Seven targets for Patriots with No. 4 pick in 2025 NFL Draft

An explosive athlete with the necessary frame (6-foot-3, 259 pounds) to outmuscle opposing tackles, Carter has racked up 11 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 22 tackles for loss this season at Penn State.

“The Patriots miss out on the first overall pick, but compensate by landing the best EDGE in the class in Abdul Carter,” SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta said of Carter in his latest mock draft. “A freak blend of burst and explosiveness, Carter has the fluidity to drop in coverage, or rush the passer, where the Patriots sorely need help. I’m not too high on this OL class, so grabbing the best defender available at a position of need is a boost.”

Will Johnson, Michigan – CB

Much like Hunter, Johnson stands in the top tier of cornerbacks in this draft class — and would give New England an elite corner duo next to Gonzalez.

Johnson was limited to just six games this season due to injury, but his athleticism, bigger frame (6-foot-2, 202 pounds), and instincts while locking down receivers and anticipating passes from QBs could make him a talent too good to pass up for New England. 

Even with his injury issues in 2024, Johnson was a force as a sophomore during Michigan’s run to a national title in 2023. He was named National Championship Defensive MVP Award after picking off Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. in the championship game at NRG Stadium. 

“Johnson’s skill set immediately improves the Patriots’ ability to defend the pass and enhances their overall defense,” Bleacher Report analyst Cory Giddings said of Johnson’s fit with New England.

Mason Graham, Michigan – DT

Defensive tackles, much like offensive linemen, aren’t exactly the flashiest selections — especially when it comes to top-10 picks. 

But Graham projects as a one-man wrecking crew in the middle of the D line — capable of stuffing the run while collapsing pockets around a quarterback. 

Graham could be a force if paired on the same line with Keion White, while the uncertain status of Christian Barmore moving forward could prompt New England to target a potential replacement in Graham. 

The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Graham recorded 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season with Michigan. 

“The Patriots entered Week 18 projected to have the No. 1 overall pick, but a stunning victory over the Buffalo Bills pushed them three spots lower and yet still cost head coach Jerod Mayo his job,” Fox Sports’ Rob Rang wrote in his mock draft. “Whoever his replacement will be — former Patriots linebacker and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is rumored to be a candidate — will recognize Graham’s talent. Paired with blossoming star Keion White, the Patriots could have the makings of a dominant defensive line.”

Will Campbell, LSU – OT 

The Patriots have their quarterback of the future in Drake Maye. Now, they need to protect him. 

Upgrading the offensive line might be the most pressing offseason objective for Eliot Wolf and the rest of New England’s top brass. 

New England allowed 52 sacks this season — the fifth-most in the NFL, and the most sacks allowed in New England over one year since 1999. 

While there are some questions over Campbell’s arm length and whether or not he’s better suited to be a guard at the next level, he established himself as arguably the most consistent tackle in the SEC this past season. 

“New England won its finale, but it might have lost a lot of leverage in the process,” Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz said in his USA Today mock draft. “The Patriots are now behind several quarterback-hungry teams, thereby limiting their prospects for a trade back that could have helped them boost their draft capital while still securing a top offensive lineman or receiver. 

“As it stands, they can address their most pressing problem by grabbing Campbell, a consensus All-American who could be the stabilizing presence this shaky front lacks.

Kelvin Banks, Jr., Texas – OT 

A lot can change between now and April when it comes to the draft leaderboard. 

As such, there stands a chance that Banks could leapfrog Campbell as the top tackle in this draft class. 

Banks won the 2024 Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior lineman, even though he has now played 39 straight games at left tackle for the Longhorns. Much like Campbell, the 6-foot-4 Banks has been projected by some draft evaluators as a guard at the NFL level. 

“Kelvin Banks Jr. was my OT1 over the summer and nothing’s changed. He’s athletic, has good feet, plays with balance and power and uses his hands well. He’s better in pass-pro than the run right now, but it’s close — and he’s only going to get better,” CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson said in his mock draft. 

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona – WR

Beyond protecting Maye, the Patriots are going to have to get him some weapons. 

New England had arguably the worst receiving corps in the league in 2024, with DeMario Douglas finishing with the most receiving yards among Patriots wideouts with 621. The last time a Patriots wideout posted 1,000 yards in a single season was Julian Edelman in 2019.

A big-bodied wideout like McMillian could immediately step in as Maye’s top target in 2025.  In 12 games this season with Arizona, McMillain reeled in 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns. 

“The 6-foot-6, 210-pound receiver showcases shades of Mike Evans and Drake London, with smooth movements for his size and exceptionally strong hands,” PFF’s Trevor Sikkema said of McMillan in a mock draft released last month. 

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.