With the first and biggest wave of NFL Free Agency in the rearview mirror, it's time for a fresh mock draft, my first full mock of the 2025 draft season.
The Patriots made some significant starting additions to their defense this week, filling their biggest holes with proven NFL players while adding a steady offensive tackle on the other side of the ball who should help stabilize the o-line.
Tight end Austin Hooper, wide receiver Mack Hollins and quarterback Josh Dobbs also add proven depth to the offensive side of the ball, as the remade Patriots have established a solid baseline across their roster. Yes, there are still needs, especially along the offensive line, but for the most part the Patriots will have some flexibility to take the best player available in the draft, a flexibility that should only continue to grow as the team rounds out the rest of their roster in the later days of free agency.
Thus, I'm taking a different approach in my first mock draft. Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter remain the top two elite players in this draft and it's easy to see the Patriots pouncing on either of them should they fall to the fourth pick.
But, as most draft prognosticators project, it seems like both Carter and Hunter are most likely to be off the board when the Patriots pick at 4th overall and that was the case with the mock draft simulation I ran here, leaving me to ponder whether to trade down or potentially overdraft a player at a position of need.
However, I think there's a third option that might not be as obvious and it's one I'm going to make a case for. Here's Deuce's Mock 1.0!
Round 1, 4th Overall: Ashton Jeanty, Running Back, Boise State
Jeanty is an explosive and versatile back who is the best player among the most stacked position group of the 2025 draft class. The 2024 season was particularly dominant for Jeanty, as he led the FBS in both yards from scrimmage and rushing yards, earning him the Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award, and finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up.
At 5'8" and 211 pounds, Jeanty combines elite vision, patience, and explosiveness. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver makes him a versatile asset and one who could be a huge aid for Drake Maye's development. Yes, running backs are devalued these days and yes, there are probably going to be good backs drafted well into the later rounds, but for an offense that badly needs to be weaponized, Jeanty is the best weapon in this draft and a home run hitter who would instantly give the Patriots an elite threat and change the dynamic of the offense.
He's obviously different than Derrick Henry, Mike Vrabel's bellcow back in Tennessee, but he is still that kind of foundational running back. His talent can offset offensive line deficiencies while also opening up the play-action passing attack.
Other potential fourth-overall picks would come with significant questions, but Jeanty seems the closest to a sure thing. As we've repeatedly discovered, it's hard to acquire elite weaponry, especially at the wide receiver position. Many would prefer to get that WR piece first for the Patriots, but in the meantime, a potential superstar running back is staring the team in the face. Ignore the noise of devalued running backs. Take the best one in the draft and give the offense an injection of excitement and big-play ability.
Round 2, 38th Overall: Nic Scourton, Defensive End, Texas A&M
Scourton has been a formidable force on Texas A&M's defensive line. Known for his strength and pass-rushing skills, Scourton recorded 15 sacks over his last two years of college and 29 tackles-for-loss. His high motor and ability to disrupt opposing offenses would make him a needed and valuable addition to the Patriots' defensive front.
Scourton is still raw but is loaded with energy and plays with the kind of relentlessness that littered the Patriots free agency signings on defense earlier this week. Edge is a huge need, even with Harold Landy projected to lock down one side of the defense. Scourton could instantly contribute as a designated pass rusher and has plenty of talent to develop into a three-down player.
Round 3, 69th Overall: Aireontae Ersery, Offensive Tackle, Minnesota
Ersery has been a cornerstone of Minnesota's offensive line at left tackle. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Ersery's accolades include a Second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2023 and being named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and First-team All-Big Ten in 2024.
Ersery's size and athleticism make him an ideal candidate to fortify the Patriots' offensive line, providing better protection for Maye and opening holes in the run game. If he's still there in the early third round like he was in this mock draft, it would be a no-brainer to plug him into the offensive line room. The question will be if he can stick on the left side and be a long-term solution at one of the biggest spots of need this spring. He has the size and length worth taking a chance on.
Round 3, 77th Overall: Kevin Winston Jr., Safety, Penn State
Winston was one of my favorite players to speak at the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. A mature leader, he's a balanced safety and hard hitter. He missed all but three games during his senior season due to an ACL tear but is another intense defender with the necessary play demeanor to fit into the remade Patriots defense.
Winston was known for his versatility and leadership at Penn State but is relatively inexperienced, with just 28 games played in college. He attacks hard downhill and is a sure tackler, and while he doesn't fill a major Patriots need at the moment, Winston is one player who just fits well and could develop into something special.
Round 4, 106th Overall: Isaiah Bond, Wide Receiver, Texas
At long last, the Patriots get a receiver and Bond is one of my mid-round favorites. After two seasons at Alabama (65 catches, 888 yards), Bond spent 2024 at Texas and posted 34 catches for 540 yards and five touchdowns.
Bond is a dynamic playmaker, utilizing his speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and route-running precision to consistently create separation. His ability to stretch the field and operate effectively in the slot could provide the Patriots with a much-needed deep threat and reliable target in their passing attack. He hasn't had overwhelming production and is still raw, but he has special potential.
Round 5, 144th Overall: Jake Briningstool, Tight End, Clemson
Briningstool has been a reliable tight end for Clemson (127 career catches in four seasons), known for his sure hands and length. Though not the heaviest guy (241 pounds), Briningstool is a willing blocker, but it's in the passing game where the 6-foot-6 tight end could make his biggest impact. In a loaded tight end draft class, there are quite a few late-round options to consider, many worth a flier.
Round 7, 217th Overall: Ty Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska
Robinson has been a stalwart on Nebraska's defensive line, bringing strength and toughness to the interior defensive line. His ability to clog running lanes and apply interior pressure could provide valuable depth to the Patriots' defensive tackle rotation, especially for their run defense. After adding two defensive tackles in free agency, the Patriots could still use some younger players with potential and Robinson fits the mold to become a solid rotational piece. Again, he's another defender who plays with an excellent motor and high effort.
Round 7, 220nd Overall: Smael Mondon Jr., Linebacker, Georgia
Mondon has been a physical and versatile off-the-ball linebacker for Georgia, showcasing speed and tackling prowess. His sideline-to-sideline coverage and special teams experience could make him a valuable late-round addition, contributing both as a linebacker depth piece and a special teams player for the Patriots. He's undersized at 6-foot-2, 224 pounds, but could develop into a weakside starter in time thanks to his intelligence and play style.
Round 7, 238th Overall: Mac McWilliams, Cornerback, UCF
McWilliams has been a reliable cornerback at UCF, known for his coverage skills and football intelligence, as well as his tenacity that jumps off the tape. His ability to adapt to various defensive schemes and contribute on special teams could provide the Patriots with depth in their secondary and versatility in defensive packages. He's got a solid build and could be a good fit in the slot if he continues to build on his 2024 improvement.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
