For the second year in a row, the New England Patriots are picking in the top five of the NFL Draft, but there's more uncertainty in 2025, with a lackluster quarterback class playing a big role and likely to impact who is or isn't available when New England makes their first pick.
There are two easy slam-dunk names for the Patriots – Abdul Carter of Penn State and Travis Hunter of Colorado – but after those two potentially elite players, uncertainty reigns. If neither is available at fourth overall there will be plenty of alternative options for New England to consider, including the selection of a potentially risky prospect or a trade-down.
Tackle and wide receiver top the Patriots needs, while their nine total draft selections, which include five picks in the first 106 slots, should be plenty of ammo for the team to be aggressive should they choose to make some moves up the draft board. Drafting prospects from the class's two strongest position groups – edge and running back – seems like a must.
Add it all up and it's a critical year for the Patriots with much uncertainty as to how things will fall once the draft begins to unfold.
For the 15th year, here are the top 50 prospects who I believe fit the Patriots the best!
1. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State (Consensus Rank: 1)
Carter is a high-motor pass rusher with excellent burst and bend around the edge. His agility allows him to disrupt plays in the backfield, but he remains relatively inexperienced off the edge. Key Stat: Recorded 12 sacks in his final season.
Carter is a slam dunk fit for Mike Vrabel's defense even if the Patriots have spent the bulk of their free agency spending on that side of the ball. He brings instant juice of the edge and competes at a higher level than most of those he's going against. His effort and tenacity stick out on every single snap he plays. Carter should be an instant game-changer in the NFL, starting as a pass rusher before rounding out his game and transforming into a disruptive three-down star.
2. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (Consensus Rank: 3)
A rare two-way talent, Hunter possesses elite ball skills and route-running ability. While his versatility is impressive, his frame raises durability concerns. Key Stat: Led the nation in pass breakups while also recording 1,200+ receiving yards.
Hunter would figure to find work immediately as a wide receiver for the Patriots, where Stefon Diggs could play a key role in helping him polish and develop his route-running nuance. Hunter should also find his way into some cornerback reps as well, he's too good not to at least try to play on both sides of the ball. Hunter is a slam dunk if available at 4th overall, even if his ultimate positional landing spot is a bit uncertain.
3. Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia (Consensus Rank: 15)
A physical force with strong hands and great lateral quickness. He can be inconsistent against the run but flashes elite pass-rushing potential. Key Stat: Tallied 9 tackles for loss in '24.
This is higher than most have Williams but I believe he might develop into the best edge player in this class, a player in the mold of Patriots Hall of Famer Willie McGinest who is scheme-versatile and equally disruptive no matter where he's lining up. He's still just 20 years old and has a ton of upside to develop into an all-around player who can do it all.
4. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (Consensus Rank: 7)
A compact runner with great balance and vision, Jeanty thrives in open space. Needs to improve his pass-protection skills. Key Stat: 2,601 rushing yards in 2024.
Many will have Jeanty off their Patriots big boards but I can't do it, he's just too good and I still see how much his presence could help Drake Maye's development in a way that not many other potential fourth-overall picks might. Jeanty might just be a game-changer for the Patriots offense so they must consider his immense talent.
5. Will Campbell, OT, LSU (Consensus Rank: 6)
A technically sound lineman with great footwork and anchor ability. Needs to refine hand placement to excel at the next level. Key Stat: 38 career starts at LT in the SEC.
Plenty has been made of Campbell's arm length and too little has been made of his incredible athleticism and consistent performances in college football's toughest conference. If the Patriots believe he can play left tackle in the NFL he'd be a slam dunk selection, but the bit of uncertainty due to his length drops him just a few spots on the big board.
6. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia (Consensus Rank: 11)
An instinctive linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range. Needs to bulk up to take on blockers more effectively. Key Stat: Led Georgia with 11 tackles for loss.
A highly athletic off-the-ball linebacker with excellent leadership traits, Walker could be a moveable chess piece for defensive coordinator Terrell Williams' new-look defense where he can rush off the edge or move around in coverage. His speed and instincts are coveted traits that translate to any defense.
7. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (Consensus Rank: 10)
Warren is a reliable red-zone target with strong hands and good body control. However, he must improve as a blocker to be a three-down player. Key Stat:104 catches in 2024.
Tight end isn't a screaming need for the Patriots but Warren is too good to leave off the big board. His play style fits what the Pats have been looking for and he'd add fresh young legs and gritty competitiveness to one of the most stable position groups on the roster.
8. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M (Consensus Rank: 18)
Explosive off the line with powerful hands, but can struggle with pad level. Key Stat: Just 4.5 career sacks.
Stewart checks all the boxes and blew up the Combine with his elite athleticism, but the traits never quite translated in college. The lack of production is the only knock on him, he'll be a first-round pick who will be expected to put it all together at the next level.
9. Derrick Harmon, Edge, Oregon (Consensus Rank: 29)
Strong against the run with a quick first step, but needs to add counter moves to his pass rush arsenal. Key Stat: 11 TFL in '24.
Harmon has the balanced potential to do it all for the Patriots defensive front, playing any technique and one or two gaps. He won't be a sack monster, but he'll do the dirty work that gets sacks for all his teammates around him. Just a big, dominant interior presence.
10. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (Consensus Rank: 26)
A polished route runner with reliable hands and good YAC ability. Lacks elite top-end speed. Key Stat: 24 career touchdown receptions.
Egbuka is probably the closest receiver to a sure thing in this class. He's not one of the top-end elite players like 2023's class, but he knows how to execute his role – get open and catch the ball. It would be easy to see Egbuka as an all-around number two option for the offense.
11. Armand Membou, OT, Missouri (Consensus Rank: 8)
Short but proven right tackle with plus size and surprising athleticism. Key Stat: Tested first overall in Combine athleticism score for offensive tackles.
Membou is just 6-foot-4 but every other measurement passes with flying colors, with his athleticism score enticing some to think he could end up on the left side. But at worst the 30-game starter at right tackle should be able to lock down the right side for a team in the pros. For 332 pounds he is surprisingly nimble and coordinated.
12. Nick Scourton, DE, Texas A&M (Consensus Rank: 28)
Plays with power and has a relentless motor but needs better hand usage. Key Stat: 15 sacks in last two seasons.
Another one of my favorites this year, Scourton is strong and plays with max effort. He's a bit of a loose cannon in that respect, but if he can learn to play within a system he might end up being among the best of a talented class of edge players this spring. He has it all – size, temperament and intangibles.
13. Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon (Consensus Rank: 36)
A former five-star recruit, Conerly combines natural athleticism with powerful hands and good reach. He is still developing his technique, especially in anchoring against bull rushers. Key Stat: Allowed just two sacks over his final two college seasons.
Conerly is an elite mover with light feet to match athletic pass rushers. He has the traits to be a long-time left tackle but will need to deal with the more powerful rushers that he'll face at the NFL level. His tape against Abdul Carter showed how much promise Conerly has.
14. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota (Consensus Rank: 43)
Athletic and agile for his size, Ersery excels in pass protection with quick feet and good balance. He needs to get stronger at the point of attack to improve his run blocking at the next level. Key Stat: Allowed just 1 sack across over 691 snaps in 2024.
A mammoth tackle prospect at 6-foot-6, 331 pounds, Ersery has surprising athleticism for his size. He could be destined for the right side but has enough length and agility to get a long look at his college position on the left side.
15. Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State (Consensus Rank: 41)
Highly athletic with strong hand technique but lacks ideal length. Key Stat: 9 sacks in 2024.
Powerful defensive end who was an emotional leader for the national champs, Sawyer's Buckeye roots and tough demeanor make him a natural fit to join Mike Vrabel. He should develop into a three-down strong-side end with immediate contributions on early downs.
16. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State (Consensus Rank: 72)
Reliable possession receiver with strong hands. Lacks elite separation. Key Stat: 1,000+ yards in 2023.
One of the few size/speed combination receivers in this year's class. Higgins is 6-foot-4, 214 pounds and ran a 4.47 40. He was in a limited offense at Iowa State that might've hidden some of his talents, but he has the kind of all-around potential that could make him a Day 2 steal.
17. Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State (Consensus Rank: 64)
Reliable receiver with a 4.39 40, he's also a dangerous returner. Lack of size is his only potential detriment but he is still close to 200 pounds and could hold up to the rigors of the NFL. A two-time captain. Key Stat: 80 catches for 1,194 yards and 8 TDs in 2024.
Noel would bring a needed element of explosiveness to the Patriots wide receiver corps. He has strong hands a developed understanding of route running. He could be a home run threat out of the slot while also adding a layer of depth at the returner spots.
18. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State (Consensus Rank: 148)
Reliable hands and sharp routes. Needs to improve separation against press coverage. Key Stat: 70 receptions last season with 14 touchdowns.
Williams' big play potential should intrigue the Patriots. He can separate downfield and becomes even more dangerous with the ball in his hands. Just 190 pounds, Williams' frame and inconsistent hands are a concern, but he could be a home run hitter in the NFL.
19. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU (Consensus Rank: 67)
Strong in contested catches but needs to improve blocking. Key Stat: 55 catches in '24.
An underutilized but highly athletic and moldable prospect, Taylor received plenty of gifts from his Pro Football Hall of Fame father Jason Taylor. He's at his best with the ball in his hands but has all the traits to develop into an all-around tight end at the NFL level.
20. Demetrius Knight II, LB, South Carolina (Consensus Rank: 81)
Explosive tackler with good instincts. Needs better block shedding. Key Stat: 80+ tackles in '24.
Knight is an experienced leader who plays the game with high energy. He ran well at the Combine (4.58 40) showing three-down potential as an off-the-ball linebacker. He's a future captain.
21. Jack Bech, WR, TCU (Consensus Rank: 68)
A smooth route-runner with reliable hands, Bech is a solid slot option. Needs to improve his burst off the line. Key Stat: 1,035 receiving yards in '24.
Bech is tough and highly competitive, and catches the ball with big, consistent hands. His lack of explosiveness might not make him the most complementary fit to the Patriots current WR room, but he seems like the kind of player that Vrabel and staff would be intrigued by.
22. Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State (Consensus Rank: 74)
Quick and shifty with good hands but lacks elite top-end speed. Key Stat: Averaged 15.2 yards per catch in both '23 and'24.
Royals ran a 4.42 40 at the Combine but plays with better explosiveness than that number might indicate. He's smart and savvy but shouldn't be limited to just possession receiver duties. He's savvy with the ball in his hands and is hard for defenders to bring down.
23. Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State (Consensus Rank: 79)
Tough, physical runner with excellent vision. Limited top-end speed. Key Stat: 1,700 rushing yards in '24.
Skattebo had two highly productive years at ASU, offsetting his lack of height with elite contact balance that made him almost impossible to bring down. Can that continue at the NFL level? Skattebo is a fun projection. He's made to close out games and can do a little of everything for an offense.
24. Sai'vion Jones, Edge, LSU (Consensus Rank: 104)
Long, explosive pass rusher with solid flexibility. Needs to develop counter moves. Key Stat: 11 career sacks.
Jones has three-down potential as an end in a 4-3 defense and plays with the kind of temperament that has been common for the Patriots defensive additions this spring – tough and relentless.
25. Josiah Stewart, Edge, Michigan (Consensus Rank: 82)
Fast off the line with great pursuit but undersized for a full-time edge role. Key Stat: 8.5 sacks in 2024.
Stewart is what he is, a pass rushing specialist, but he has all the necessary traits to turn up the heat on opposing QBs in the NFL. He plays with the kind aggression Mike Vrabel has highlighted for the Patriots over the course of free agency and Stewart would bring some young juice off the edge.
26. Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State (Consensus Rank: 92)
Smart safety with great tackling ability. Needs to improve in man coverage. Key Stat: 90 career tackles.
Winston tore his ACL last season and was limited to just three games. He has excellent size for the safety position and the feet to match up with tight ends. He'll need some time to catch up but his intangibles make it likely he'll take a big step forward in the NFL.
27. Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College (Consensus Rank: 100)
Athletic tackle with a good anchor. Needs to add functional strength. Key Stat: Only three sacks allowed in two seasons.
