The Patriots still had needs entering Dat three of the NFL Draft. A corner, free safety, and kicker being their three biggest remaining needs and while the team did acquire all three in the draft, did they meet those needs? Here are the final selections from the Patriots 2025 draft picks.
Craig Woodson
The Good: Woodson can play various safety positions, including free safety, strong safety, nickel, and dime packages, due to his experience in different roles (715 snaps in the box, 1,358 snaps as free safety, and 572 snaps in the slot). He has fluid hips, quick feet, and reliable tackling skills, making him effective in run support and intermediate coverage. Woodson has excellent instincts and quick diagnosis of plays, allowing him to shine in run defense and zone coverage. With 450 career special teams reps, he's likely to contribute early in that phase. As a two-year team captain, Woodson demonstrates leadership skills and intelligence that align with the New England Patriots' emphasis on character and adaptability.
The Bad: Woodson struggles with deep coverage and matching up against bigger receivers and tight ends due to his lack of elite speed. At 24 years old, Woodson's developmental upside may be capped, and his age could impact his long-term potential. He can struggle with complex NFL passing schemes, which may limit his effectiveness in certain situations. Woodson's height and weight (6'0", 200-210 pounds) might put him at a disadvantage in one-on-one matchups with bigger tight ends and running backs.
Summary:
Craig Woodson is a versatile safety drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (No. 106 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. He excels in run support, intermediate coverage, and special teams, making him a valuable depth piece. Woodson's high floor suggests he can contribute early as a special teamer and rotational defender, with potential for spot starts in the right scheme. However, his average long speed, limited upside due to age, and inconsistent processing might impact his overall effectiveness in the NFL.
NFL Comparisons: Khari Willis, Ruby Ford
Joshua Farmer
The Good: Farmer is a powerful defensive tackle with elite arm length (35.25") and strong hands, allowing him to control blockers and disrupt plays. He has played various positions (0-tech to 5-tech) in both one- and two-gap schemes, making him a valuable asset to teams with different defensive fronts. Farmer excels in run defense, using his twitchy burst, play strength, and length to penetrate gaps and set the edge. He shows promise as a potential special teams contributor, with a strong bench press (26 reps) and decent speed (5.11-5.14 seconds in the 40-yard dash).
The Bad: Farmer's pass-rush skills are limited, and he often lacks a clear plan, struggling to disengage from blocks quickly. He needs to improve his consistency in leverage and anchoring against double teams, as he can be displaced by stronger linemen if his pad level rises. Farmer can fade late in games, indicating a need for improvement in his conditioning and motor. While he has a high ceiling, Farmer's growth depends on refining his pass-rush plan and improving his overall consistency.
Summary: Joshua Farmer is a powerful defensive tackle with elite arm length and versatility, selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (No. 137 overall) after a trade-up with the Seahawks. He excels in run defense and has potential as a rotational piece or sub-package player. However, Farmer needs to refine his pass-rush skills and improve his consistency against the run to reach his full potential. With development, he could become a valuable contributor to the Patriots' defensive line.
NFL Comparisons: Carlos Watkins, Ta'Quon Graham.
Bradyn Swinson
The Good: Swinson combines explosive athleticism with refined hand usage and a versatile skill set, making him a threat as a pass rusher. He has a diverse set of moves, including swipes, chops, swims, and bull rushes, with a 20.1% pressure rate and 22.1% pass-rush win rate per PFF. Swinson is a solid contributor in run defense, using his length and play strength to set the edge and defeat tight end blocks. He can play from both two- and three-point stances, making him a valuable asset in different defensive schemes.
The Bad: Swinson had only one high-output season in college, which may have contributed to his slide in the draft. He can struggle to hold the point of attack against stronger offensive tackles and gets moved by double teams. Swinson's high-cut frame and average lateral agility limit his bend around tight corners. There were reports of minor character concerns that may have impacted his draft stock.
Summary: Bradyn Swinson is a late-blooming edge rusher with a high ceiling, selected by the New England Patriots in the fifth round (No. 146 overall). He excels as a pass rusher with explosive athleticism and refined hand usage. Swinson projects as a developmental starter, ideally as a 3-4 outside linebacker, where his pass-rush skills can be utilized effectively. With refinement in his run defense and pass-rush counters, he has the potential to grow into a quality starter and contribute significantly to the Patriots' defense.
