The New England Patriots have come back down to earth after their shocking upset of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. They were defeated 23-20 by the Seattle Seahawks in overtime and were then blown out 24-3 by their AFC South rival New York Jets. A struggling offense is scoring a second-worst 13 points per game.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye should eventually replace Jacoby Brissett as the Patriots shift to let's-build-for-the-future mode. With glaring roster holes on both sides of the ball, the Patriots must maximize each of their selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here is an early look at where executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf could go come April.
Round 1 (No. 5 overall): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Protecting Maye's blindside needs to take priority. Chukwuma Okorafor was credited with allowing three pressures via just 12 pass-blocking snaps before getting hurt, and Vederian Lowe has been whistled for two penalties and forfeited seven pressures since taking over. The Patriots have already played three left tackles, including rookie Caedan Wallace, proving they don't have an in-house solution. Kelvin Banks Jr. is an elite prospect with high-level physical tools and experience to become an immediate starter.
Round 2 (No. 36 overall): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Drafting Ja'Lynn Polk was a great start, but the Patriots need to continue retooling their wide receiver room. K.J. Osborn will be a free agent and the Kayshon Boutte gamble hasn't paid off. Emeka Egbuka is a technically advanced and savvy route-runner who would create quick separation for Maye.
Round 3 (No. 79 overall): Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa
Former two-time NFL Pro Bowl linebacker and current Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo won't appreciate the play he's receiving at the position from Raekwon McMillan, and to a lesser extent, Jahlani Tavai. McMillan is scheduled for free agency and isn't the answer. Iowa's Jay Higgins is versatile with the instincts and athleticism required to be a three-down defender.
Round 3 (No. 81 overall): Jonah Monheim, OC, USC
The aging David Andrews won't be around forever and backup interior lineman Nick Leverett and Michael Jordan are in contract years. Mayo could use a long-term pivot to help Maye run the offense. Jonah Monheim has played multiple positions for USC, but he's settling in nicely at center.
Round 4 (No. 117 overall): Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Christian Gonzalez and Alex Austin are ascending players at cornerback, but better depth is needed. The 31-year-old Jonathan Jones is in a contract year and the Patriots could opt to move on from an aging asset. Quincy Riley is an older prospect, which could hinder his pre-draft stock. The Patriots would be pouncing on an instinctive and physical corner.
Round 5 (No. 151 overall): Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. currently leads the entire nation in receiving yards (349) among players at his position. Fannin is undersized, but he'd be free to excel in the passing game with Hunter Henry handling in-line duties as necessary. He'd be an excellent replacement for current TE2 Austin Hooper.
Round 7 (No. 216 overall): Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
Brissett is scheduled for free agency and the new regime dumped Bailey Zappe. This could prompt the Patriots to draft a long-term developmental backup quarterback on day three. Oregon's Dillon Gabriel is a plus-athlete with dual-threat abilities.
Round 7 (No. 227 overall): Car’lin Vigers, DB, Louisiana-Monroe
Louisiana-Monroe defensive back Car'lin Vigers is the only prospect from his program on this year's Senior Bowl watchlist. Vigers is a corner-safety hybrid that does outstanding work at the line of scrimmage. He recorded 54 tackles last season and already has an interception this year, one he returned for 30 yards versus UAB.
Round 7 (No. 234 overall): Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
I'd anticipate the Patriots re-signing Josh Uche to a long-term extension before he reaches the open market. Wolf could still be looking for better pass-rushing depth behind Uche and the ascending Keion White. Marshall's Mike Green already has 4.5 sacks this season, matching last year's previous career-high total in just three games.
