Where Patriots Landed On ESPN’s Post-Draft NFL Power Ranking

ESPN believes the Patriots became a better football team through the 2025 NFL Draft.

New England, at least on paper, took immediate steps forward following its disastrous 2024 season. The Patriots hired head coach Mike Vrabel to replace Jerod Mayo and made a big splash in free agency, largely via the additions of multiple accomplished veteran defensive players.

The spending spree moved New England up to No. 24 on ESPN’s NFL power ranking. The Patriots climbed up one more spot after this year’s draft, which saw Vrabel and company select 11 total players. The six-time Super Bowl champions addressed a variety of needs over the three days in Green Bay, including wide receiver, pass-catching running back and a new blindside protector for Drake Maye.

Is the billing of the 23rd-ranked team in the league something to be excited about? Of course not. But after years of being stuck in the mud without a true vision for the future, the Patriots appear to be building a foundation that very well could lead to sustained success. The pieces are in place, and it’s now up to the players and coaches in Foxboro, Mass., to make the most out of the situation.