Forget the Year 1 hype. Drake Maye may as well be starting over. It's a brand-new coaching staff headed in a positive direction under Mike Vrabel.
But, Maye still has to learn a new system. He's going to have a good amount of new teammates surrounding him on offense, and while that's a positive, there is work to be done.
Speaking of new teammates, the Patriots enter the 2025 NFL Draft in prime position to come away with some top-tier talent. If they chose to spend some of their early draft capital on prospects who could push Maye over the top, there are some key names fans will want to watch.
Which 2025 draft prospects will most help Drake Maye in Year 2?
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
If you're looking to give your franchise quarterback the most help possible, what better way than to get him maybe the best player in the draft but at no. 4 overall? Some might not believe Travis Hunter will succeed as both a wide receiver and a cornerback, but he's pretty insistent on doing it. If you have the opportunity to select Hunter, you do it.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Seeing the Patriots select Tyler Warren might come as a surprise. But, if Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter are gone, that puts New England in interesting territory. Warren is arguably a top-5 prospect regardless of position and would be a game-changing talent for Maye and this offense.
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Would it be a reach for the Patriots to draft the top offensive tackle at no. 4 overall? Not necessarily. You could argue Will Campbell over Membou, but as far as a true offensive tackle, it's the Missouri product to be frank.
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
If the Patriots wanted to target a legitimate playmaker in Round 2, look no further than the value they could have by snagging Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III. Between his speed and savviness after the catch, to his deep-ball tracking and ability to continue expanding his route tree, Burden would be a phenomenal pickup here.
Cameron Williams, OT, Texas
Should New England need a Day 2 offensive tackle and, specifically in Round 3, Cameron Williams is a fantastic value. He's right around a Round 3 prospect, so taking him at pick no. 69 would make sense. If he fell even further than that and the Pats could get him at 106, that's a massive win.
Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
One wide receiver who could wind up being a number one type, but not necessarily a first-round prospect, is Ole Miss' Tre Harris. He has all the tools to be a number one. The 6-foot-2 wideout is productive after the catch and has the frame to dominate.