Ultimate Patriots 2025 NFL Draft Guide

The Patriots need to hit on their draft picks.

That’s the only way out of this rebuild. A team can only accomplish so much in free agency - and that’s been seen over the last two offseasons. If Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf want to get the Patriots out of the gutter and into the playoffs, they need to find starters and blue-chip prospects with their draft picks.

That’s why the 2025 NFL Draft is so important for the Patriots.

To preview this year’s class, we identify the top athletic fits by averaging the Combine data for every Patriots offensive player drafted over the last 24 years. Since Josh McDaniels is running the offense, that gives us a look at the prototypical athlete the team looks for.

On defense, things are changing with Vrabel’s new system. Here, we average out testing marks for either Titans drafted players or starters at each defensive position. That gives us an idea of what Vrabel wants in an athlete at each position.

On top of that, we identify first-round prospects for the Patriots at every position. We also look at prospects who are well-connected to this team.

This draft guide looks at five prospects at each position that fit the Patriots system.

Offensive Tackle

For the Patriots, it’s like Groundhog Day. Another offseason means the team is still searching for a franchise left tackle.

The team has lacked stability over the last three seasons. Last year, they made Caedan Wallace ( a better right tackle) their highest-drafted tackle since Yodny Cajuste in 2019. This offseason, the team signed veteran right tackle Morgan Moses. However, on the left side, Vederian Lowe remains the best option.

In this exercise, we average out Combine averages for every Patriots tackle drafted from 2000-2024. Those averages are as follows:

We also averaged out those marks for every Titans tackle that Vrabel selected during his time in Tennessee. Here are those averages:

Entering this draft, left tackle is the No. 1 need in New England. Unfortunately, it’s not a great year to be sitting with the fourth pick in the draft. The Patriots have options but these players come with question marks.

Here are the best fits:

First-round target: Will Campbell, LSU

Campbell is the best offensive line prospect in this draft. He’s an elite athlete. His relative athletic score (9.89) ranks him 16 out of 1,398 tackles dating back to 1987. Campbell’s size (6-foot-6, 317 pounds) isn’t the problem. It’s his arm’s length (32.63). He blows away what the Patriots and Titans look for in an athlete at the position. His arms make some teams believe he’s better suited at guard. Campbell, however, was a dominant left tackle for LSU in the SEC. An All-American, he projects as an instant Day 1 starter. He had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.

Best New England athletic fit: Logan Brown, Kansas

A 6-foot-6, 311-pound tackle with 33 7/8-inch arms, Brown hits on eight of nine prototypical Patriots marks. He misses on weight by six pounds. Brown started at right tackle for Kansas in 2024, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. He missed most of 2023 with an injury. Started a game at left tackle the year before. A former five-star recruit, Brown is a projected Day 3 pick.

Best Vrabel-Titans athletic fit: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota

A three-year starter at left tackle, Ersery is a good athlete. He hits on seven target marks for a prototypical Titans draft pick. He also has good size at 6-foot-6, 331 pounds with a 33 1/8-inch arm length. Ersery earned third-team All-American, first-team All-Big Ten, and Big Ten OL of the Year honors last season. Some project him as a right tackle but his experience comes on the left side. Ersery is projected to be drafted in the second round. He had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.

Keep an eye on: Armand Membou, Missouri

If the Patriots shy away from Campbell due to his arms, Membou is another first-round target. He’s shorter at 6-foot-4 but weighs 332 pounds and his arm length is 33 1/2-inch arms. Membou is a great athlete, running a 4.91 40. He started at right tackle at Missouri, earning Second-team All-SEC honors last fall. Some teams might project Membou guard due to his height, but he’ll get a chance to thrive on the outside as the draft’s top right tackle prospect.

Patriots connection: Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College

Trapilo has been working with former Patriots legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Last year, he was at Boston College with new Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone. He’s 6-foot-8 and 316 pounds with 33-inch arms. Trapilo started at right tackle for the Eagles and earned All-ACC First Team honors last year. His father, Steve, played guard in the NFL. Trapilo projects as a swing tackle with starter potential. He’s a projected third-round pick.

Later-round option: Jalen Travis, Iowa State

If the Patriots are looking for a developmental swing tackle, Travis is a great option. He’s 6-foot-8 and weighs 339 pounds with 34 7/8-inch arms. He started his career at Princeton, earning the Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup after starting a nonprofit to help young kids in Minnesota. He spent last year at Iowa State, starting at left tackle and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

• Mark Daniels’ Mock Drafts: 1.0 | 2.0

Interior offensive linemen

The Patriots need help when it comes to protecting Drake Maye. It’s not enough to have solid tackles, but the team needs to reinforce the interior of their offensive line.

