The New England Patriots have numerous needs they plan to address in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, they are also in a very interesting position. 

While they have the No. 4 overall pick, it doesn't appear likely that they will land Penn State edge Abdul Carter or wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter. So, many expect them to take LSU tackle Will Campbell. 

But, there are some who worry about his ability to play that position due to his arm length. So, do they want to risk such a high pick on him? 

The Patriots have made it clear they are interested in trading down if the right offer comes in, so let's explore a mock draft where that does happen. 

Each pick will include an excerpt from Dane Brugler's Draft Guide.

TRADE 

New Orleans Saints receive: No. 4 
New England Patriots receive: No. 9, No. 40 

9th Pick: RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)

I know fans are going to have an opinion on this pick, but it's something to consider for the Patriots. When Mike Vrabel was with the Tennessee Titans, he saw first hand the impact a big bodied running back can have (aka Derrick Henry).

Jeanty is an incredible playmaker who finished with 4,769 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns over three seasons with Boise State. 

New England currently has three running backs on the roster – Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, and Terrell Jennings. Stevenson is the team's top back, but he struggled last season, putting the ball on the ground too many times. However, the new coaching staff has expressed faith in Stevenson and are excited to work with him going forward. 

Yet, there is no denying that adding Jeanty to the room could bring in a new level to this offense.

While this is probably not a reality, anything can happen during the 2025 NFL Draft. 

"With his low center of gravity and explosiveness, Jeanty has an uncanny ability to stay afloat through contact and be elusive in space (led FBS with 151 forced missed tackles in 2024 — 57 more than No. 2 on the list). He trusts his vision when following his blocks, but instead of predetermining his path, he displays outstanding reactionary reads to sort, cut and create (responsible for 12 carries of 50 yards or more in 2024; no other FBS player had more than five). Overall, Jeanty displays exceptional contact balance, run instincts and versatility in the passing game, reminiscent of LaDainian Tomlinson. He has the talent to emerge as a high-level running back early in his NFL career," Brugler wrote. 

38th Pick: OT Josh Simmons (Ohio State)

Simmons is a solid option for the Patriots at left tackle, and if he happens to drop to the second round, this should be a no-brainer for the Patriots. During his time with the Buckeyes, he finished with over 1,100 snaps of experience in the last two seasons. 

Specifically, as it concerns to the left tackle position, he has 19 games of experience, allowing 17 total pressures, including one sack, according to PFF.

He is coming off a knee injury suffered during the 2024 season, but was considered ahead of schedule in his recovery and did take part in portions of the Ohio State Pro Day on March 26. 

"Simmons lined up at left tackle in former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s diverse run game… Simmons explodes out of his stance in pass protection and plays with knee-bend, balance and calmness to govern his movements, shoot his hands and stay square to pass rushers. He isn’t an overpowering mauler in the run game, but Kelly’s offense highlighted Simmons’ range when executing pulls, reaches, traps, etc. Overall, Simmons is a nimble, coordinated pass protector with tremendous athletic poise and the body control to be a long-term starting left tackle in the NFL. His pro projection hinges on medical feedback," Brugler said. 

40th Pick: WR Jaylin Noel (Iowa State)

The Patriots have already hosted Noel on a top-30 visit, making it clear that they are interested. Noel has proven himself to be a reliable receiver with good route running ability. His size is what's been coming into question, but he has the ability to make some big plays.  

"A sturdy and speedy athlete, Noel is smooth in and out of his breaks and plays with “stickum” hands to consistently secure throws away from his body. Despite not being much of a tackle-breaker, he has a pull-away gear (with or without the ball) that makes him a playmaker (eight catches of 50 yards or more over the past two seasons, third-most in the FBS). Overall, Noel is a smaller target but very quarterback-friendly, because of the confidence he has in his hands and his athletic versatility, which makes him tough to cover. His scouting report and college tape give flashbacks to those of Christian Kirk when he was an NFL Draft prospect. Noel can have a similar pro career," Brugler wrote. 

69th Pick: EDGE Jack Sawyer (Ohio State)

If we're talking about another player that seems like the perfect guy for Vrabel, it's Sawyer. He showcased what he's capable of during Ohio State's National Championship run and also displayed the type of person he is off the field. He's a solid pass rusher and would be a great addition in the room with some of the other veteran players the Patriots have added this offseason. 