NFL Comparisons: Carl Granderson, K'Lavon
Chaisson
ANDRES BORREGALES
Since he's not one of the three kickers I had on my board, I will try to be as fair as I can be.
The Good: Borregales is a technically proficient kicker with a career 85.9% field goal success rate and 99.1% extra point success rate. He has a history of making game-winning and overtime kicks, showcasing his mental toughness and ability to handle pressure. Borregales has a repeatable stroke and consistent ball-striking, making him a standout in the kicking position. He has a strong track record of accuracy, including a 94.7% field goal success rate in 2024.
The Bad: Borregales lacks elite power compared to some NFL kickers, which may impact his kickoff touchback consistency, Think Nick Folk in terms of power. His smaller frame (165-170 pounds) might affect his ability to generate power and distance on kicks.
Summary: Andres Borregales is a highly reliable and technically proficient kicker who was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (No. 182 overall). He excels in accuracy and clutch performance, with a strong track record of making game-winning kicks. Borregales projects as an immediate competitor for an NFL starting kicker role, with the potential to secure a job as a rookie. His consistency, technical polish, and ability to handle pressure situations make him a high-floor prospect, and he has a clear path to a long NFL career as a reliable kicker.
MARCUS BRYANT
The Good: Bryant is a massive offensive tackle with elite size (6'7"-6'8", 320 pounds) and length (34 5/8" arms, 83 1/8" wingspan), making him a physically imposing presence. He has well-timed punches and upper-body strength, allowing him to anchor against power rushers and hold his own in pass protection. Bryant's athleticism is impressive for his size, with a 4.97-second 40-yard dash and 8.96 RAS, enabling him to move well in space and recover against speed rushers. He has 42 career starts and 975 career snaps at Missouri and 2,240 at SMU, demonstrating versatility and reliability.
The Bad: Bryant struggles with technical consistency, particularly in pass protection against speed rushers, where his lack of quickness and occasional high pad level can be exposed. His high center of gravity and limited knee bend can be exposed in outside-zone schemes, affecting his run-blocking grade. Bryant's technical deficiencies and average lateral agility limit his upside, projecting him as a developmental backup rather than a high-ceiling starter.
Summary: Marcus Bryant is a massive offensive tackle with elite size and length, selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (No. 220 overall). He excels in pass protection with his upper-body strength and athleticism but struggles with technical consistency and run-blocking limitations. Bryant projects as a depth offensive tackle, best suited for a power-based scheme that leverages his size and strength in the run game. He'll need coaching to polish his technique for NFL success, and his development will be key to determining his potential as a backup or spot starter.
JULIAN ASHBY
The Good:
Ashby is distinguished by his accuracy, quick operation time, and consistency as a long snapper. He has precise snap placement and reliable ball delivery, critical for punters and placekickers. Ashby's athleticism is above-average for the position, with a 4.82-second 40-yard dash and solid pro day metrics. He is an Academic All-American and three-time All-SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, demonstrating intelligence and work ethic.
The Bad: Ashby's smaller frame (6'2", 235 pounds) may limit his ability to anchor against stronger rushers. While he has 60 games of experience, he'll need to prove he can handle NFL-level pressure and physicality.
Summary:
Julian Ashby is a long snapper drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (No. 251 overall). He excels in accuracy, quickness, and consistency, making him a potential immediate contributor at long snapper. Ashby projects as the starting role as a rookie, replacing Joe Cardona. His athleticism, intelligence, and work ethic make him a strong fit for the Patriots' special teams unit.
Kobee Minor
The Good: Minor is a versatile cornerback who can play outside corner, nickel, or contribute as a blitzer. He has a high tackle success rate (84.6% per PFF) and is a willing run defender. Minor has fluid hips, quick feet, and decent speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash). He has experience in kickoff, punt return, and punt coverage, giving him an edge in special teams.
The Bad: Minor has only 19 starts in college, and his multiple transfers raise questions about consistency and scheme fit. He can struggle with bigger receivers, leading to occasional completions in contested situations. Minor has only 1 career interception, and he needs to refine his technique to avoid penalties.
