2025 Mock Draft 3.0: Patriots Trade Down to Bulk Up in the Trenches
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for several teams, and the New England Patriots are no exception. As they stand far from Super Bowl contention, the Patriots need to focus on rebuilding their roster, especially in areas where they can make the most immediate and sustainable impact. The recent Super Bowl LIX served as a perfect example: the Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs largely due to their superior performance in the trenches. Despite a stellar performance from quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ success hinged on their defensive line’s ability to pressure Patrick Mahomes without blitzing and their offensive line’s effectiveness in protecting Hurts and creating running lanes for Saquon Barkley. This underscores the timeless football adage that games are often decided at the line of scrimmage.
Trade Down with the Raiders
In our latest mock draft, the Patriots decide to trade down from the fourth overall pick to the sixth and 37th picks, acquiring additional draft capital from the Las Vegas Raiders. This move allows the Patriots to address multiple needs while still landing a high-impact player in the first round. The Raiders, seemingly desperate to land a quarterback with Tom Brady’s influence, trade up to draft Shedeur Sanders, who shows promise in accuracy and competitiveness. However, this might not have been a top-five pick in previous years, making the trade a bit of a reach for the Raiders but a win for the Patriots.
First-Round Pick: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
With the sixth overall pick, the Patriots select Jalon Walker, a versatile and disruptive edge defender from Georgia. Walker, standing at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, won the Butkus Award at 20, highlighting his exceptional football IQ and athleticism. His sideline-to-sideline movement and ability to rush the passer were on full display against top competition like Texas, Tennessee, and Clemson. Walker’s character and leadership potential make him an ideal fit for the Patriots’ new regime under Mike Vrabel, who values players who can contribute immediately and positively impact the team’s culture. While the Patriots could have opted for a tackle to address a major need, the opportunity to acquire a versatile, highly-talented edge rusher was too good to pass up.
Second-Round Pick: Aireontay Ersery, OT, Minnesota
In the second round, the Patriots use the 37th pick to select Aireontay Ersery, a massive offensive tackle from Minnesota. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, Ersery is a Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honoree with the physical attributes to bolster the Patriots’ offensive line. His long arms and quick movements make him a solid pass-protector, although he may be better suited for the right side of the line as a professional. Despite some rough patches in college, Ersery showed impressive reps against Penn State’s Abdul Carter and held his own against elite pass-rushers at the Senior Bowl. This pick could be crucial in supporting a downhill running game, a strategy likely to be implemented by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Adding Depth with Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
The Patriots continue their focus on the trenches with their second-round pick, selecting Alfred Collins, a physically-gifted defensive tackle from Texas. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Collins possesses the size and motor needed for early-down dirty work. His long arms and chiseled frame make him a formidable force on the interior line. In 2024, the Patriots ranked 23rd in rush yards allowed per game (131.4), 22nd in rush success rate allowed, and 21st in rush EPA allowed. Under Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, who have a strong track record in developing defensive linemen, Collins could evolve into a significant pass-rusher. Pairing him with first-rounder Jalon Walker would create a formidable defensive front, potentially elevating the Patriots’ defense to a new level.
Strategic Rebuilding in the Trenches
The Patriots’ strategy in this mock draft reflects a clear understanding of the importance of the trenches. By trading down and acquiring additional picks, they can address multiple needs while still landing high-impact players. Jalon Walker and Aireontay Ersery provide the defense and offense with much-needed talent and versatility. Alfred Collins adds depth and potential to the defensive line, ensuring that the Patriots have a strong foundation to build upon. These moves align with the blueprint set by Philadelphia’s Howie Roseman, emphasizing the need to dominate the line of scrimmage. As the Patriots look to return to relevance, bulking up in the trenches seems to be a smart and strategic approach.
Looking Forward: Building a Strong Foundation
The 2025 NFL Draft presents a crucial opportunity for the Patriots to reshape their roster. By focusing on the trenches, they can lay the groundwork for a strong defensive and offensive line, which are essential components of any successful football team. The combination of Jalon Walker, Aireontay Ersery, and Alfred Collins provides a mix of immediate impact and long-term potential. This approach not only addresses current weaknesses but also sets the stage for future success. As the Patriots continue to rebuild, these selections will play a significant role in their journey back to the top of the NFL.
