In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the New England Patriots compound the momentum they first stirred up in 2024 with the addition of Drake Maye and take the next step back toward true contention in the AFC.
It remains to be seen what the returns will be from the Patriots’ 2024 class, but the general consensus is that New England fared well under Eliot Wolf’s oversight. Maye has franchise QB upside, and he has new support with Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Caedan Wallace.
The Patriots could use one more infusion of young talent, but they quietly have a solid roster outside of their young core. The defensive line is strong, veterans like Jahlani Tavai and Hunter Henry have been inked to long-term deals, and there’s continuity with head coach Jerod Mayo.
In this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Patriots springboard off of that stability, and rise up an additional tier in the NFL pecking order.
Who Could the New England Patriots Draft in 2025?
1.4) New England Patriots: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Patriots are better than you think. And even if they end up picking this early, they’ll have a young core with momentum building heading into 2025.
There’s only a sense that they need a few more weapons and playmakers. On both sides of the ball, Travis Hunter can suffice.
If it were me, I’d try Hunter at WR first. Alongside a movement-Z like Ja’Lynn Polk, Hunter could be a stellar central force with his rare separation ability, RAC dynamism, and ball skills at the catch point. But he’d be a menace opposite Christian Gonzalez at CB, too.
At 6’1″, 185 pounds, Hunter is a bit light, but he’s already a near-elite route runner with an absurd mix of explosiveness, speed, hip sink, bend, lateral agility, and throttle control. And at the catch point, his GPS-like ball tracking ability plays right into Maye’s style.
2.36) New England Patriots: Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
As evidenced by his 7.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 10 pass deflections in 2023, few edge rushers have the sheer disruptive range that Patrick Payton has at 6’5″, 254 pounds.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
With long levers for arms and size-defying bend, he’s an undeniable riser candidate. And now that Jared Verse has moved on to the NFL, there’s a void to fill on the edge for Florida State.
3.68) New England Patriots: Andrew Mukuba, DB, Texas
Andrew Mukuba projects best as a nickel defender with his short-area twitch and malleability, but he can play field safety as well.
He’ll need to add mass to his frame and improve his play strength before he plays nickel full-time at the NFL level, but Mukuba’s coverage upside is nearly unmatched with his supremely elastic brand of movement.
Rounds 4-7
4.101) New England Patriots
Kaimon Rucker, EDGE, North Carolina
5.133) New England Patriots
Shemar Turner, DL, Texas A&M
7.196) New England Patriots
Joseph Evans, DT, UTSA
7.197) New England Patriots
RJ Maryland, TE, SMU
7.209) New England Patriots
Dane Key, WR, Kentucky