Summary: Kobee Minor is a cornerback drafted by the New England Patriots with the 257th overall pick, earning him the title of "Mr. Irrelevant." Despite his low draft status, Minor has potential as a developmental cornerback with special teams value. He excels in physicality, tackling reliability, and versatility, making him a good fit for a cover-3 or press-man scheme. Minor's path to the roster lies in special teams, where he'll compete with other players for a backup corner or nickel role. With refinement in his coverage technique and added functional strength, Minor could develop into a rotational defensive back. This is a player the Patriots could've gotten as a UDFA. His selection is still a bit of a head scratcher.
Final Thoughts:
After three days of the NFL Draft not including UDFA signings (room for approximately 11 UDFAs) which could boost the score, I am grading the Patriots 2025 draft class a C. They had better prospects at some of the positions. While they acquire for men off my board, even when they selected from the position, they had better options. Mike Vrabel has a plan and we'll have to trust the process going forward but not the strongest showing this year.
Here is the recap of their entire draft selections.
Round 1 • Pick 4 (4) • OT Will Campbell **
Round 2 • Pick 6 (38) • RB TreVeyon Henderson
Round 3 • Pick 5 (69) • WR Kyle Williams
Round 3 • Pick 31 (95) • C Jared Wilson **
Round 4 • Pick 4 (106) • SAF Craig Woodson
Round 4 • Pick 35 (137) • DT Joshua Farmer **
Round 5 • Pick 8 (146) • EDGE Bradyn Swinson **
Round 6 • Pick 6 (182) • K Andres Borregales
Round 7 • Pick 4 (220) • OT Marcus Bryant
Round 7 • Pick 35 (251) • LS Julian Ashby
Round 7 • Pick 41 (257) • DB Kobee Minor
Craig Woodson
The Good: Woodson can play various safety positions, including free safety, strong safety, nickel, and dime packages, due to his experience in different roles (715 snaps in the box, 1,358 snaps as free safety, and 572 snaps in the slot). He has fluid hips, quick feet, and reliable tackling skills, making him effective in run support and intermediate coverage. Woodson has excellent instincts and quick diagnosis of plays, allowing him to shine in run defense and zone coverage. With 450 career special teams reps, he's likely to contribute early in that phase. As a two-year team captain, Woodson demonstrates leadership skills and intelligence that align with the New England Patriots' emphasis on character and adaptability.
The Bad: Woodson struggles with deep coverage and matching up against bigger receivers and tight ends due to his lack of elite speed. At 24 years old, Woodson's developmental upside may be capped, and his age could impact his long-term potential. He can struggle with complex NFL passing schemes, which may limit his effectiveness in certain situations. Woodson's height and weight (6'0", 200-210 pounds) might put him at a disadvantage in one-on-one matchups with bigger tight ends and running backs.
Summary:
Craig Woodson is a versatile safety drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (No. 106 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. He excels in run support, intermediate coverage, and special teams, making him a valuable depth piece. Woodson's high floor suggests he can contribute early as a special teamer and rotational defender, with potential for spot starts in the right scheme. However, his average long speed, limited upside due to age, and inconsistent processing might impact his overall effectiveness in the NFL.
NFL Comparisons: Khari Willis, Ruby Ford
Joshua Farmer
The Good: Farmer is a powerful defensive tackle with elite arm length (35.25") and strong hands, allowing him to control blockers and disrupt plays. He has played various positions (0-tech to 5-tech) in both one- and two-gap schemes, making him a valuable asset to teams with different defensive fronts. Farmer excels in run defense, using his twitchy burst, play strength, and length to penetrate gaps and set the edge. He shows promise as a potential special teams contributor, with a strong bench press (26 reps) and decent speed (5.11-5.14 seconds in the 40-yard dash).
The Bad: Farmer's pass-rush skills are limited, and he often lacks a clear plan, struggling to disengage from blocks quickly. He needs to improve his consistency in leverage and anchoring against double teams, as he can be displaced by stronger linemen if his pad level rises. Farmer can fade late in games, indicating a need for improvement in his conditioning and motor. While he has a high ceiling, Farmer's growth depends on refining his pass-rush plan and improving his overall consistency.