The Patriots lack proven answers at left guard and center. This offseason, they released longtime veteran and captain David Andrews. They have options on the roster with Ben Brown, Cole Strange, Jake Andrews and Lecitus Smith. However, the only player in that group signed beyond this season is Andrews.

At left guard, the Patriots finished last season with Layden Robinson in the starting lineup. The fourth-round pick is a powerful run blocker but needs refinement with pass protection. The team could also move Strange back to left guard, but it remains to be seen if he fits into what Josh McDaniels is looking for.

Here are Patriots averages for interior offensive linemen:

The Patriots swung and missed on several veteran guards and at least one high-priced center in free agency. That’s why it’s expected they’ll add to the group in this draft.

First-round option: Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

An outstanding athlete, Zabel played all over the offensive line at North Dakota State. He started at left tackle last season, but he projects as one of the best interior offensive linemen in this draft. He was named the Overall Practice Player of the Week at the Senior Bowl where he dominated at guard and center. Zabel is arguably the best center prospect in this draft. He’s a late first-rounder or early second-round prospect.

Best athletic fit: Caleb Rogers, Texas Tech

Rogers hits Patriots prototypical marks in seven categories, making him the best athletic fit among guards and centers. He had a legendary career at Texas Tech where he started 55-consecutive games from 2020-2024. Rogers has versatility as he played left tackle, right tackle, left guard and right guard. He also practiced at center. Rogers is a projected Day 3 pick.

Keep an eye on: Tyler Booker, Alabama

A two-year starter at Alabama, Booker is arguably the best left guard prospect in this draft. He earned Second-team All-American and First-team All-SEC honors last season. Bookers also played a game at left tackle and has experience at right guard. A team captain, Booker is a powerful guard prospect who projects as a first or second rounder.

Later-round option: Eli Cox, Kentucky

Cox hits on six prototypical Patriots marks. He’s also versatile with the ability to play center and guard. Cox also has good character traits as a sixth-year senior and two-time captain at Kentucky. He earned Third Team All-SEC honors as a center in 2024 and Second Team honors as a right guard in 2023. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Patriots connection: Drew Kendall, Boston College

A three-year starter at center, Kendall is also working with Patriots legend Dante Scarnecchia and was on campus with Marrone last fall. Scarnecchia told MassLive that Kendall is the type of player who could back up all three interior positions. A captain, Kendall earned All-ACC first-team honors last season. He’s a projected Day 3 pick. His father, Pete, was a first-round pick by Seattle and played in the NFL for 13 years as a guard and center.

• Karen Guregian’s Mock Drafts: 1.0 | 2.0

Wide Receiver

When it comes to receiver, the biggest question is whether or not the Patriots can get it right.

Fans still have PTSD over the team drafting N’Keal Harry over A.J. Brown, Deebo Samuel, D.K. Metcalf, and Terry McLaurin. In 2022, it was Tyquan Thornton over George Pickens. Last year, the Patriots selected Ja’Lynn Polk when they could’ve had Ladd McConkey.

Over the last 24 years, the Patriots have a prototype when it comes to receiver. Here’s a look at their drafted player averages:

The Titans, under Vrabel, however, are a little different. Their average drafted receiver stood 6-foot-1, weighed 214 pounds, and had 9.4-inch hands. Here’s a look:

This offseason, the team was unable to land their top free-agent target, Chris Godwin. They were also outbid for Cooper Kupp. However, the team signed Stefon Diggs to fill the void.

In this year’s class, the top athletic fit at receiver is the same for the Patriots and Titans.

First-round option: Travis Hunter, Colorado

Hunter is one of the most fascinating draft prospects in quite some time. He profiles as a starting cornerback and receiver. He has a slender frame at 6-foot, 188 pounds. Hunter has drawn comparisons to DeVonta Smith as a receiver. The reigning Heishman Trophy winner, he caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards with 15 touchdowns. Hunter has elite ball skills and the special kind of athleticism to take a top off the defense. He had four drops in his college career (205 targets). He’s a projected top-3 pick.

Keep an eye on: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

McMillan is one of the best receivers in this draft class. At 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, he’s not your prototypical outside receiver. He has elite ball skills and projects as a Z-receiver with the ability to play in the slot. He caught 84 passes for 1,319 yards with eight touchdowns enroute to First-team All-American honors. He uses his size to his advantage and has a petulance for highlight-reel catches. McMillan had seven drops in 130 targets last year. He’s a projected top-10 pick.

