and center.

A small but mighty lineman, Lampkin has experience at every spot on the interior and would immediately boost the floor of New England's offensive line. 

Round 7, Pick 219: Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa

New England needs to continue investing in their tight end depth behind Hunter Henry to maintain their personnel diversity.

A smooth, if unremarkable, player, Lachey can align in multiple spots and is a reliable target across the middle of the field. 

Round 7, Pick 222: Malachi Moore, SAF, Alabama

While Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger return to man the starting safety spots, New England needs a more consistent safety three in coverage, especially playing deep.  

Malachi Moore is a smooth, sound defender who played all over for the Crimson Tide and plays with good instincts and awareness. He would instantly fill this spot and be a steady contributor on special teams. 

Round 7, Pick 240: Isaac Teslaa, WR, Arkansas

I fully expect New England to invest heavily at wide receiver in the offseason, pushing this need down (especially if they can add Hunter early). However, they still need to churn the bottom of this room and add more competition to it. 

Isaac Teslaa is more akin to a big slot than true versatile wide receiver, but he was one of the top testers at the NFL Combine and catches virtually everything thrown his way. He would be good competition for Kayshon Boutte and Javon Baker at the bottom of this room.