NFL Analyst Projects Patriots’ First Two Selections In 2025 Draft

An NFL analyst believes the Patriots will address two of their biggest needs in the opening rounds of the 2025 draft.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released a two-round mock draft Wednesday, two days after New England formally introduced Mike Vrabel as its new head coach. Vrabel and company could go in a variety of directions with the fourth overall pick, but Brugler sees the Patriots using the selection on wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona.

“How we view the Patriots’ needs at the moment compared to three months from now could vary wildly, based on the cap space this organization has to address key positions in free agency,” Brugler wrote. “With his tracking skills and fluid catch radius, McMillan has a skill set similar to that of Tee Higgins (who shouldn’t see a minute of free agency, if the Bengals are smart).”

Brugler then projects New England to use the No. 38 pick on Cameron Williams, an offensive tackle out of Texas. The 6-foot-5, 335-pounder currently is ranked as ESPN’s fifth-best offensive tackle prospect in the 2025 draft class. Williams, who played every snap at right tackle for the Longhorns this season, recently was lauded by an NFL scout for his “major upside” and “powerful” playing style.

Of course, the Patriots’ draft outlook could change quite a bit from mid-January to late April. But if New England ultimately follows Brugler’s suggestions, it would mean making concerted efforts to improve positions that significantly plagued the team in recent seasons.