Best athletic fit: Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas

TeSlaa is the best athletic fit for prototypical Patriots and Titans marks. He hits on every trait other than bench press. At 6-foot-3, 214 pounds, he profiles as a bigger slot receiver. TeSlaa has reliable hands and is a willing run blocker. A Division II transfer, he caught 28 passes for 545 yards and three touchdowns last season. TeSlaa was a Senior Bowl standout. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Later-round option: Xavier Restrepo, Miami

An undersized slot receiver, Restrepo plays like a prototypical Patriots fit. He’s a great route runner and excels with contested catches. Restrepo caught 69 passes for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He had two drops on 95 targets. An All-American, he also has experience as a returner. Restrepo met with the Patriots at the Combine. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Patriots connection: Jalen Royals, Utah State

Patriots offensive assistant Chuckie Keaton was Utah State’s running backs coach in 2022. That marked Royals first season with the Aggies. A 6-foot, 205-pound receiver, Royals caught 55 passes for 834 yards with six touchdowns last season. He missed part of the season due to a foot injury. Royals is a solid route runner with good hands. He has the ability to play inside and out. He’s a projected third rounder.

Running back

The Patriots have Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson locked up for multiple seasons.

Of course, that’s if they want to keep them in New England.

Stevenson is signed through 2028 but his contract isn’t guaranteed for the final two years. He’s a safe bet to be on the roster this fall and in 2026. Gibson is signed through 2026 but his salary isn’t guaranteed beyond this fall.

The only other running back on the roster is Terrell Jennings. The Patriots could use a backup, on a rookie contract. With Josh McDaniels, they could look for another third-down back. Gibson could play that role, but the Patriots often have contingency plans. They drafted James White with Shane Vereen on the roster, for example.

Here are the marks for the averaged drafted Patriots running back:

The Patriots haven’t had a true third-down back since White retired. This year, running back is one of the strongest positions of the draft. The Patriots have some good options.

First-round option: Ashton Jeantry, Boise State

Jeantry is the best running back in this draft and will be drafted in the first round. The pint-sized running back (5-foot-8) was dominant in college. Last year, he rushed for 2,601 yards to go with 29 rushing touchdowns. A Heisman Trophy finalist, he was 28 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ collegiate record from 1988. Jeantry is a home-run threat who’s drawing comparisons to LaDainian Thomlinson.

Keep an eye on: Cam Skattebo, Arizona State

Vrabel wants his players to be tough. Skattebo fits that description. He’s a violent runner who’s never been afraid to get physical. The 5-foot-9, 219-pound back ran for 1,711 yards with 21 rushing touchdowns last year. He’s also a receiving threat out of the backfield, catching 45 passes for 605 yards. According to Pro Football Focus, Skattebo forced the second-most missed tackles last year with 103. He’s a projected third or fourth-round pick.

Best athletic fit: Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

Judkins hits or surpasses five prototypical Patriots marks with his height, weight, 40 time, vertical, and broad jump. He didn’t test for the others. A north-south runner, Judkins ran for 1,060 yards with 14 rushing yards last season. He earned Third-team All-Big Ten Conference honors. A transfer from Mississippi, he earned First-team All-SEC honors in 2023. Judkins scored a touchdown once every 16.4 carries over three collegiate seasons. He’s a projected second or third-round pick.

Later-round option: Brashard Smith, SMU

Smith went to Miami as a receiver before switching positions. He became a full-time running back for the first time last fall with SMU. He ran for 1,332 yards with 14 touchdowns. Smith caught 108 passes in his collegiate career. He has solid size at 5-foot-10, 194 pounds. Smith profiles as a third-down back in the NFL. He also has return experience. Smith’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Patriots connection: R.J. Harvey, Central Florida

The Patriots have gotten to know Harvey well, meeting with him at the Senior Bowl and Combine this offseason. He’s undersized at 5-foot-8, 205 pounds. Harvey was very productive in college, rushing for 1,577 yards with 22 touchdowns en route to earning third-team All-American honors. He had 32 carries of over 15 yards last season. That ranked second in the nation, per Pro Football Focus. He’s a projected third or fourth-round pick.

Tight End

The tight end position is important in New England.

Last season, Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper were security blankets for Drake Maye. That’s why the Patriots should look to add a younger player here.

Last year, Henry was the only Patriots pass catcher to have a 100-yard game. He led the team in receiving yards (674) and tied the team lead in receptions (66).

This offseason, the Patriots re-signed Hooper to a 1-year deal. He’ll turn 31 next November. Henry enters this season signed through 2026. He’ll turn 31 next December. The Patriots drafted Jaheim Bell in the seventh round last year and have undrafted free agent Jack Westover also on the roster.