Summary: Joshua Farmer is a powerful defensive tackle with elite arm length and versatility, selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round (No. 137 overall) after a trade-up with the Seahawks. He excels in run defense and has potential as a rotational piece or sub-package player. However, Farmer needs to refine his pass-rush skills and improve his consistency against the run to reach his full potential. With development, he could become a valuable contributor to the Patriots' defensive line.
NFL Comparisons: Carlos Watkins, Ta'Quon Graham.
Bradyn Swinson
The Good: Swinson combines explosive athleticism with refined hand usage and a versatile skill set, making him a threat as a pass rusher. He has a diverse set of moves, including swipes, chops, swims, and bull rushes, with a 20.1% pressure rate and 22.1% pass-rush win rate per PFF. Swinson is a solid contributor in run defense, using his length and play strength to set the edge and defeat tight end blocks. He can play from both two- and three-point stances, making him a valuable asset in different defensive schemes.
The Bad: Swinson had only one high-output season in college, which may have contributed to his slide in the draft. He can struggle to hold the point of attack against stronger offensive tackles and gets moved by double teams. Swinson's high-cut frame and average lateral agility limit his bend around tight corners. There were reports of minor character concerns that may have impacted his draft stock.
Summary: Bradyn Swinson is a late-blooming edge rusher with a high ceiling, selected by the New England Patriots in the fifth round (No. 146 overall). He excels as a pass rusher with explosive athleticism and refined hand usage. Swinson projects as a developmental starter, ideally as a 3-4 outside linebacker, where his pass-rush skills can be utilized effectively. With refinement in his run defense and pass-rush counters, he has the potential to grow into a quality starter and contribute significantly to the Patriots' defense.
NFL Comparisons: Carl Granderson, K'Lavon
Chaisson
ANDRES BORREGALES
Since he's not one of the three kickers I had on my board, I will try to be as fair as I can be.
The Good: Borregales is a technically proficient kicker with a career 85.9% field goal success rate and 99.1% extra point success rate. He has a history of making game-winning and overtime kicks, showcasing his mental toughness and ability to handle pressure. Borregales has a repeatable stroke and consistent ball-striking, making him a standout in the kicking position. He has a strong track record of accuracy, including a 94.7% field goal success rate in 2024.
The Bad: Borregales lacks elite power compared to some NFL kickers, which may impact his kickoff touchback consistency, Think Nick Folk in terms of power. His smaller frame (165-170 pounds) might affect his ability to generate power and distance on kicks.
Summary: Andres Borregales is a highly reliable and technically proficient kicker who was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (No. 182 overall). He excels in accuracy and clutch performance, with a strong track record of making game-winning kicks. Borregales projects as an immediate competitor for an NFL starting kicker role, with the potential to secure a job as a rookie. His consistency, technical polish, and ability to handle pressure situations make him a high-floor prospect, and he has a clear path to a long NFL career as a reliable kicker.
MARCUS BRYANT
The Good: Bryant is a massive offensive tackle with elite size (6'7"-6'8", 320 pounds) and length (34 5/8" arms, 83 1/8" wingspan), making him a physically imposing presence. He has well-timed punches and upper-body strength, allowing him to anchor against power rushers and hold his own in pass protection. Bryant's athleticism is impressive for his size, with a 4.97-second 40-yard dash and 8.96 RAS, enabling him to move well in space and recover against speed rushers. He has 42 career starts and 975 career snaps at Missouri and 2,240 at SMU, demonstrating versatility and reliability.
The Bad: Bryant struggles with technical consistency, particularly in pass protection against speed rushers, where his lack of quickness and occasional high pad level can be exposed. His high center of gravity and limited knee bend can be exposed in outside-zone schemes, affecting his run-blocking grade. Bryant's technical deficiencies and average lateral agility limit his upside, projecting him as a developmental backup rather than a high-ceiling starter.
Summary: Marcus Bryant is a massive offensive tackle with elite size and length, selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (No. 220 overall). He excels in pass protection with his upper-body strength and athleticism but struggles with technical consistency and run-blocking limitations. Bryant projects as a depth offensive tackle, best suited for a power-based scheme that leverages his size and strength in the run game. He'll need coaching to polish his technique for NFL success, and his development will be key to determining his potential as a backup or spot starter.
