The New England Patriots made significant strides in their effort to add as many roster pieces as possible in free agency. It was a smart approach that put them in a spot where they aren’t necessarily locked in at a position with the No. 4 pick of the 2025 NFL draft.
They’re better positioned to go into the draft with the mentality of selecting the best available player. That could be at a number of different positions, including offensive tackle, wide receiver, edge rusher and running back.
It’s a good position to be in for a team with four picks in the first 100 picks of the draft. Today, we’re going to look at the roster and predict who would make the team in its current state. Keep in mind, this list won’t include the upcoming rookie draft picks.
Here’s a 53-man roster projection for the Patriots ahead of the 2025 NFL draft:
Quarterback (2)
- Drake Maye
- Joshua Dobbs
The Patriots are currently down to only two quarterbacks after trading Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys. They are expected to add a third quarterback through the draft or the crop of undrafted free agents. But there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Drake Maye is the guy in New England.
Running back (3)
- Rhamondre Stevenson
- Antonio Gibson
- Terrell Jennings
Rhamondre Stevenson’s time in New England could be on ice if the team decides to draft Ashton Jeanty. However, it’s more likely the Patriots will draft a mid-round running back to serve as a complementary option to Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in the backfield.
Wide receiver (7)
- Stefon Diggs
- Kendrick Bourne
- Demario Douglas
- Kayshon Boutte
- Mack Hollins
- Ja’Lynn Polk
- Javon Baker
The big signings at wide receiver in free agency were Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins. New England could add another top-tier offensive weapon in the draft, or they could wait on the development of Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. Kayshon Boutte was last season’s semi-breakout receiver for the Patriots, while Demario Douglas was the best player at the position.
Tight end (3)
- Hunter Henry
- Austin Hooper
- Jaheim Bell
The Patriots are already set at the top of their tight end depth chart with Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. However, things get interesting at No. 3 with Jaheim Bell looking to break out and a tight end-heavy draft that could spawn legitimate competition in training camp.
Offensive line (11)
- Garrett Bradbury
- Cole Strange
- Mogan Moses
- Mike Onwenu
- Layden Robinson
- Caedan Wallace
- Ben Brown
- Demontrey Jacobs
- Sidy Sow
- Wes Schweitzer
- Vederian Lowe
Some of the names on this list probably won’t be sticking around long after the 2025 NFL draft. The expectation is for the Patriots to attack the offensive line situation aggressively in the draft, even if they don’t take an offensive lineman with the No. 4 pick. They could use help at every position along the offensive front, especially at tackle.
Defensive tackle (5)
- Milton Williams
- Christian Barmore
- Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
- Eric Johnson
- Jaquelin Roy
There are some serious questions surrounding the health of Christian Barmore, but the team upgraded in a major way by signing former Philadelphia Eagles defender Milton Williams. The Patriots might draft a defensive tackle as Barmore insurance, but if Barmore is healthy, this unit will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 season.
Edge rusher (4)
- Keion White
- Harold Landry III
- Anfernee Jennings
- Christian Elliss
Penn State’s Abdul Carter could turn this into a scary unit. Georgia’s Jalon Walker would also be a solid addition to the room. You get the picture.
The Patriots need a serious upgrade at edge rusher, and they might finally get it this week.
Linebacker (3)
- Robert Spillane
- Jahlani Tavai
- Jack Gibbens
One of the biggest surprises of the offseason was the Patriots’ decision to release former team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley. Time will tell if that decision comes back to haunt them, but they did make a couple of significant additions with Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens.
Cornerback (6)
- Christian Gonzalez
- Carlton Davis III
- Marcus Jones
- Alex Austin
- Isaiah Bolden
- Marcellas Dial
The Patriots could use another slot cornerback in the pipeline to develop. On paper alone, this is one of the most competitive positions on the roster. All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis will make one of the more formidable defensive backfield pairings in the league.
Safety (6)
- Kyle Dugger
- Jabrill Peppers
- Marte Mapu
- Dell Pettus
- Jaylinn Hawkins
- Brendon Schooler
There’s hope that Kyle Dugger can snap out of his slump this year, and Jabrill Peppers will be more available. Dell Pettus was a solid find for the Patriots as an undrafted free agent last season. There will be plenty of eyes on his development and progress in Year 2. Also, how will Mike Vrabel utilize Marte Mapu? That’s another situation to keep an eye on in 2025.
Specialists (3)
- Joe Cardona (long-snapper)
- Bryce Baringer (punter)
- John Parker Romo (kicker)
John Parker Romo will have some competition at kicker by the end of draft week. With Joey Slye signing with the Tennessee Titans, the Patriots could be eyeing one of the top kickers in this draft class on Day 3. Meanwhile, Joe Cardona has been a steady presence at long-snapper, and Bryce Baringer was one of the better punters in the NFL last season.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots 53-man roster projection ahead of 2025 NFL draft
The New England Patriots made significant strides in their effort to add as many roster pieces as possible in free agency. It was a smart approach that put them in a spot where they aren’t necessarily locked in at a position with the No. 4 pick of the 2025 NFL draft.