Here’s the prototypical Patriots drafted tight end:

Tight end isn’t a top need. However, this year’s class is considered deeper than usual. Several mid-round prospects could add depth in New England – and perhaps supplant Henry and/or Hooper in the coming years.

First-round option: Tyler Warren, Penn State

Warren won the John Mackey Award for the nation’s top tight end. He enters the draft with comparisons to Jeremy Shockey and Rob Gronkowski due to his playing style and blocking ability. Warren set Penn State records with 104 catches for 1,223 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He’s athletic enough to be a versatile chess piece in the offense. Vrabel likes players who are tough and competitive. That sums up Warren, who is a legitimate offensive threat. He’ll be drafted in the first round.

Keep an eye on: Joshua Simon, South Carolina

Simon’s an outstanding athlete. He hit on six Patriots traits – height, hand size, 40 time, vertical, bench, and broad jump. A sixth-year senior, he showcased his athleticism with his run-after-catch ability. He’s a little thinner at 239 pounds but is a willing blocker. Simon started his career at Western Kentucky before transferring. He became the first tight end in South Carolina history to lead the team in receptions (40), receiving yards (519) and receiving touchdowns (7). He’s a projected Day 3 prospect.

Best athletic fit: Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech

Conyers is an outstanding athlete. He hits Patriots marks for height, weight, vertical, broad jump, and 3-cone. He missed the 40-yard time by .01. Conyers is so athletic he was used in a wild cat formation at Arizona State. He’s scored touchdowns as a pass catcher, running back, and even a quarterback. In four college seasons, he’s caught 104 passes for 1,116 yards. He’s also rushed for 123 yards and completed 6-of-7 passes thrown for 40 yards with a touchdown. Conyers caught 30 passes for 320 yards and five touchdowns last season. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Later-round option: Robbie Ouzts, Alabama

This NFL Network line stuck out: “Ouzts is built like an ironworker who has a squat rack in the garage.” He’s an outstanding blocker, known for his strength and toughness. Last season, he caught eight passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Ouzts might move to the fullback position in the NFL. He was also a core special teamer at Alabama. The Patriots met with Ouzts at the Combine. He’s a projected seventh-round pick.

Patriots connection: Mason Taylor, LSU

Taylor has Hall of Fame bloodlines. His father is Jason Taylor. His uncle is Zach Thomas. He’s also one of the most well-connected prospects to the Patriots. The team met with him at the Senior Bowl and Combine. Taylor has good size at 6-foot-5, 251 pounds. He set an LSU tight end record with 55 receptions to go with 546 yards and two touchdowns last season. Taylor’s a good athlete with smooth hands and a good route runner. He’ll need to refine his blocking. He’s a projected late first or early second-round pick.

Quarterback

On a scale from 1-to-10, the Patriots need for a quarterback in this draft falls at a 1. That’s a good thing for a rebuilding franchise. After drafting two quarterbacks last year and having Drake Maye for the foreseeable future, the team also signed veteran Josh Dobbs in free agency.

Why would they draft a quarterback in 2025?

It’s easy. After trading Joe Milton III to Dallas this month, the Patriots only have two quarterbacks on the roster. That leaves the door open for the team to add a developmental backup quarterback behind Maye and Dobbs.

Here are the Patriots drafted quarterback averages:

Considering this is the most important position in football, it never hurts to take multiple shots in the draft. As we all know, back in 2000, with three veteran quarterbacks on the roster, the Patriots drafted Tom Brady in the sixth round.

Here’s a look at some backup options:

Best athletic fit: Tyler Shough, Louisville

Out of the quarterbacks who tested, Shough hit on five traits – height, hand size, 40 time, vertical and broad jump. He played at Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville in college. Shough suffered a broken leg in 2023. He was one of three winners of the Comeback Player of the Year. Shough threw for 3,195 yards with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s a projected second-round pick.

Later-round option: Seth Henigan, Memphis

Henigan also has prototypical athletic traits that the Patriots look for in a quarterback. He hits marks with height, 40 time, vertical, and broad jump. He threw 3,502 yards with 25 touchdowns and six interceptions last season. He set a Memphis school record with 104 career passing touchdowns. He’s a projected seventh-round pick and profiles as a backup.

Patriots connection: Will Howard, Ohio State

The Patriots hired Riley Larkin to be an offensive assistant. Last season, he was an offensive assistant at Ohio State where he worked with quarterbacks. Howard transferred to Ohio State from Kansas State. He threw for 4,010 yards with 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He was second in the FBS with a 73.0 completion percentage. He’s a projected fourth-round pick. Howard profiles as an above-average backup.

