“The Patriots received a few enticing trade offers, but ultimately couldn’t pass up one of the true blue-chip prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.”
Wouldn’t that be nice to hear on draft night, Patriots fans?
Well, that’s exactly how it played out in our Patriots Mock Draft 3.0, which aired on Monday’s episode of NESN’s “Foxboro Rush.” NESN’s George Balekji and I threw on our general manager hats and tried to predict how Mike Vrabel’s team would operate.
There were some tantalizing trade offers for the fourth pick as Abdul Carter slid after Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter were selected. The Minnesota Vikings presented a draft-heavy haul while the Houston Texans offered receiver Nico Collins and their 2025 first-rounder — probably not an offer that will be made on draft night.
The Patriots stayed put and drafted Carter, arguably the top prospect in the class at No. 4 overall. New England would be wise to listen to offers, but should select Carter or Hunter if either slides, as discussed during the podcast.
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New England then addressed its biggest need in the second round with Aireontae Ersery, who was the top offensive tackle available. The 6-foot-6, 331-pound Ersery started 38 games at left tackle during his final three seasons at Minnesota. Eclipsing the 33-inch arm length threshold, Ersery was named the Big Ten’s Offensive Lineman of the Year and was a first-team selection.
The Patriots doubled down at offensive tackle with Boston College’s Ozzy Trapilo, who was selected in the fourth round. New England used it’s initial third-round pick to select Jaylin Noel before adding Andrew Mukaba, who Balekji was high on given his potential as a long-term solution at free safety.
Check out the full list of selections:
While the Patriots added depth on Day 3 with tight end Jake Briningstool, wide receiver Chimere Dike, running back Donovan Edwards and interior offensive lineman Hayden Connor, their first four or five picks added talent at positions of need.
With Carter headlining the group along with Ersery, a legitimate left tackle prospect, we feel this sort of outcome would be a step in the right direction.
