Karen Guregian: 7-round Patriots mock draft 1.0

The Patriots makeover will continue to take shape with the upcoming 2025 NFL draft.

Free agency saw Mike Vrabel & Co. bring aboard 14 new players, with at least half of those likely to be starters.

The work, however, is far from done. There are still holes to fill, mostly on offense.

The Patriots have nine picks in the draft, with their first coming at No. 4 and really need to land some impact players. They can’t bomb like they have in previous drafts.

Vrabel said it was “critical” to right the ship and turn the tide in the draft.

“You have to draft well,” he said during the league meetings last week. “If not, it catches up with you.”

With that in mind, I went about putting the pieces together in my first 7-round mock draft, filling the holes with a nod toward the offense, while also continuing to fortify Vrabel’s defense.

Here’s a look:

First round, pick 4:

Mason Graham, Michigan, DT, 6-3, 296 pounds

Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams makes no secret of wanting players who play with “violence.” Last week, nearly every coach on the defensive side of the ball mentioned the V-word when talking about the defense.

Graham plays with violence.

This was NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah’s description of the defensive tackle: “He excels in block destruction. He stacks, finds the ball, chucks blockers to the side and collects tackles . . . In the pass game, he has a violent club/rip move and a powerful bull rush.”

Graham is the poster boy for what they want up front. Depending on Christian Barmore’s heath, Graham could line up next Milton Williams or rotate him in with Barmore and collectively, there might not be a more ferocious front in the NFL.

Second round, pick 38:

Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon, OT, 6-5, 311 pounds

While the Patriots could very well take care of left tackle right out of the gate at No. 4, this assumes they take the best player available – Graham – and check off the tackle box in Round 2 with Conerly.

It’s certainly possible another tackle-starved team grabs him in the first round, but there’s a chance he’ll still be around early in the second.

If that’s the case, the Patriots might move back in the first to get him. In this scenario, no move needed.

For someone who weighs over 300 pounds, Conerly has incredible athleticism. He moves extremely well, and he’s also a force in the run game. Once he gets the wheels turning, the tape shows him leveling defenders, knocking anyone over in his path.

Conerly led Oregon last season with an 83.3 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, allowing nine total pressures on 492 opportunities.

Third round, pick 69:

Jaylin Noel, Iowa State, WR, 5-10, 194 pounds

Noel has primarily been used as a slot receiver. But he’s also lined up outside on occasion.

His short area quickness allowed him to get open underneath which is the bread and butter of Josh McDaniels’ offense.

It’ll help Drake Maye that the Iowa State wideout is adept at finding space and making big plays given his ability after catch.

Last season Noel pulled in 80 catches for 1,194 yards in 14 games.

He also brings special teams ability as a kick and punt returner to the table.

Noel helped his draft stock considerably with his efforts both at the Senior Bowl and the Combine, where he tested extremely well. He ran a 4.39 40 which was among the better times.

He also topped all wideouts with a 41.5” vertical, 11’2” broad jump and 23 bench reps, displaying a rare combination of speed and strength.

Third round, pick 77:

Bradyn Swinson, LSU, Edge, 6-4, 255 pounds

The Patriots registered the fewest sacks in the league last year. They barely touched opposing quarterbacks.

While they helped the cause in free agency, that shouldn’t prevent them from adding more pass-rush help.

Swinson has a great first step and is equipped with an array of pass rush moves. He’s an explosive player and speed rusher coming off the edge.

He also brings special teams ability to the table. He played 200-plus snaps on kickoff/punt return and field-goal block.

Fourth round, pick 106:

Jacob Parrish, Kansas State, CB, 5-10, 191 pounds

The Patriots have one of the best outside combinations in the game with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III manning the boundaries.

Marcus Jones is the favorite to start as the slot corner. It never hurts to have competition, not to mention add on some depth.

Parrish, who reportedly made a “30″ visit to the Patriots, fits the bill.

He’s physical, has great athleticism and plays well in man coverage.

Fifth round, pick 144:

Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame, TE, 6-5, 258 pounds

Evans brings skills both as a pass catcher and run blocker.

At Notre Dame, he typically lined up inline, but can move out to the slot.

Injuries have hurt his development. He played in just eight games both in 2022 (foot) and 2023 (torn ACL). The latter really altered his trajectory.

When healthy, he’s displayed a good set of hands and proven to be a reliable target. He could be a late-round steal.

Fifth round, pick 171:

Woody Marks, USC, RB, 5-10, 207 pounds

Josh McDaniels loves having a good third-down back in the arsenal. He loves a back who can catch the football (see Kevin Faulk, Shane Vereen, James White) and serve as a bonus weapon.

There are few, if any, better than Marks in this draft

He was a multi-year starter at Mississippi State before transferring to USC, where he blossomed in 2024.

He delivered his first-ever 1,000-yard season (1,133) and scored nine rushing touchdowns. He also caught 47 passes for 321 yards.

Overall, Marks caught 261 passes throughout his collegiate career. He reportedly met with the Patriots at his pro day.

Seventh round, pick 220:

Jackson Slater, Sacramento State, G, 6-3, 311 pounds

Lindy’s draft magazine singled him out as a “small-school stud.”

That’s because Slater has good size and speed, and is a force as a blocker in the run game.

He was invited to the Senior Bowl, and more than held his own.

He has position flexibility to play either guard or center. The Patriots treasure that kind of versatility with their interior offensive linemen.

They also had success drafting another player with the last name of Slater. All he did was go to 10 Pro Bowls.

Seventh round, pick 238:

Ben Sauls, Pittsburgh, K, 5-10, 182 pounds

Special teams coach Jeremy Springer said last week the team would be looking to add a kicker in the draft.

The Patriots need one because Joey Slye signed with Tennessee. The Patriots do have John Parker Romo on the roster.

Springer indicated the team was looking to provide some competition, which will come from the draft.

Sauls isn’t considered the best kicker in the draft, but he has big-time hang-time on his kickoffs. He also has the length for touchbacks.

He didn’t miss a kick of 40 yards or fewer over the last two seasons. He connected from 57 (twice) and 58 yards this past season.

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