The Patriots had an exciting and sound free agency, adding stars like Milton Williams and Stefon Diggs, as well as underrated contributors through players like Robert Spillane and Morgan Moses. It’s clear that new head coach Mike Vrabel was eager to make his mark on the roster and that’s what he did. However, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that despite a multitude of veteran additions, rookies will be a key factor towards next season’s success. With that being said, here’s my tier list for needs the team must fill through the draft.
Philadelphia Eaglers defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) celebrates his fumble recovery against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Tier One: Pressing need for a starter
Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher
The Patriots addressed each of these positions through free agency to a degree, but there’s no doubt additions should be made. While the aforementioned Moses shores up the right side, Vederian Lowe remains the starter at left tackle. I recently mocked Will Campbell to be the No. 4 selection for New England, and that would fill their most desperate need. Despite the additions of Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, WR should also be a top priority, whether that be through Travis Hunter, should he be available at pick four or on Day 2. Names I would look out for include Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins and Washington State’s Kyle Williams, who I mentioned in last week’s article as a compliment to Diggs. The Patriots generated 1.6, the fewest sacks per game in football last year. The additions of Milton Williams on the inside and Harold Landry will certainly boost that figure this upcoming season, but an addition will be necessary at some point this draft. Abdul Carter is the cream of the crop, but BC’s Donovan Ezeiruaku may be the best pure QB hunter in the class.
Tier Two: Significant need for a starter/depth
Running Back, Guard/Center
Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Jan. 7, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson are under contract for the next two seasons, but neither played particularly well last season. While Gibson showed flashes in a minimal role, he struggled as a more primary back: excluding his hot start against Seattle, he averaged just 3.1 yards per carry when taking 10+ carries in a game. An addition in the mid rounds, along with a few UDFAs, is probably the way to go; the team can’t afford to spend significant capital at the position right now. Nonetheless, one of the Ohio State backs could be interesting fits in McDaniels’s offense. The team will see Cole Strange return for what will hopefully be a full season, and Garrett Bradbury was added to fill the void at center. Despite investment (five IOL selected in the last three draft cycles), lineman haven’t panned out the way New England has hoped. While the team has bodies, quality is a bigger issue. Expect to see a late Day 2 or an early Day 3 pick invested in the position.
Tier Three: Could use some depth/developmental addition
Safety, Cornerback, Kicker
At the moment, I feel pretty solid about what the team has across the secondary, but there is some room for improvement. At the back end, Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger struggled to stay healthy, and even when healthy, the duo both play a similar role. Adding a truer center fielder would be logical. A high-quality version could be Texas’s Andrew Mukumba, who has slot experience but played as the deep man this year for the Longhorns. At cornerback, the top options are excellent, but the loss of Jonathan Jones hurts the team’s flexibility. Marcus Jones struggled when asked to step up last year, and while Alex Austin has shown flashes, he’s still something of an unknown. Mukumba could fill the role as a utility man, but UNC’s Alijah Huzzie has experience playing inside and out as a truer cornerback. As for kicker, I’d expect the team to add a handful of UDFA’s or make a late round selection to compete with John Parker Romo.
Tier Four: Potential long-term need/minimal investment needed
Tight End, Linebacker, Defensive Tackle, Quarterback, Punter
The team managed to address these positions to the point that they probably don’t need to add anyone else unless they think it’s great value. The moves they made at linebacker and defensive tackle make me feel pretty solid about the future of those positions. Despite the trade of Joe Milton, Josh Dobbs is an experienced backup, while Bryce Baringer punters well in 2024. Of course, if the team feels the value is too good to pass up (TE Tyler Warren, DT Mason Graham, LB Jihaad Campbell), they could continue to fortify one of these positions, but that would come into effect more so in the event of a trade down. Expect UDFA’s or low-level veteran free agents to be added later on to these position rooms.