The Patriots have a ton of work to do this offseason to fix a roster that’s got holes all over the place. The good news? They’ve got some serious firepower to make moves—including the No. 4 pick in the draft, nine total picks, and a ridiculous $120 million in cap space, the most in the league. Let’s break down the positions they’ve got to tackle to get back on track.
1. Offensive Tackle
If you can’t protect your quarterback, you’re toast. That’s why left tackle needs to be priority number one. Mike Vrabel even said it himself in his press conference:
“You look at the teams that protect the quarterback and dictate the flow of the game offensively… up front, we need to be solid, whether that’s through free agency or the draft,” Vrabel said.
Draft a stud, grab a vet, do whatever you’ve got to do—just make sure the quarterback doesn’t spend the season running for his life.
2. Wide Receiver
The Patriots haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Julian Edelman back in 2019, which is just embarrassing. Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker haven’t done anything, and the team is desperate for a legit playmaker.
Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is an option with the No. 4 pick, but the Pats could also try to trade for someone big or grab a free agent like Tee Higgins or Stefon Diggs. Either way, they’ve got to fix this ASAP.
3. Edge Rusher
The pass rush last year? Non-existent. They finished dead last in sacks with 28, and nine of those came in one game against the Bears. That’s brutal. The draft and free agency have some solid options, though.
If Penn State’s Abdul Carter is sitting there at No. 4, the Patriots have to take him. The guy’s a freak. If not, vets like Khalil Mack or Josh Sweat could be huge upgrades.
4. Cornerback
The AFC is stacked with elite quarterbacks, so you’ve got to have a strong secondary. Christian Gonzalez is already a stud, but he needs some help. Another solid corner to pair with him would make a huge difference.
They could go after Michigan’s Will Johnson or Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison in the draft, or pick up a veteran like Rasul Douglas or D.J. Reed in free agency. However Morrison’s injury could set him back compared to other options the Patriots may have on draft day.
5. Defensive Tackle
Christian Barmore is a beast when he’s healthy, but he barely played last year because of health issues. In July, Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots, leading to his placement on the non-football illness list. He returned to practice in November but was later placed back on the non-football illness list in December due to recurring symptoms, effectively ending his season.
Davon Godchaux is solid, but he’s not getting any younger. They need some depth here, especially with how deep this draft class is at defensive tackle. Despite his consistent performance, Godchaux has expressed frustration over his contract situation, seeking both a new deal and more respectfrom the team. Given Barmore’s health uncertainties and Godchaux’s contract concerns, the Patriots’ defensive tackle position appears vulnerable. The 2025 NFL Draft offers a deep pool of talent at this position, presenting an opportunity for the Patriots to bolster their defensive line depth:
2025 NFL Draft Prospects:
- Kenneth Grant (Michigan): Standing 6’3″ and weighing 339 lbs, Grant is known for his elite first-step explosiveness and powerful hands. He has the ability to hold the line and execute a devastating push-pull move. His impressive athleticism and strength make him a top candidate for the Patriots.
- Mason Graham (Michigan): Graham exhibits excellent bend and flexibility for an interior player, coupled with fast and powerful hands. His strong performance in the 2024 season positions him as a valuable asset for teams seeking to strengthen their defensive line.
- Tyleik Williams (Ohio State): Williams is recognized for his quickness and ability to disrupt the backfield. His agility and pass-rushing skills make him a promising prospect for teams looking to enhance their defensive front.
2025 NFL Free Agent Defensive Tackles:
- B.J. Hill (Cincinnati Bengals): At 29 years old, Hill has been a consistent performer for the Bengals. His experience and ability to disrupt the pocket could provide immediate impact for the Patriots.
- D.J. Jones (Denver Broncos): Jones brings a strong presence to the defensive line with his size and strength. His experience in the AFC West could offer valuable insights and leadership to the Patriots’ defensive unit.
- Javon Kinlaw (New York Jets): At 27, Kinlaw has shown flashes of dominance. A change of scenery could revitalize his career, and his potential upside makes him an intriguing option for the Patriots.
6. Interior Offensive Line
David Andrews isn’t getting any younger, and the Patriots need to find his replacement. Cole Strange showed some promise, but they’ve got to shore up the middle of the line. Drafting a center or guard this year is a no-brainer.
7. Safety
Kyle Dugger wasn’t himself last year, and Jabrill Peppers had some injuries and off-field issues. The Patriots need more depth here this offseason, maybe a solid veteran who can step in and contribute right away. For example, here are some notable safeties the Patriots could target for the safety position:
- Justin Simmons (Atlanta Falcons): A seasoned free safety with a proven track record in coverage and leadership on defense.
- Marcus Epps (Las Vegas Raiders): With his contract status up in the air, A versatile safety like Marcus Epps brings with him the ability to play in both coverage and run support, making him a reliable addition to any secondary.
- Jeremy Chinn (Washington Commanders): Known for his hybrid linebacker-safety skill set, Chinn could add flexibility to the Patriots’ defensive schemes. However, his performance in the playoffs could make this opportunity hard to come by for the Patriots front office.
8. Linebacker
Losing Ja’Whaun Bentley in Week 2 was a killer. Getting him back healthy will be huge, but adding another playmaker at linebacker wouldn’t hurt. This group could use a little more juice.
If the Patriots are looking to the 2025 NFL Draft to fill this need, there is a name worth keeping an eye on:
- Barrett Carter (Clemson): Carter brings versatility to the position. He’s been used as a hybrid linebacker/safety, making him perfect for today’s NFL defenses. His ability to blitz, cover, and tackle would be a huge asset.
Drafting Carter could elevate the Patriots’ defense to the next level, giving them the dynamic linebacker they’ve been missing.
9. Running Back
Rhamondre Stevenson is still a stud, but the guy had a fumbling problem last year. Antonio Gibson was solid in his role, but if he doesn’t re-sign, the Patriots should look for a running back late in the draft. There’s plenty of talent in this year’s class.
If the Patriots decide to address the running back position with the No. 4 pick, there are a couple of game-changing options to consider.
- Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State): Judkins is a versatile back with speed, power, and elite vision. He shred SEC defenses and has the upside to transform an offense. He just ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries against Notre Dame, further cementing his play-generating abilities.
- Donovan Edwards (Michigan): Edwards is a do-it-all back with great hands, explosive speed, and the ability to break big plays at any moment. Even with his issues with tackle breaking, he’s a perfect fit for a modern NFL offense and could thrive in New England.
Both players are top-five talents and could be cornerstones of a revitalized Patriots offense.
10. Tight End
Hunter Henry is still a solid player, and Austin Hooper was a nice pickup last year. If Hooper doesn’t come back, they’ll need to find another reliable No. 2 option.
11. Quarterback
Drake Maye has all the tools to be great, but he’s not going to get there without some help. Surround him with talent and give him the protection he needs to succeed.
The Patriots have a golden opportunity this offseason to turn things around. They’ve got the money, the picks, and the chance to make some serious upgrades. Let’s see if they can actually pull it off.