"Sawyer is strong at the point of attack, with the instincts and effort to consistently factor into the play. Though his hands are powerful, they aren’t overly skilled, and his body stiffness leaves him a step slow to shed or unlock counter measures once locked up. Overall, Sawyer often plays one-dimensionally as a pass rusher and lacks ideal suddenness or length for an edge player, but his activity level and the strength in his hands make him an every-down factor. Similar in ways to George Karlaftis, he has the competitive play personality that NFL coaches will welcome as part of their rotation," Brugler explained. 

77th Pick: OT Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College)

The Patriots should be looking to double down at tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Trapilo makes a lot of sense. He has been working with former Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, so they know exactly the type of player they will be getting. Plus, New England got a close up view of Trapilo at Boston College Pro Day. 

"Although he never had the chance to see his late father play in the NFL, Trapilo has the same offensive line talent in his DNA, with the natural movements and technical control. He stays patient and under control in his pass sets and understands hand placement to maintain space between himself and rushers. He needs to be more consistent blocking low to high in the run game, but he quickly establishes body positioning to manipulate spacing and cut off defenders. Overall, Trapilo is a towering athlete and can be jarred at contact on occasion, but he has swing-tackle traits with his smooth weight distribution and the impressive strike timing he uses to consistently complete the mission. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him compete for starting right tackle reps as a rookie," Brugler wrote. 

106th Pick: TE Gunnar Helm (Texas)

While the Patriots have Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry on the roster, along with 2024 seventh round draft pick Jaheim Bell, this tight end draft class is very talented and New England could look to bring in someone that they can develop.

"More balanced than explosive as an athlete, Helm does a great job finding space in coverage and contorting his body to adjust and finish the catch. With his knack for giving defenders the slip, he is one of the best tight ends in this draft class after the catch. Overall, Helm will need time to adjust to NFL physicality as a blocker, but he has the toughness and pass-catching talent to potentially become a three-down player. His tape shows a possible mismatch weapon, but his lackluster combine performance will give NFL teams pause," Brugler said. 

144th Pick: CB Jaylin Smith (USC)

The Patriots might be looking to add a young cornerback to the room, and Smith fits the bill for what New England could be looking for. He demonstrated a solid ability in man coverage and has the speed to keep up with receivers. 

"Overall, Smith’s lack of size will show in several ways against NFL competition, but he is an agile-footed, speedy corner with the compete skills to fight for an inside nickel role. He will need to prove he can stay healthy to stick on a roster," Brugler wrote. 

171st Pick: LB Nick Martin (Oklahoma State)

With a later round pick, it's likely the Patriots will take someone they can develop. Martin has the skills New England needs, but there are some things that he will need help with in his transition to the NFL.  

"Built more like a muscular safety, Martin is an easy mover with the straight-line burst and true sideline-to-sideline range to be a run-and-chase ‘backer. He is an aggressive striker, and his tackle production speaks for itself, but his average length and point-of attack-strength will hurt his ability to sift through NFL traffic and disengage from pro blockers. Overall, Martin doesn’t have the size that most teams desire at the position, but his urgent athleticism will give him a chance to earn a role as a Will linebacker. He should find regular work as a core special-teamer and be the first man off the bench on defense," Brugler stated. 

220th Pick: QB Kurtis Rourke (Indiana)

Now that the Patriots have traded Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys, they are in need of an emergency third quarterback and Indiana's Kurtis Rourke is a good option for that job. He spent the first five seasons of his college career with Ohio before transferring to Indiana for his final season. With the Hoosiers, he finished with 222 completions for 3,042 yards and 22 touchdowns along with five interceptions. 

"When in structure, Rourke delivers with anticipation, pace and placement and is at his best on isolation routes, especially back shoulders and sideline bucket throws. Though fearless in the pocket, his struggles start to pop up when forced to move from his spot, which leads to lower-body mechanical issues and inaccuracy — he completed just 57 percent of his passes and averaged 163 passing yards against the three best defenses on the 2024 schedule (Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State). Overall, Rourke is a good-sized pocket passer who will push the ball downfield when everything stays on schedule, but his average mobility will be tough to mask against NFL defenses. He is a potential Aidan O’Connell-level backup, if he stays healthy," Brugler wrote. 

238th Pick: K Andres Borregales (Miami)

Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer confirmed on Friday that the Patriots will be adding another kicker to compete with John Parker Romo, and at this point it seems likely that they could turn towards the draft. While there is a chance he might not get selected and could be available as an undrafted free agent, Borregales is the best kicker prospect and New England shouldn't risk losing him. 

New England Patriots set to host first-round receiver prospect on reported pre-draft visit

Doing their homework.