Patriots connection, part 2: Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

Gabriel was named after former Patriots running back Corey Dillon. From Hawaii, he played at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. He was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 as well as a Heisman Trophy finalist. He finished with 3,857 yards with 30 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s a projected fourth-round pick.

Local connection: Max Brosmer, Minnesota

Brosmer played in New England at the University of New Hampshire from 2019-2023. He was one of the best FCS quarterbacks for multiple seasons. Last year, he transferred to Minnesota where he set a school record for completions (268). Brosmer threw for 2,828 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Defensive tackle

What does Mike Vrabel look for in an interior defensive lineman?

That’s a question we tackled this offseason.

During his time in Tennessee, Vrabel often utilized three down linemen with two prototypical defensive tackles and a defensive end. They were often bookended by two outside linebackers.

In six seasons, Vrabel played Jeffrey Simmons, Casey Jurrell, DaQuon Jones, Austin Johnson, Naquan Jones, and Teair Tart at defensive tackle. In this exercise, we averaged out the height, weight, and Combine times for these players. We took those averages and searched this year’s Combine for the best fit.

Here are the averages for those Titans defensive tackles:

This offseason, the Patriots signed Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga in free agency. They also have Christian Barmore (whose status is uncertain due to blood clots), Jeremiah Pharms, Jacquelin Roy, Eric Johnson, and Marcus Harris.

This year’s draft class is deep. Here’s a look at the best Patriots fits:

First-round option: Mason Graham, Michigan

Graham is the top defensive line prospect in a year where defensive line is a strength of the draft. He had an outstanding season for Michigan, finishing with 45 tackles, seven for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was a First-team All-American, and finalist for the Bednarik Award (top defensive player). He’s not the biggest at 6-foot-3 and 296 pounds, but Graham makes up for it with his playing speed and motor. He could be drafted in the top 5. Mason had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.

Keep an eye on: J.J. Pegues, Mississippi

Pegues is a fun prospect with an intriguing versatility. At Mississippi, he played all over the defensive and finished with 3.5 sacks, 42 tackles with 13.5 for loss. Pegues has decent size at 6-foot-2, 309 pounds and plays fast. He was also used as a fullback, rushing for 7 touchdowns. He gained a first down or scored on 18 of his 21 rushing attempts. He was named Ole Miss’s Chucky Millins Memorial Courage Award winner.

Best athletic fit: Ty Robinson, Nebraska

Robinson led all defensive tackle prospects, hitting seven prototypical Titans marks. At 6-foot-5, 288 pounds, he’s an athletic, high motor prospect. He’s versatile and can play all over the defensive line Robinson’s lauded for his physicality, playing strength and effort. A sixth-year senior, he finished with seven sacks and 37 tackles last season. Robinson’s also earned awards for volunteerism and academics. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Later-round option: Eric Gregory, Arkansas

Along with Robinson, Gregory also hit on seven Titans marks. The only thing he missed on was height. At 6-foot-3, 319 pounds, he has good size to play in the interior. A sixth-year senior, Gregory finished with 42 tackles, five for loss, with three sacks. He earned an 82.3 Pro Football Focus run defense grade last year. He’s a projected later-round pick.

Patriots connection: Joshua Farmer, Florida State

Outside of Graham, Farmer is the most connected defensive tackle prospect to the Patriots in this draft. The team went to his Florida State Pro Day and then had him in for a pre-draft visit. At 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, he’s a little smaller than a prototypical Vrabel defensive lineman. However, he hits the athletic testing marks for 40 time, bench, vertical and broad jump. He finished with four sacks with 32 tackles and eight for loss last season. Farmer is a projected third-round pick.

Edge rusher

When it comes to a pass rusher, Vrabel had an anchor in his defensive line with Simmons. He also had multiple different outside linebackers and prototypical defensive ends.

At defensive end, the Titans played Denico Autry (2021-2023), Mario Edwards (2022), and Jack Crawford (2020) in that span. They didn’t draft any prototypical defensive ends under Vrabel.

Here are their Combine averages (note only one player did the bench press, so the number is skewed):

At outside linebacker, Harold Landry was one of Vrabel’s top draft picks and performers. Landry was one of three outside linebackers drafted between 2018-2023 in Tennessee. Also drafted were Rashad Weaver and D’Andre Walker.

Here are the averages for those Titans outside linebackers:

As you can see, there’s a stark difference between a Vrabel defensive end and an outside linebacker. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Patriots add one of each in this draft.