They’re better positioned to go into the draft with the mentality of selecting the best available player. That could be at a number of different positions, including offensive tackle, wide receiver, edge rusher and running back.
It’s a good position to be in for a team with four picks in the first 100 picks of the draft. Today, we’re going to look at the roster and predict who would make the team in its current state. Keep in mind, this list won’t include the upcoming rookie draft picks.
Here’s a 53-man roster projection for the Patriots ahead of the 2025 NFL draft:
Quarterback (2)
- Drake Maye
- Joshua Dobbs
The Patriots are currently down to only two quarterbacks after trading Joe Milton III to the Dallas Cowboys. They are expected to add a third quarterback through the draft or the crop of undrafted free agents. But there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Drake Maye is the guy in New England.
Running back (3)
- Rhamondre Stevenson
- Antonio Gibson
- Terrell Jennings
Rhamondre Stevenson’s time in New England could be on ice if the team decides to draft Ashton Jeanty. However, it’s more likely the Patriots will draft a mid-round running back to serve as a complementary option to Stevenson and Antonio Gibson in the backfield.
Wide receiver (7)
- Stefon Diggs
- Kendrick Bourne
- Demario Douglas
- Kayshon Boutte
- Mack Hollins
- Ja’Lynn Polk
- Javon Baker
The big signings at wide receiver in free agency were Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins. New England could add another top-tier offensive weapon in the draft, or they could wait on the development of Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. Kayshon Boutte was last season’s semi-breakout receiver for the Patriots, while Demario Douglas was the best player at the position.
Tight end (3)
- Hunter Henry
- Austin Hooper
- Jaheim Bell
The Patriots are already set at the top of their tight end depth chart with Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. However, things get interesting at No. 3 with Jaheim Bell looking to break out and a tight end-heavy draft that could spawn legitimate competition in training camp.
Offensive line (11)
- Garrett Bradbury
- Cole Strange
- Mogan Moses
- Mike Onwenu
- Layden Robinson
- Caedan Wallace
- Ben Brown
- Demontrey Jacobs
- Sidy Sow
- Wes Schweitzer
- Vederian Lowe
Some of the names on this list probably won’t be sticking around long after the 2025 NFL draft. The expectation is for the Patriots to attack the offensive line situation aggressively in the draft, even if they don’t take an offensive lineman with the No. 4 pick. They could use help at every position along the offensive front, especially at tackle.
Defensive tackle (5)
- Milton Williams
- Christian Barmore
- Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
- Eric Johnson
- Jaquelin Roy
There are some serious questions surrounding the health of Christian Barmore, but the team upgraded in a major way by signing former Philadelphia Eagles defender Milton Williams. The Patriots might draft a defensive tackle as Barmore insurance, but if Barmore is healthy, this unit will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 season.
Edge rusher (4)
- Keion White
- Harold Landry III
- Anfernee Jennings
- Christian Elliss
Penn State’s Abdul Carter could turn this into a scary unit. Georgia’s Jalon Walker would also be a solid addition to the room. You get the picture.
The Patriots need a serious upgrade at edge rusher, and they might finally get it this week.
Linebacker (3)
- Robert Spillane
- Jahlani Tavai
- Jack Gibbens
One of the biggest surprises of the offseason was the Patriots’ decision to release former team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley. Time will tell if that decision comes back to haunt them, but they did make a couple of significant additions with Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens.
Cornerback (6)
- Christian Gonzalez
- Carlton Davis III
- Marcus Jones
- Alex Austin
- Isaiah Bolden
- Marcellas Dial
The Patriots could use another slot cornerback in the pipeline to develop. On paper alone, this is one of the most competitive positions on the roster. All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis will make one of the more formidable defensive backfield pairings in the league.
Safety (6)
- Kyle Dugger
- Jabrill Peppers
- Marte Mapu
- Dell Pettus
- Jaylinn Hawkins
- Brendon Schooler
There’s hope that Kyle Dugger can snap out of his slump this year, and Jabrill Peppers will be more available. Dell Pettus was a solid find for the Patriots as an undrafted free agent last season. There will be plenty of eyes on his development and progress in Year 2. Also, how will Mike Vrabel utilize Marte Mapu? That’s another situation to keep an eye on in 2025.
Specialists (3)
- Joe Cardona (long-snapper)
- Bryce Baringer (punter)
- John Parker Romo (kicker)
John Parker Romo will have some competition at kicker by the end of draft week. With Joey Slye signing with the Tennessee Titans, the Patriots could be eyeing one of the top kickers in this draft class on Day 3. Meanwhile, Joe Cardona has been a steady presence at long-snapper, and Bryce Baringer was one of the better punters in the NFL last season.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots 53-man roster projection ahead of 2025 NFL draft
