The 2025 NFL Draft finally arrives next week, and with it comes the opportunity for the Patriots to build upon a productive free agency period by stacking some young promising talent onto the depth chart, hopefully at the team's biggest positions of need.
By now we've gotten a pretty good idea of the characteristics of this draft and the Patriots' position within it as they begin with the fourth overall pick. Once again, the assumption here for mock drafting purposes is that both Penn State's Abdul Carter and Colorado's Travis Hunter will be off the board, and in this scenario, the Patriots cannot find a trade partner to allow them to drop down a few spots and pick up even more capital.
After Carter and Hunter, there's no obvious slam dunk. Anyone after those top two will come with questions. Last time I took a big swing on Ashton Jeanty, a running back whose selection might've gone against modern wisdom at the position, but it's one I believe would make an instant and unmistakable impact on Drake Maye's development and the offense as a whole.
There are no big swings here for the final mock draft. Instead, I'm trying to hit the ball slow and smooth right down the middle of the fairway by checking off the Patriots most significant needs with some of my favorite prospects in this entire class, all of whom appear on my 2025 Top-50 Big Board.
Here it is, Deuce's Mock Draft 2.0!
Round 1, 4th Overall: Will Campbell, Offensive Tackle, LSU
Campbell has been a cornerstone of LSU's offensive line, starting 38 games at left tackle during his collegiate career. In his final two seasons, Campbell allowed just two sacks in 994 pass block snaps, while also earning an 80.7 run blocking grade from PFF. His accolades include being named First-Team All-America by the Associated Press, AFCA, FWAA, and Walter Camp, as well as receiving the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy and being a finalist for the Lombardi Award.
While plenty has been made of Campbell's arm length and wingspan, not enough has been made of his historic athleticism at the position. According to Campbell's relative athletic score (RAS) his speed and explosiveness are elite while his size is rated as "good." But when you put them all together, Campbell grades out with the 15th-highest athletic score out of 1,508 offensive tackle prospects since 1987. That special athleticism should be enough to overcome any questions about his arms.
Campbell's durability, consistency, and high-level performance in the SEC would make him an ideal candidate to join the Patriots' offensive line. His experience and leadership could provide an immediate boost to the team's most glaring positional hole, while also offering a major infusion of athleticism.
Round 2, 38th Overall: Nic Scourton, Defensive End, Texas A&M
Scourton had a standout season at Texas A&M, leading the team with 14 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2024. His performance earned him a spot on the Walter Camp All-American Second Team and recognition as a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award.
He's one of my favorite prospects of this draft season and was also the choice at 38th overall in my first mock draft. The early second round feels like the sweet spot to grab one of the many talented edge players in this year's class.
With veterans Harold Landry and K'Lavon Chaisson joining the edge group, there's still a need for a talented rookie to develop and Scourton's pass-rushing prowess and ability to disrupt the backfield should align well with the Patriots new defensive schemes. His addition could enhance the team's edge pressure, complementing the existing defensive line and contributing to a more formidable pass rush.
Scourton has some developmental work to do before he becomes a true three-down edge player, but he's still just 20 years old and has all the raw tools he'll need to be an impact player.
Round 3, 69th Overall: Jaylin Noel, Wide Receiver, Iowa State
Jaylin Noel concluded his Iowa State career with 245 receptions (second in program history) and 18 touchdown receptions (fourth in program history). In his senior year, he amassed 1,194 receiving yards, the second-most in a single season for the Cyclones. Notably, he had a streak of 46 consecutive games with a reception.
Noel ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the Combine, while measuring in at 5-foot-10, 194 pounds. The two-time captain was a team leader and also an outstanding contributor on special teams, winning Big 12 Co-Special Teams Player of the Year Honors and First Team All-Big-12 as a returner, and Honorable Mention All-Big-12 as a receiver.
Noel's reliable hands and consistent production could provide the Patriots with a dependable slot receiver and one who can stretch the field with his sub-4.4 speed. Despite a packed receiver room that now includes free agency additions Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs, Noel has a skillset that could help him carve out his own unique role.
Round 3, 77th Overall: Damien Martinez, Running Back, Miami
Damien Martinez showcased a physical running style throughout his collegiate career, accumulating 3,169 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns over 38 games. In 2022, he was named Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. While his pass-catching experience is limited, his strength and vision make him effective on early downs.
At 5-foot-11, 217 pounds, Martinez could serve as a power back in the Patriots' rotation, providing depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. He's a punishing runner and his ability to gain tough yards between the tackles would complement the team's existing backfield options. He had zero fumbles in 2024, a stat made even more impressive when considering he broke 26 tackles, the eighth-most for a running back in college football.
Round 4, 106th Overall: Jeffrey Bassa, Linebacker, Oregon
Jeffrey Bassa has been a versatile off-the-ball linebacker for Oregon, contributing both in pass coverage and run support. His athleticism allows him to cover tight ends and running backs effectively, and he's demonstrated a knack for being around the ball.
Bassa's adaptability makes him a suitable candidate for the Patriots new defensive scheme -- he began his career as a safety and still has those kinds of movement skills. He could be utilized in various linebacker roles, enhancing the team's flexibility in defensive alignments while developing behind the team's veteran free-agent acquisitions.
Round 5, 144th Overall: Riley Leonard, Quarterback, Notre Dame
Riley Leonard was a dual-threat quarterback at Duke for three seasons (21 starts) and one season at Notre Dame, displaying both passing accuracy and mobility while playing a key role in the Irish's run to the National Championship game. His leadership on the field has been commendable, and he's shown toughness and resilience in high-pressure situations. He was 27-10 as a starter in college.
Following the trade of Joe Milton, the Patriots could use another developmental Day 3 quarterback on their roster and Leonard has enough Drake Maye in his game that he could make sense to take a swing on. His mobility and decision-making skills align with the evolving demands of the NFL quarterback position, he'll just have to learn how to execute consistently in the passing game. He averaged just 178.8 passing yards per game in 2024.
Round 5, 171st Overall: Logan Brown, Offensive Tackle, Kansas
Logan Brown has been a solid presence on both Wisconsin's and Kansas' offensive lines, best known for his run-blocking capabilities. He has all the measurable size and strength teams look for at the tackle position with an enticing dose of surprising athleticism that sets a high ceiling. Brown is just inexperienced despite six college seasons of football. He started just three games before his final season in which he started all 11 for Kansas and made Second Team All-Big-12.
Even with Campbell in the mix, Brown could add more needed depth to the Patriots' offensive line, particularly as a backup tackle. His run-blocking skills would be beneficial in short-yardage and goal-line situations, while he has all the required talent to potentially develop into a starter with more coaching and experience.
Round 7, 220th Overall: Ty Robinson, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska
Ty Robinson has been a consistent performer on Nebraska's defensive line, appearing in 60 games with 47 starts going back to his redshirt season in 2019. At 6-foot-5, 288 pounds, Robinson has the size to hold up at multiple positions along the defensive line. Voted twice as one of the team's toughest players, Robinson exploded with 12.5 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks in 2024.
Robinson's size and experience could provide valuable depth to the Patriots' defensive tackle rotation, enhancing their ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks. Robinson would be a fun ball of clay for defensive coordinator Terrell Williams to play with.
Round 7, 238th Overall: Drew Kendall, Center, Boston College
Drew Kendall started 31 out of 38 games at Boston College, allowing only five pressures on 350 pass protection snaps in 2024. He earned first-team All-ACC honors and showcased his skills during the Shrine Bowl practices.
Kendall could provide interior depth along the offensive line out of the gate and make a push at the center spot before long.
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