Trapilo started 12 games at LT early in his career and then finished out with 24 starts at RT. He's a mountain of a man with local roots who has shown considerable improvement over the last season. His connection to Patriots OL coach Doug Marrone ensures he should be on the team's radar.
28. Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska (Consensus Rank: 110)
Strong against the run but lacks elite pass-rushing skills. Key Stat: 27 career TFLs, 12 career sacks.
Robinson is an interior bully who plays with high effort and toughness. He has the size and power to play multiple roles along the line of scrimmage.
29. Devin Neal, RB, Kansas (Consensus Rank: 121)
Elusive back with great vision. Needs to improve pass blocking. Key Stat: 4,300+ total career rushing yards.
Neal isn't as fast as some of the backs in this year's class, but he's among the most versatile, with 77 career catches to go with over 4,000 rushing yards. He's a workhorse back and team captain who can do it all.
30. Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (Consensus Rank: 76)
Quick slot receiver with good route-running. Lacks top-end speed. Key Stat: 154 catches over last two seasons.
Restrepo makes up for his lack of top end speed with elite study habits and understanding of the game. He has the frame to hold up as a high-volume target for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, as well as the acumen to pick up a complicated NFL system. Summed up, he's really tough and really smart.
31. Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon (Consensus Rank: 130)
Good coverage linebacker with strong instincts. Needs to bulk up for run defense. Key Stat: 125 career solo tackles.
The leader of Oregon's defense, Bassa would make an excellent fit at the Patriots new-look linebacker position where he can fly around and make plays on the ball. He has future three-down potential.
32. Jackson Slater, OG/C, Sacramento State (Consensus Rank: 133)
Versatile interior lineman with good fundamentals. Lacks elite athleticism. Key Stat: 30+ career starts.
Small school versatile OL who is likely to end up at guard, Slater moves really well, testing out as the third-most athletic interior lineman at the Combine.
33. Damien Martinez, RB, Miami (Consensus Rank: 160)
Powerful runner with good contact balance. Lacks elite speed. Key Stat: 10 TDs in '24.
Martinez craves contact and has the size to handle the pounding with surprising athleticism. He won't offer much as a receiver, but he's the kind of hard charger that could make sense for the Patriots offense.
34. Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland (Consensus Rank: 105)
Strong, disruptive interior lineman. Needs to refine pass-rushing moves. Key Stat: 3 career tackles for loss.
Nose tackle who earned praise for his work ethic and leadership, Phillips is athletic enough to quickly get off the snap and penetrate. He could be a nice complementary piece to develop behind Khyris Tonga.
35. Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia (Consensus Rank: 106)
Powerful blocker with good leverage. Needs to improve lateral movement. Key Stat: Allowed only 1 sack in 2023.
A highly athletic mid-round guard, Fairchild started 24 games over the last two seasons at left guard. Scouts say he'll need to develop his work in the run game to fully reach his potential.
36. DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State (Consensus Rank: 122)
Balanced runner with good vision and contact balance. Needs to improve receiving skills. Key Stat: 3,087 career rushing yards in three seasons.
Giddens has good size and speed and runs with patience. His 4.43 speed is enough even if he lacks an explosive, pull-away burst. He has the frame to handle consistent contact.
37. Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas (Consensus Rank: 126)
Physical corner with good ball skills. Needs to refine footwork. Key Stat: 4 interceptions last season.
Bryant is light (180 pounds) but plays feisty and competitive and is around the ball a lot (13 career INTs and 35 career passes defensed). He's also a willing tackler who could develop into a ball hawk from the slot.
38. Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech (Consensus Rank: 138)
Solid blocker with good hands. Needs to improve route running. Key Stat: 12.2 yards-per-catch in only season at FBS level
Hawes spent five years at Yale and then finished out at Georgia Tech, earning a spot as a potential draft pick with excellent size and athleticism. He's a throwback "Y" tight end willing to do the dirty work as a hard-nosed blocker.
39. Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech (Consensus Rank: 192)
Speedy deep threat with potential as a returner. Lacks size for contested catches. Key Stat: 18.0 yards per catch.
