The NFL Draft is tricky.
Teams are evaluating college players competing against college players while trying to project them in their NFL schemes. It’s an imperfect science. That’s why we’ll see players drafted on Day 3 have more success than first-round picks. It’s why there will be undrafted players who have better careers than players selected in the first three rounds.
For the Patriots, the hope is that they land legitimate talent in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Next week is a big opportunity for Mike Vrabel to bring in some potential building blocks for his program. The Patriots have legitimate needs on the offensive line. They could use more depth on defense. The biggest thing they lack is true blue-chip prospects and elite talent.
In this scenario, we look at a best-case scenario for the Patriots upcoming draft class. What if a true blue-chip talent falls to them at No. 4? What if they can land a starting-caliber player in the second round?
That would make life easier for Vrabel.
Here’s how it could unfold in our third Patriots mock draft:
First round, pick 4:
Abdul Carter, Penn State, Edge, 6-4, 250 pounds
In a perfect world, the Patriots land one of the only two blue-chip prospects in this year’s draft class. It doesn’t seem like Travis Hunter will fall, but Vegas odds put Carter as the second-most likely pick for the Patriots after Will Campbell. He would instantly become the Patriots best pass rusher and profiles as a Pro Bowl-level player. He finished No. 1 in FBS in tackles for loss (23.5), No. 2 in pressures (66), and No. 7 in sacks (12.5) last season. Carter’s recovering from a stress fracture in his right foot. He visited only four teams this offseason and came to meet with the Patriots this week.
Second round, pick 38:
Josh Conerly, Oregon, OT, 6-4, 311 pounds
Imagine if Conerly fell to the Patriots in the second? That’d be a dream come true in this scenario. A 6-foot-5, 311-pound prospect, he profiles as a starting left tackle in the NFL. He could also be a trade-up candidate if the Patriots don’t land a tackle at No. 4. Conerly needs to refine his technique, which is why he’s considered a borderline first-round prospect. He started the last two seasons at left tackle for Oregon, earning Third-Team All-American honors in 2024. He met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl, Combine, and Eliot Wolf went to his Pro Day.
Third round, pick 69:
Darius Alexander, Toledo, DT, 6-4, 305 pounds
Alexander is one of the best athletes among a deep group of defensive tackles. A powerful, pass-rushing defensive lineman, he finished with 3.5 sacks, five pass breakups, and an interception last season. He returned that pick for a 58-yard touchdown. Alexander would give the Patriots great depth after Milton Williams and insurance for Christian Barmore. He performed well at the Senior Bowl against tougher competition. Alexander had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.
Third round, pick 77:
Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College, OT, 6-8, 316 pounds
The Patriots should seriously consider drafting multiple tackle prospects. Trapilo has great size for the position. He profiles as a right tackle in the NFL. A Massachusetts native, he earned First Team All-ACC honors last season. He was a captain for Bill O’Brien’s team. Trapilo has been working with Dante Scarnecchia leading up to the draft and was at Boston College with new Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone last season. That’s too many connections to ignore.
Fourth round, pick 106:
R.J. Harvey, Central Florida, RB, 5-8, 205 pounds
Harvey is an exciting running back prospect. A quarterback in high school, he transitioned to the position in college. A dynamic rusher, Harvey would give the Patriots a speed-running back. He set a school record, scoring 48 touchdowns at Central Florida. Harvey ran for 1,577 yards with 22 rushing touchdowns last season. He caught 20 passes for 267 yards and three scores. A team captain, he’s met with the Patriots multiple times (Senior Bowl and Combine) this offseason.
Fifth round, pick 144:
Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas WR, 6-3, 214 pounds
At 6-foot-3, TeSlaa profiles as an athletic big slot receiver in the NFL. His production didn’t match his elite Combine testing numbers. He caught 28 passes for 546 yards and three touchdowns for Arkansas last season. TeSlaa started his career at Division II Hillsdale College after being a quarterback in high school. He needs to refine his route running, but his athletic profile makes him an intriguing prospect.
Fifth round, pick 171:
Francisco Mauigoa, Miami, LB, 6-1, 233 pounds
At 6-foot-2, 233 pounds, Mauigoa fits the linebacker prototype that Mike Vrabel covets. He’s a good athlete and that’s evident by his play at middle linebacker. Mauigoa had 29 tackles for loss in 26 starts at Miami and could also help in pass coverage. A team captain, he has good character traits and also profiles as a special teamer in the NFL. Mauigoa had 96 tackles, 11 for loss, to go with two sacks and six pass breakups last season.
Seventh round, pick 220:
Ryan Fitzgerald, Florida State, K, 6-1, 190 pounds
The Patriots need to bring in another kicker to compete with John Parker Romo. Fitzgerald is one of the best in this class. He hit 13-of-13 field goals last season. He hit 90.5% (19-of-21) the year before at Florida State. Fitzgerald was 5-for-5 over 50 yards. That included a career-long 59-yard field goal. He had a private workout with the Patriots this offseason.
Seventh round, pick 238:
Clay Webb, Jacksonville St., IOL, 6-3, 312 pounds
The Patriots need more depth to the interior of their offensive line. Webb started 33 games at left guard for Jacksonville State. He spent the first three seasons at Georgia and has also practiced at center for both programs. Webb’s a good athlete, running a 5.11 40-yard dash, and he’s strong, pushing up 29 reps on the bench. He’d give the Patriots a player who could backup multiple spots on the offensive line.
