Any one of these six prospects would be a hit for New England
The New England Patriots had lots of needs entering the 2025 offseason under Mike Vrabel. In free agency, Vrabel met a lot of them, and most, if not all, are probably upgrades over last year’s players at their respective positions.
Vrabel has more to do if he’s going to whip the lackluster 2024 roster into shape and turn playoff predictions into reality. He can trade underperforming roster players, but his best option remains the draft, which begins April 24.
Vrabel needs to ace the draft to have a shot at building a 2025 contender. He has to land consensus players in every round and, most importantly, nail the fourth overall pick (or his first pick if he trades down). Here are six players who’ll earn Vrabel an A+ grade no matter where he drafts them.
6 draft stars who will ace the draft for Mike Vrabel
Travis Hunter, CB/WR — Colorado
Travis Hunter of Colorado is the best player in the draft—and the best at two positions: wide receiver and cornerback. He’s a generational talent and a consensus top-1 or 2 player. If he slips to pick No. 4, the Patriots should just take him.
Hunter will start as the Pats’ No. 1 or No. 2 receiver, depending on when Stefon Diggs returns. Together, they’d represent a 100% upgrade over the 2024 receiver room. He should also be used as a situational third lockdown cornerback. He’s that good. Add him to Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III, and it’s a winning combination. Pick: A+ (or better).
Abdul Carter, Edge — Penn State
Next up is Penn State’s edge Abdul Carter. He immediately becomes the Pats’ best pass-rusher. Only if Hunter is still on the board should he not be the pick at No. 4.
Carter had 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in 2024. He screams playmaker. Like Hunter, he’s a consensus top-2 player in this draft. If he passes the medical evaluation, he’s an A+ pick if Hunter is off the board.
Will Campbell, OT — LSU
The Patriots have no greater need than left tackle. Vrabel didn’t sign any free-agent left tackles. He risks ruining the season before it starts if he doesn’t hit this position hard in the draft. The best available is LSU’s Will Campbell, hopefully still there at No. 4.
Campbell is rising in analysts’ eyes. He’s Pro Football Focus’ top offensive tackle and the sixth-highest-rated player overall. He’s a Day One starter at the team’s second-most important position. A+ pick at No. 4.
Ashton Jeanty, RB — Boise State
It’s been floated that the Patriots could shock the NFL world and take the draft’s best running back, Ashton Jeanty, with their first pick. While running back is a lesser need than left tackle or wideout, a talent like Jeanty is a literal game-changer.
The Pats need playmakers badly. Jeanty is an otherworldly one. Add him, two solid left tackles, and two capable wide receivers, and suddenly Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense are rocking the NFL. Drafting Jeanty at No. 4 is an A+ selection.
Tyler Warren, TE — Penn State
Another off-the-grid idea: the Patriots could trade down a few picks and take tight end Tyler Warren from Penn State. Warren, like Brock Bowers in 2024, is a super talent. Like Jeanty, he’s a monster playmaker—something the 2024 offense sorely lacked beyond Drake Maye.
Need convincing? The 6-foot-6, 249-pound Warren logged a ridiculous 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, and even rushed for 218 yards and four more scores. Warren plays immediately. He’s another A+ pick—maybe after a slight trade-down.
Mason Graham, DT — Michigan
At defensive tackle, the Patriots traded Davon Godchaux and lost Daniel Ekuale in free agency. They have to draft one, even after signing Milton Williams. Another DT is a must—and Michigan’s Mason Graham is the best in the draft.
Graham fits Vrabel’s defense like a glove. He’s a penetrating, disruptive interior presence—perfect for Vrabel’s upfield-attacking style. He’ll rotate with Williams, Christian Barmore, and Keion White to create the best DT group in the NFL. Another A+ pick.
These are six A+ picks—at least three of whom will be available when the Patriots pick at No. 4 overall. All are stars. All are the top players at their positions. And all are exactly what this roster needs. If the Patriots fail to land one, they’ll have botched the draft. Let’s hope they don’t.