Slighted Patriots Draftee Entering NFL With Massive Chip On Shoulder

Joshua Farmer is strong enough to carry it.

“It” being the chip on his shoulder as he enters the NFL.

“I was coming with that anyway, but yeah, it grew bigger,” the fourth-round defensive tackle said after he was selected by the Patriots 137th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Farmer seemed to believe he would be drafted within the first two rounds, which is why he had a draft party on Days 1 and 2. However, he was forced to wait until the back end of the fourth before New England traded up seven spots to select him.

Everybody in the world knows that’s not how it’s supposed to go.

“I think there was probably 17 defensive tackles taken in front of me,” said a well-informed Farmer, who was the 17th defensive tackle off the board. “Everybody in the world knows that’s not how it’s supposed to go.”

Farmer said the same to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in the moment, as shared in a behind-the-scenes video: “You know I’ve been waiting, man.”

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Farmer his 10th-best defensive tackle and 76th overall prospect. NFL Media’s draft expert Daniel Jeremiah ranked Farmer his 77th overall prospect. He was projected to be a third-round pick in a deep position group.

Farmer took solace in the fact that it was the Patriots who ended his longer-than-anticipated wait. New England first-year defensive line coach Clint McMillan coached Farmer at Florida State. Farmer also noted Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams’ work with Detroit Lions defensive linemen, and revealed how he spoke with Milton Williams for 30 minutes during his top-30 visit in Foxboro, Mass.

“I’m in the right situation,” Farmer said. “I’m just ready to get there and prove everybody wrong and be the best me every day. That’s all I can say.”