On Saturday, the NFL Draft finally concluded, bringing forth the 2025 class of rookies for the six-time champion New England Patriots. In what was a pivotal offseason where major upgrades to a 4-13 2024 squad were needed, the team delivered, putting together an excellent class in my eyes.
Round 1, Pick 4: OT Will Campbell, LSU
Pick Grade: A
This pick didn’t come as much of a surprise, and there’s no doubt Campbell is a welcome addition to the team. After adding the likes of Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury as short-term fixes, left tackle remained a hole, one I’d expect Campbell to fill at a high level. There was plenty of talk about his arm length but, in the end, his three years of excellent tape against SEC competition (thankfully) prevailed, as Mike Vrabel made him the first selection as head coach.
Round 2, Pick 38: RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Pick Grade: B+
For a team with a lot of holes, a popular initial reaction was that Henderson was a luxury pick the team couldn’t afford to make. I would disagree. Rhamondre Stevenson struggled to hold on to the ball last season, and Antonio Gibson is a serviceable backup at best. Henderson is a three down back with excellent pass protection ability and a receiver-like ability to catch the ball. While he may not make a massive impact in year one, I love his long-term upside.
Round 3, Pick 69: WR Kyle Williams, Washington State
Pick Grade: A+
One of my favorite mid round targets in the draft, and a player I would have happily selected at 38. Williams has a lot of Stefon Diggs to his game: he’s a smooth route runner with good athleticism who can play both on the outside and in the slot. Worst case scenario, his floor is a Kendrick Bourne level WR3/4 in my eyes. I’m happy with this pick all around.
Round 3, Pick 95: C Jared Wilson, Georgia
Pick Grade: A-
After the release of former Georgia Bulldog David Andrews, the team opted to sign former first round pick Garrett Bradbury to fill the void at the middle of the offensive line. Bradbury has shown ability in past years but really struggled in 2024. Wilson’s addition likely won’t mean much for the 2025 season, but he’ll still have the opportunity to compete for the starting job before being the long-term answer at the position.
Round 4, Pick 106: SAF Craig Woodson, California
Pick Grade: D
The first questionable pick in my eyes didn’t come until No. 106 through Woodson. He spent six years at Cal and showed mixed play, but 2024 was his best season. At six feet and 210 pounds, he does his best work closer to the line of scrimmage, sporting an 85.6 PFF grade against the run. He is a more traditional deep safety in terms of his snaps though – 42% in 2024 and 55% in ‘23, something the team generally lacks. This pick seems a bit redundant and like a bit of a reach to me.
Round 4, Pick 137: DT Joshua Farmer, Florida State
Pick Grade: A
The team moved up to select Farmer, who had 13 sacks over the last two seasons for the Seminoles. Despite retaining Jeremiah Pharms, the team did lose Daniel Ekuale in free agency, leaving the need for another interior disruptor. He may not be a star, but Farmer has the profile of a player who will be a disruptive rotational player for years to come.
Round 5, Pick 146: ED Bradyn Swinson, LSU
Pick Grade: A+
Another player who slid was scooped up by the team in Swinson, who led LSU in both sacks and tackles for loss last season. The team added only Harold Landry to help create pressure from the edge, so Swinson has an opportunity to become a contributor quickly. We’ll wait to see exactly what his role looks like, but don’t be surprised if Swinson is a starting edge defender by year two.
Round 6, Pick 182: K Andres Borregales, Miami
Pick Grade: B
The Patriots took the first kicker off the board in the whole draft through Borregales, who was a phenomenal kicker for the Canes. He missed just a single extra point in four seasons and went 18/19 on field goals this past year while being perfect from 50+. He’ll join John Parker Romo in a battle for the kicker slot, a battle I’m confident he will win.
Round 7, Pick 220: OT Marcus Bryant, Missouri
Pick Grade: B+
The 6-foot-7 mountain of a left tackle is the type of lineman to take in the later rounds as a flier. Bryant played opposite of Jets first round pick Armand Membou at Missouri and showed some solid blocking ability. Before Missouri, he spent four seasons at SMU. We’ll see if OL coach Doug Marrone can make something of Bryant.
Round 7, Pick 251: LS Julian Ashby, Vanderbilt
Pick Grade: D-
Joe Cardona is still under contract, and I feel that long snapper was hardly a need. Nonetheless, Ashby is a very athletic player: his 10-yard split was faster than Bears WR Rome Odunze’s. Special teams have always been an emphasis for great Patriots teams, and it seems they’ll continue that trend.
Round 7, Pick 257: CB Kobee Minor, Memphis
Pick Grade: C
Mr. Irrelevant came in the form of Minor. The team is already quite deep at the position with similar caliber players: Alex Austin, Miles Battle, Isaiah Bolden and Marcellas Dial are all similar statuses. Nonetheless, a scratch ticket in the seventh round makes this a worthwhile selection.
