NFL Analyst Attaches Significant Label To Patriots After 2025 Draft

The Patriots, at least on paper, filled several holes through the 2025 NFL Draft.

New England was quite active in NFL free agency, but even after a slew of high-priced signings, multiple key question marks still hovered over the Patriots’ roster. That’s what made the 2025 draft — the first of the Mike Vrabel era — even more important for the rebuilding franchise.

New England ultimately put together an 11-player draft class that added to the optimism for the future of the organization. ESPN’s Matt Miller was very high on the work done by the Patriots over three days in Green Bay, and he thought Vrabel and company checked off the most needs of any team in the league.

“They started the draft checking off their needs — tackle, running back and wide receiver — in order on the first two days,” Miller wrote. “Day 3 was equally solid, as they drafted defensive building blocks in safety Craig Woodson, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer and edge rusher Bradyn Swinson. These are culture-building players for new coach Mike Vrabel.”

Miller wasn’t the only notable draft analyst who loved New England’s draft haul this year. The Patriots were one of only five teams to receive a draft grade of “A-” or better from veteran draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.