The Patriots go into the 2025 NFL Draft with several positions of need that will be addressed, with many hoping the offense remains the priority, as the defense took that spot during free agency. That has inevitably led to players like CB/WR Travis Hunter and LSU tackle Will Campbell rising in the ranks as the most likely picks at No. 4, immediately surrounding Drake Maye with better talent for his second season.
The expectation is that they will follow the plan to boost the offense through the incoming class, particularly by strengthening the offensive line and providing Maye with more weapons to work with, which should include adding another tight end.
It has become a largely under-the-radar need for New England, likely due to Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper sticking with the team for the upcoming season. They also have Jaheim Bell to work with, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Jerod Mayo and his coaching staff barely got him on the field to see what he could do, allowing another potential addition at tight end through the draft this year.
If that's the plan Mike Vrabel and Co. want to follow, there's a good chance Maye will want to put in his two cents for one of his former teammates who was a solid performer when the quarterback was the UNC starter.
The Patriots could look to reunite Drake Maye with his former teammate Bryson Nesbit in this year's draft
Because some of the more desirable tight ends are expected to go earlier in the draft and it wouldn't make sense for the Patriots to use high draft capital on a position that isn't in dire need to be dealt with as some others, there's a good chance that Bryson Nesbit could be on their radar in the mid to late rounds.
The 6-foot-5 tight end was a consistent producer in his four years at the University of North Carolina, working closely with Maye for three of those seasons. Two of his best seasons were with Maye under center, when he recorded 76 receptions for 1,092 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 14.4 yards per catch and 42 yards per game.
Nesbit demonstrated his good route-running ability, and his size allows him to be a tremendous downfield option with reliable hands, ensuring confidence from the quarterback.
Because he already has chemistry with Maye, it is a no-brainer for the Patriots to seriously consider him, especially with Henry and Hooper approaching the age where they may need to be replaced in their positions in the next year or two.
Because mini camp begins a few weeks before the draft, Vrabel may get a better look at what he has with the tight end room, more specifically Bell, and that might be the deciding factor in whether Nesbit will be a player on their big board heading into the draft. Even if they're comfortable with who they have, it's hard to argue Nesbit shouldn't be seriously considered, given his history with Maye.