Lane ran a 4.34 40 and tested out as the fifth most athletic wide receiver at the Combine, including an 11-foot broad jump that showed his impressive explosiveness. He's a bit undersized but can stretch the field from the slot and could make immediate contributions as a returner.
40. Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana (Consensus Rank: 230)
Pocket passer with good size and experience but coming off an ACL injury. Key stat: 48 career starts.
Rourke showed toughness playing through an ACL tear and spent five seasons at Ohio before transferring to Indiana in 2024 in which he set a school record with 29 passing touchdowns.
41. Logan Brown, OT, Kansas (Consensus Rank: 164)
Massive frame with solid strength but needs refinement in pass protection. Key Stat: Only 14 career starts.
Brown has the size and athletic numbers to intrigue that his ceiling is higher than his college production might indicate. Rated as the 6th most athletic tackle based on his Combine performance, Brown is big and quick and worth a chance on.
42. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, EDGE, Georgia (Consensus Rank: 230)
Explosive first step and good run defender but needs to develop counter moves. Key Stat: 8 tackles for loss in '24.
Ingram-Dawkins is still raw, breaking through as a starter in 2024 with 10 starts. His explosiveness would seem to match the Patriots new defensive scheme and could bring added juice to their rebuilt pass-rush group.
43. Brady Cook, QB, Missouri (Consensus Rank: 249)
Dual-threat quarterback with a good release and size. Key Stat: Set SEC record going 365 passes without an interception.
Cook is an intriguing potential developmental back-up behind Drake Maye as his skillset mimics a lot of what the Patriots starter can do. Cook checks all the physical boxes and was the second-most athletic quarterback at the Combine. There's enough there for a Day 3 flier.
44. Drew Kendall, OG, Boston College (Consensus Rank: 276)
Athletic interior lineman with solid footwork. Needs to add strength to handle power rushers. Key Stat: Allowed only 2 sacks in 2023.
A Massachusetts native, Kendall projects to the center position, a spot he's started 37 games over the last three seasons at Boston College. He's smart and tough but would likely need some time to develop his strength to deal with bigger NFL bodies.
45. Jordan Watkins, WR, Mississippi (Consensus Rank: 289)
Quick slot receiver with good hands. Needs to improve route-running consistency. Key Stat: 906 receiving yards last season.
Watkins ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the Combine, an impressive number for a well-built slot receiver who could be a high-volume inside receiver in the Patriots offense.
46. Myles Hinton, OL, Michigan (Consensus Rank: 312)
Strong in the run game but struggles against quick pass rushers. Key Stat: 30+ career starts at right tackle.
A monstrous right tackle with all the measurables and has good movement skills despite his size. He's a developmental mauler with swing tackle potential.
47. Bryson Nesbit, TE, UNC (Consensus Rank: 392)
Good size and hands but lacks elite athleticism. Key Stat: 5 touchdowns in 2023.
Nesbit made first-team All-ACC playing with Drake Maye in 2023 and could be a fit to rejoin his college QB. Though listed as a tight end he's really a big slot who can get down the field.
48. Jonah Monheim, OL, USC (Consensus Rank: 284)
Versatile lineman who can play multiple positions. Needs to improve against power rushers. Key Stat: 25+ starts at both tackle and guard.
Monheim has experience up and down the line but projects as a center in the NFL, the spot he started 12 games at in 2024 and earned third-team All-Big Ten. His smarts and versatility are his best traits.
49. Andres Borregales, K, Miami (Consensus Rank: 273)
Strong-legged kicker with a consistent track record from long range and under pressure. Key Stat: 75% field goal accuracy from 50-plus over the last two seasons.
Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer said it's his task to find the Patriots next kicker and Borregales is one of the top-rated prospects this year. Even without a booming leg, Borregales was consistent from range and delivered under pressure.
50. Robbie Ouzts, FB, Alabama (Consensus Rank: 671)
Hard-nosed blocker with special teams potential. Limited offensive versatility. Key Stat: 15-plus pancake blocks in 2023.
Could Josh McDaniels bring back the fullback position? A late-round flyer on this Alabama prospect might fill the need as Ouzts should find work on special teams as he transitions to a full-time lead blocker. He's shown some ability to run routes and might also contribute out of the backfield a bit.
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