Keeping those numbers in mind, here are the best Patriots fits:

First-round option: Abdul Carter, Penn State

Arguably the best player in this draft, Carter is an elite pass rusher. He played off-ball linebacker and defensive end at Penn State. Last year, he led the FBS with 23.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Carter was dominant, earning First-team All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Lineman of the Year. He’s ultra-athletic, agile, aggressive, and plays with high intensity. He’s a projected Pro Bowl talent who could go in the top 3. The Patriots met with him at the Combine and he had a pre-draft visit in New England.

Keep an eye on: Mykel Williams, Georgia

Williams is an ultra-athletic pass rusher with a high upside. He earned Second-team All-SEC honors the last two seasons. Williams finished with five sacks and two forced fumbles last year. At 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, he has the size and athletic traits that suggest he could develop into an explosive NFL pass rusher. That’s more of a projection as Williams will have to reach his high ceiling. He’ll be a first-round draft pick. Williams had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.

Best athletic fit: Tyler Batty, BYU

Batty is built like a prototypical defensive end (6-foot-6, 271 pounds) and hits on five Titans marks. He also hits on five traits as an outside linebacker. A team captain, he earned First-team All-Big 12 honors after making 59 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Service a 2-year LDS mission in Malaga and Spain and will be 25 as a rookie. Batty started a horse therapy non-profit and earned an award for community service in 2023. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Later-round option: Ethan Downs, Oklahoma

Downs is a 6-foot-4, 269-pound edge rusher who hits on six prototypical Titans traits as an outside linebacker. He finished with three sacks with 29 tackles, nine for loss. He’s a two-time second-team All-Big 12 pick. He won OU’s Bob Kalsu Award for leadership and serving as a role model last season. In 2023, he was honored for his exemplary community impact. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Patriots connection: Oluwafemi Oladego, UCLA

Oladego is one of the most well-connected prospects to the Patriots. Eliot Wolf was on hand for his UCLA Pro Day. The Patriots then brought Oladego in for a pre-draft visit. He is the prototypical size for a Vrabel outside linebacker (6-foot-3, 259 pounds). Oladego is a high-character prospect who finished with 57 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks last season. He started his career as a middle linebacker before transitioning to an edge rusher. He’s a projected third or fourth-round pick.

Linebacker

This season marks a new era for the defense in Foxborough under Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. The days have having bigger linebackers are likely coming to an end for the Patriots.

Under Bill Belichick, the Patriots played bigger, stronger players at the linebacker position. From 2020-2023, the average drafted player stood 6-foor-2 and weighed 244 pounds. When Vrabel was in Tennessee, the average drafted linebacker stood 6-foot 1/2 and weighed 231 pounds.

The average drafted Titans middle linebacker also had faster 40, 3-cone, and shuttle times as well as a longer broad jump. The average Patriots-drafted linebacker pushed up more reps on the bench press.

The Patriots need for a linebacker dwindled as this offseason went on. The Patriots signed former Titans Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens. They also retained Christian Elliss and have Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, and Monty Rice, who also played for Vrabel in Tennessee.

First-round option: Jalon Walker, Georgia

Walker is the best linebacker in this draft. He led Georgia with 10.5 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks. He won the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s best linebacker. Walker was a renowned leader in Georgia’s program. He also played on special teams. He’s 6-foot-1, 243 pounds, and can play middle linebacker and on the edge. He’ll be a first-round pick and could be in play for the Patriots at No. 4

Keep an eye on: Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon

Bassa played safety and receiver in high school before moving to linebacker at Oregon. He hits the Vrabel mold at 6-foot-1, 232 pounds. Bassa finished with 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He has the ability to play as a weakside and middle linebacker. He’s athletic enough to help in pass coverage. The Patriots met with Bassa at his Pro Day. He’s a projected Day 2 pick.

Best athletic fit: Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina

Knight is the type of linebacker that Vrabel covets. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, he hits on six prototypical Titans traits. That leads all linebackers from the Combine. Knight made 82 tackles to go with two sacks and three forced fumbles last season. He’s a really good athlete and profiles as a starting inside linebacker. His cousin was Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall. He’s a projected Day 2 pick.