JULIAN ASHBY
The Good:
Ashby is distinguished by his accuracy, quick operation time, and consistency as a long snapper. He has precise snap placement and reliable ball delivery, critical for punters and placekickers. Ashby's athleticism is above-average for the position, with a 4.82-second 40-yard dash and solid pro day metrics. He is an Academic All-American and three-time All-SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, demonstrating intelligence and work ethic.
The Bad: Ashby's smaller frame (6'2", 235 pounds) may limit his ability to anchor against stronger rushers. While he has 60 games of experience, he'll need to prove he can handle NFL-level pressure and physicality.
Summary:
Julian Ashby is a long snapper drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (No. 251 overall). He excels in accuracy, quickness, and consistency, making him a potential immediate contributor at long snapper. Ashby projects as the starting role as a rookie, replacing Joe Cardona. His athleticism, intelligence, and work ethic make him a strong fit for the Patriots' special teams unit.
Kobee Minor
The Good: Minor is a versatile cornerback who can play outside corner, nickel, or contribute as a blitzer. He has a high tackle success rate (84.6% per PFF) and is a willing run defender. Minor has fluid hips, quick feet, and decent speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash). He has experience in kickoff, punt return, and punt coverage, giving him an edge in special teams.
The Bad: Minor has only 19 starts in college, and his multiple transfers raise questions about consistency and scheme fit. He can struggle with bigger receivers, leading to occasional completions in contested situations. Minor has only 1 career interception, and he needs to refine his technique to avoid penalties.
Summary: Kobee Minor is a cornerback drafted by the New England Patriots with the 257th overall pick, earning him the title of "Mr. Irrelevant." Despite his low draft status, Minor has potential as a developmental cornerback with special teams value. He excels in physicality, tackling reliability, and versatility, making him a good fit for a cover-3 or press-man scheme. Minor's path to the roster lies in special teams, where he'll compete with other players for a backup corner or nickel role. With refinement in his coverage technique and added functional strength, Minor could develop into a rotational defensive back. This is a player the Patriots could've gotten as a UDFA. His selection is still a bit of a head scratcher.
Final Thoughts:
After three days of the NFL Draft not including UDFA signings (room for approximately 11 UDFAs) which could boost the score, I am grading the Patriots 2025 draft class a C. They had better prospects at some of the positions. While they acquire for men off my board, even when they selected from the position, they had better options. Mike Vrabel has a plan and we'll have to trust the process going forward but not the strongest showing this year.
Here is the recap of their entire draft selections.
Round 1 • Pick 4 (4) • OT Will Campbell **
Round 2 • Pick 6 (38) • RB TreVeyon Henderson
Round 3 • Pick 5 (69) • WR Kyle Williams
Round 3 • Pick 31 (95) • C Jared Wilson **
Round 4 • Pick 4 (106) • SAF Craig Woodson
Round 4 • Pick 35 (137) • DT Joshua Farmer **
Round 5 • Pick 8 (146) • EDGE Bradyn Swinson **
Round 6 • Pick 6 (182) • K Andres Borregales
Round 7 • Pick 4 (220) • OT Marcus Bryant
Round 7 • Pick 35 (251) • LS Julian Ashby
Round 7 • Pick 41 (257) • DB Kobee Minor
** = from my draft board
UDFA Signings:
Quarterback - Ben Wooldridge
Running Back - Lan Larison
Fullback - Brock Lampe **
Wide Receiver - Demeer Blankumsee
Wide Receiver - Efton Chism
Wide Receiver - Jeremiah Webb
Tight End - Gee Scott Jr
Tight End - C.J. Dippre **
Interior Lineman - Jack Conley
Tackle - Cole Birdow
Defensive Line - Wilfried Pene
Defensive Tackle - Jahvaree Ritzie
Edge - Eljiah Ponder **
Linebacker - Cam Riley
Cornerback - Brandon Crossley
Safety - Josh Minkins
Safety - Jordan Polk
Invites:
Fullback - Duane Martin
Defensive Line - Bryce Ganious
Defensive Line - Hector Johnson
Good luck to the newest Patriots and welcome to New England.
Here is my day one and two selection coverage:
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