Patriots 7-round 2025 mock draft: Fixing the offensive line and helping the pass rush

New York Times

21-04-2025

It's finally NFL Draft week. We're just a few days away from the New England Patriots being on the clock with the No. 4 pick and staring down the biggest decision of Mike Vrabel's young tenure as head coach.
We all know the best-case scenario, which involves either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter falling to the Pats. But assuming that doesn't happen, let's offer our final mock draft for all nine Patriots picks, along with a summary of each player from Dane Brugler and 'The Beast.' Let's begin.
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I've tried to pick someone different at No. 4 in each mock draft this offseason. And I saved Campbell for last because it seems the most likely outcome. By now, you know the drawbacks. So let's concentrate on the positives. Campbell was the best left tackle in arguably the best conference in college football, consistently going up against the nation's best edge rushers. He may eventually be a guard in the NFL, but he's a safe pick with a high floor who can help bring stability to a Patriots O-line that needs it.
Brugler: Campbell's mediocre arm length lessens his margin for error, but his athletic movements, core strength and competitive finish help him stay connected through the whistle, regardless of the block required. His skill set is reminiscent of a more powerful version of Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann, although some NFL teams project him best as an interior blocker.
If the Pats, as we expect, go with an offensive lineman in the first round, this pick becomes really interesting. Do they go wide receiver because they need more than Stefon Diggs to boost that room? Or do they pursue help in getting after the passer despite their free-agent spending spree? Here, we go back to what Vrabel has wanted from the beginning — to build from the trenches. Tuimoloau was a highly-touted recruit out of high school and now projects as a solid, safe starter in the NFL.
I don't think JT Tuimoloau gets enough credit for how impactful he was (stats and tape) during OSU's National Title run.
Four playoff gms: 20 pressures, 10 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 FF, A+ vs. the run. pic.twitter.com/2zDCXf0X3Z
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 21, 2025
Brugler: Tuimoloau's college tape is more good than exceptional, but he is competitive, skilled and doesn't have major deficiencies that would keep him from being a dependable edge presence in the NFL. He is one of the most well-rounded defensive prospects in the class.
The Pats seem confident that they can get Ja'Lynn Polk's career back on the right track, so wide receiver may not be as big of a need as I thought earlier this offseason. Bech started his career at LSU and led the team (one that included Kayshon Boutte) in receptions as a freshman. But his playing time dipped after that, and he transferred to TCU, where he totaled 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He's 6-foot-1 and has a chance to become the true outside receiver the Patriots are looking for.
Brugler: Bech's acceleration is more build-up than immediate, and he will need to prove himself versus NFL press coverage, but he is urgent as a route runner with the ball-winning skills and competitive personality that will play. He has experience both inside and outside, and his play style is reminiscent of Puka Nacua.
Mbow started 18 games at offensive tackle in the Big Ten the last two seasons, but a lack of length (32-inch arms and an 80-inch wingspan) will probably force a move to guard in the NFL. He's a bit undersized at 302 pounds, but the Patriots could use help on the offensive line even if they use the No. 4 pick on their front five. Mbow could immediately compete for the starting left guard job.
Brugler: Mbow needs to continue developing his play strength and consistency through contact, but his athletic body control and skilled hands are the foundation of a player who will compete for NFL starting snaps, be it at tackle or inside at guard or center. His play style and potential are reminiscent of Zach Tom.
I'll be shocked if the Patriots don't leave this draft with a speedy running back. And Giddens checks that box after running a 4.43-second 40. He went from a no-star recruit to a starting running back in college, where he averaged 103 rushing yards over his 25 starts. He showed some promise catching the ball out of the backfield (58 receptions), which the Pats could use behind Rhamondre Stevenson.
Brugler: Giddens is a narrow, upright runner and doesn't have a grind-it-out mentality, but his gliding quickness and innate balance help him create. He projects best in an NFL scheme with a play caller who can get him into space as part of a committee.
The Patriots need a run stuffer on the defensive line because, for as good as Christian Barmore and Milton Williams are, they're both much better against the pass. Horsley could be a replacement for Davon Godchaux. Plus, it ties into Vrabel's connection with Bill O'Brien at BC.
Brugler: Horsley plays with the size and power to reset the line of scrimmage when he stays leveraged, making it difficult for run blockers to do their job. He has the talent to be a rotational nose for a long time in the NFL.
Hill has a chance to be one of the steals of Day 3. He returned to college after a stellar 2023 season, even though he might've been a Day 2 pick had he declared for the draft. Last season, he suffered a foot injury early on and tried to play through it. His performance suffered. But perhaps with health, he can return to the high-end corner he was two years ago.
Brugler: Hill is a good-sized man corner with the competitiveness and athleticism to push for early playing time in the NFL. Drafting him will require a leap of faith that he'll return to his 2023 form, but it won't be surprising if he outplays his draft spot.
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One flaw of this mock draft is not picking a tight end earlier to develop behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. But such is life with a plethora of needs. Lachey is a good athlete from a school that produces good tight ends. He played in a bad passing offense, so his stats aren't great (231 receiving yards last season).
Brugler: Lachey doesn't have any dynamic elements in his game, but he catches the ball cleanly and is willing to do the dirty work in the run game. His competitive wiring will help him compete for a backup role in the NFL.
The Patriots need another kicker for their looming competition, and Loop has familiarity with Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer, who coached him at Arizona when Loop was a freshman (though he was the team's punter then). Last season, he made 18 of 23 field goal tries with a long of 62 yards.
(Photo of Will Campbell: Kim Klement / USA Today)