Later-round option: Jack Kiser, Notre Dame

A sixth-year senior, Kiser will be 25 in September. He brings outstanding intangibles with his character and profiles as a core special teamer and backup inside linebacker. He led the Irish with 90 tackles last season. A team captain, he was Notre Dame’s Man of the Year and also a finalist for multiple awards for his work in the classroom and the community. Kiser was Notre Dame’s Special Teams Player of the Year in 2023. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Patriots connection: Francisco Mauigoa, Miami

Mauigoa transferred to Miami in 2023. At the time, the Hurricanes general manager was Alonzo Highsmith. He left the program last year to work in the Patriots front office. A 6-foot-2, 233-pound linebacker, Maugioa was a tackling machine at Miami. He led the program in tackles in 2023 (82) and last season (96). He tied for the team lead in sacks with 7.5 two years ago. He’s a downhill-thumping linebacker with special teams ability. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Cornerback

The Patriots are locked and loaded at the cornerback position after signing veteran Carlton Davis. He’ll create a dynamic outside combination with Christian Gonzalez. The defense might be set with two outstanding outside defensive backs, but that doesn’t mean they won’t search for more depth.

Slot cornerback Marcus Jones enters this season in a contract year. Other backup options, Alex Austin, Isaiah Bolden, Miles Battle, and D.J. James, are also in contract years. That leaves the team with one backup cornerback, Marcellus Dial, signed beyond this season.

When Vrabel was in Tennessee, the Titans drafted four cornerbacks – Kristian Fulton, Elijah Molden, Caley Farley, and Roger McCreary. These players averages are as follows:

The Patriots have a chance to add more depth to an already strong cornerback position. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see them add another outside cornerback or a slot cornerback to provide more long-term depth at the position.

First-round option: Travis Hunter, Colorado

Hunter has the privilege of being both the best receiver and best cornerback in this draft. The Heishman Trophy winner also won the Bednarik Award for the nation’s top defensive player and was the Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year. He led Colorado with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed one touchdown in coverage last season. The 6-foot, 188-pounder profiles as a Pro Bowl outside cornerback. Hunter should be drafted in the top five.

Keep an eye on: Cobee Bryant, Kansas

Named after that Kobe, Bryant is a ball-hawking cornerback who plays with an edge. He had four interceptions and seven pass breakups last year. Bryant is the first Jayhawk in conference history to be named to the First Team All-Big12 in three straight seasons. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, he has good size and has the versatility to play on the inside. He was the Co-Defensive Player of the Week at the Senior Bowl. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Best athletic fit: Darien Porter, Iowa

Porter led all cornerbacks at the Combine with six hits. He missed on weight by 1.5 pounds. At 6-foot-2, he’s a tall and very athletic defensive back. A sixth-year senior, he didn’t start until last season. He had three interceptions for Iowa and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. Porter is also a special teams ace. He had four kicks in college, including a punt and field goal attempt last season. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Later-round option: Upton Stout, Western Kentucky

At 5-foot-8 1/2, Stout profiles as a slot cornerback in the NFL. He played on the outside at Western Kentucky. He’s a really good athlete and surpasses Titans’ traits for 40 time, vertical, bench press, broad jump, and shuttle time. He finished with two pass breakups and an interception last season. He was named the Senior Bowl Defensive Back of the Week for the American team. Also earned First-team All-Conference USA honors. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Patriots connection: Kendall Bohler, Florida A&M

Bohler played at Florida A&M where his defensive coordinator was Milton Patterson, who is a defensive assistant on the Patriots. A 5-foot-11 outside cornerback, he earned HBCU All-American honors. Last season, he made 33 tackles with four pass breakup sand and an interception. In 2023, when Patterson was the coordinator, he had 14 pass breakups. Bohler also has special teams ability, blocking two kicks. He’s a projected seventh-round pick or undrafted free agent.

Safety

The Patriots don’t lack depth at the safety position

The team returns two starters, Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. Both are playing in new contract extensions. The Patriots also re-signed backup Jaylinn Hawkins and signed veteran starter Marcus Epps, who’s working his way back from a knee injury.

The Patriots have even more depth with backups Dell Pettus, Marte Mapi, Mark Perry, and special teamer Brenden Schooler.

Out of every position on defense, safety is likely the last priority when it comes to the upcoming draft. The Patriots could search for depth at free safety. They could also add a core special teamer who plays this position.

In Tennessee, Vrabel drafted four safeties – Brady Breeze, Chris Jackson, Amani Hooer, and Theo Jackson. Here are their combined athletic measurements:

The average drafted Titans safety was more athletic than the average drafted Patriots safety under Bill Belichick. Here’s a look at players who would fit Vrabel’s defense:

First-round option: Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina

The best safety in this draft, Emmanwori hit on Titans marks on every measure he tested for. He’s 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, and can run a 4.38 40-yard dash. That tells a big part of the story. Emmanwori is super athletic and could start in the NFL at either strong or free safety. Last year, he made 88 tackles with four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. He earned First-team All-American and First-team All-SEC honors. He’s a projected first-round pick.

