The New England Patriots have undergone some big changes this offseason.
The team fired head coach Jerod Mayo after just one season and brought in former player Mike Vrabel to be the next head man. Then, the team spent a ton of money in free agency to improve the roster on both sides of the ball.
Now, the team has the chance to add an elite prospect with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are several directions the team could go, as other than quarterback, the team has a ton of needs.
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Today, let’s identify the four prospects who would NOT be good selections for the Patriots with their top pick.
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Mason Graham is an interesting prospect who certainly seems like one of the best talents in this class.
However, Graham is an interior defensive lineman who wouldn’t be a great fit in New England. The team just dished out a $104-million deal to defensive lineman Milton Williams in free agency, and Christian Barmore is a solid lineman as well.
Graham will be a great fit for someone, but the Patriots have much more pressing needs than defensive lineman. The team would be better off using this top pick on an offensive lineman or an offensive playmaker, even though Graham may be tempting.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Ashton Jeanty is another uber-talented prospect who could easily be a top-5 selection like Graham.
It’s possible that the Patriots would be interested in Jeanty. The team has Rhamondre Stevenson, who’s serviceable, but nowhere near the elite talent Jeanty could be. Also, Vrabel loves to run the ball and is used to having an elite option in the backfield.
However, like with Graham, the Patriots have more pressing needs. Taking a running back in the top-5 selections is something a talent-deprived team like the Patriots should not do.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
As mentioned above, the Patriots have several needs, and cornerback isn’t at the top of that list.
Like Graham and Jeanty, though, Johnson is such a talented prospect that it’s possible the Patriots could entertain selecting the Michigan product. Other than two-way star Travis Hunter, Johnson may be the best cover corner in this class.
The Patriots spent big on Carlton Davis II in free agency and already roster Christian Gonzalez. Another corner would be nice to further improve the defense, but the team should wait until a later round to address the position.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Tyler Warren is an elite pass-catching prospect and the Patriots do certainly need pass-catchers.
Warren has been mocked anywhere as a top-5 pick to the mid twenties. The tight end is clearly the best prospect at his position, and the Patriots don’t have a young, starter-worthy option on the roster.
Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper ARE on the roster, though, and that duo should be good enough for the 2025 season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the team take a tight end at some point, but it shouldn’t be in the first round.