2025 NFL Mock Draft Summary: The Patriots have options with the No. 6, which originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots have mixed up some wins in recent weeks – which could make things a little more interesting next spring.
After holding the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft at the start of the 2024 season, the Patriots are currently ranked No. 6 in the draft with a 3-8 record. If they fall outside the top five, that likely means top prospects like Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter — a popular pick for New England in earlier mock drafts — would be out.
So, where could the Patriots go if they pick sixth overall (or later) in the 2025 draft? It could be argued that wide receiver is their biggest need to back up rookie Drake Maye, who has franchise quarterback material but a serious lack of weapons. You might as well try an offensive tackle because New England has the NFL’s worst offensive line by several criteria and needs to invest in keeping Maye upright.
Patriots too however, he has problems with defense. Their need for another elite linebacker against Christian Gonzalez was evident last Sunday when their high schoolers torched Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nakua and Cooper Kupp. They also lack a dynamic pass-rusher after trading Matthew Judon and Joshua Uche.
New England’s wide variety of needs is reflected in the wide variety of mock drafts that have been released since Sunday: We found five different mock drafts that projected five different players going to the Patriots at No. 6.
Here are the picks and the authors’ explanation for each:
“Drake Maye shows every week why he was the third overall pick in the draft. Now New England needs to get the right supporting cast around him at both pass catcher and offensive line. McMillan is the type of physical receiver you can get into.” through your passing game, basically their version of Nic Collins in that scenario.”
“Left tackle is an important need for the Patriots, but the offensive tackle class isn’t strong behind Kelvin Banks Jr. So instead of reaching, the Patriots could fill another need at corner with Johnson, my top-rated prospect in the class.”
“The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Johnson fits the mold of Pat Surtain II, showing excellent ball skills and the physicality to take on NFL receivers. He’s been limited by injuries this season, but has two interceptions, both of which they returned to land.
“Pairing Johnson with 2023 first-rounder Christian Gonzalez would give the Patriots a legitimate spot on defense, and having two top corners on rookie contracts would give New England the flexibility to build around them.”
“Drake Maye has shown a lot of promise in his early performances, so it’s nice to see confidence building around him. They need to draft offensive linemen, sign offensive linemen, then draft more offensive linemen. It starts at No. 6 overall.” with a selection by Will Campbell.”
“Williams has All-Pro traits and with the right development in New England can maximize those reasonably raw skills.”
Going with a playmaker or blocker would make sense here, but James Pearce Jr. is a starting point guard.
“His game has improved throughout the season and his attributes are undeniable. His speed and flexibility put him in the elite area of this class, comparable to the top players of recent years.”