Keep an eye on: Dante Trader Jr., Maryland

A dual-sport athlete, Trader was also an All-American lacrosse player at Maryland. On the gridiron, he’s a versatile safety capable of playing deep, in the box, or the slot. He made 59 tackles with five pass breakups and an interception last season. Nominated for the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Earned multiple All-Academic honors. Trader is a projected Day 3 pick.

Best athletic fit: Kitan Crawford, Nevada

Crawford is shorter at 5-foot-10 but hits on the seven other prototypical Titans traits. The most out of safety Combine testers. A fifth-year senior, he transferred to Nevada from Texas. Last year, he made 42 tackles with two interceptions and seven pass breakups. In the NFL, he profiles as a backup safety, who can play in the slots and help on special teams. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Later-round option: Rayuan Lane III, Navy

Lane started 30 straight games for Navy at the safety position. He earned Third-team All-AAC honors last year after making 66 tackles, four interceptions, and eight pass breakups. A core special teamer, he was an elite gunner in college and profiles as one in the NFL. He also covered kickoffs. Lane was the Special Teams Player of the Year by the College Football Network. He’s a projected Day 3 pick.

Patriots connection: Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin

Wholer played for Luke Fickell, who’s Vrabel’s close friend and college roommate, at Wisconsin. A 6-foot-2 strong safety, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors last season. He earned multiple Academic All-Big Ten honors as well. Wohler led Wisconsin in tackles (71) to go with six pass breakups. He also has special teams ability. Wohler is a projected Day 3 pick.

Kicker

The Patriots will have a new kicker for the fourth-straight season come September. Ever since the team opted to trade Nick Folk to Tennessee, the kicking hasn’t been consistent in New England.

Last season, Joey Slye beat out Chad Ryland for the job. Although he set a Patriots franchise record with a 63-yard kick, the veteran also struggled with consistency. Slye finished the season making 78.8% of his field goal attempts (26-of-33). His field goal percentage ranked 29th in the NFL.

The year before, Ryland finished the season making just 64% of his field goal attempts. That’s what led the 2023 fourth-round pick to lose his job last season. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Ryland turned it around in Arizona and made 87.5% of his field goal attempts.

After Slye signed with Tennessee this offseason, the only kicker on the Patriots roster is John Parker Romo. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Patriots draft a kicker and bring him in to compete with Parker Romo this offseason.

Here are four options:

Andres Borregales, Miami

One of the higher-profile kickers in this draft, Borregaes hit 86% (74-of-86) of his field goal attempts over the last four seasons. He connected on 99.5% (193-of-184) of his extra-point attempts. His 94.7% (18-of-19) field goal percentage last season ranked No. 4 in the nation. Borregales hit a career-long 56-yard field goal last season. He was perfect (11-of-11) between 20-39 yards last season. Borregales went 7-of-10 from 50+ yards in his collegiate career.

Ben Sauls, Pittsburgh

Coming off a career year at Pittsburgh, Sauls has a big leg. He made 87.5% (21-of-24) field goal attempts last season. He improved greatly from his 2023 season (68.8%). Sauls didn’t miss from under 40 yards last season (8-of-8) and was 6-of-7 from 50+ yards. He hit a long of 58 yards and also hit from 57 yards twice. Sauls also excels on kickoffs. He’s a left-footed kicker, which is rare.

Ryan Fitzgerald, Florida State

Fitzgerald was one of the most accurate kickers in college football last season, hitting 100% of his attempts (13-of-13). Fitzgerald was 5-of-5 from 50-plus yards last season. He hit a long of 59 yards. Fitzgerald hit 97.8% (178-of-182) of his extra point attempts over the last five seasons. He hit 90.5% (19-of-21) of his attempts the season before. Fitzgerald had 34 touchbacks on 42 kickoffs.

Tyler Loop, Arizona

Loop has one of the biggest legs in college football. He hit 78.3% (18-of-23) of his field goal attempts last season. He set a new Arizona program with a 62-yard field goal against Houston. Loop made 83.8% of his field goal attempts (60-of-80) in his collegiate career. Also hit 98.4% of his career extra-point attempts (126-of-128). Loop also punted for Arizona as a freshman (43 average) and worked as an emergency punter last season.

Caden Davis, Ole Miss

Davis hit on 82.8% (24-of-29) of his field goal attempts last season. He hit 98.2% (109-of-111) of his extra points over the last five seasons. He started at Texas Tech, where he mainly handled kickoff duties, averaging 64.1 yards on 183 attempts. At Ole Miss, he excelled on kickoffs (64.4 yards) and field goals. He was 8-of-9 from 40-49 yards and 2-of-4 from over 50 yards. Davis hit a long of 57 yards last season.

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