The biggest feat the New England Patriots needed to accomplish this offseason was a solid free agency and a stacked NFL Draft. Both were not up to par during the 2024 season, partly because Jerod Mayo was let go after just one season as the head coach, and presumed GM Eliot Wolf was given another chance to deliver this year.
With that goal in mind, the new regime got the ball rolling quickly and early in free agency by signing some of the most desirable players available, like cornerback Carlton Davis and defensive tackle Milton Williams. There was a noticeable focus on the defense, which led to the offense being at the center of the start of the 2025 NFL Draft.
That allowed them to select the best available left tackle, a top running back prospect, and the highest regarded center in the first three rounds. To make the event even better, the Patriots drafted a highly regarded wide receiver who can fill the void within their receiving corps and properly addressed the defense by double-dipping on the defensive line.
To top an already impressive group off, they then moved to special teams and picked their next kicker and long snapper, encapsulating a well-rounded class that inevitably earned the Patriots high praise for their draft approach. That has been the biggest takeaway, so much that one former player already made a bold declaration about where he sees the Patriots going in 2025.
Damien Harris believes the Patriots are destined for the playoffs in 2025 after a successful draft
The rave reviews surrounding the Patriots' latest draft picks will continue over the next few days, and some are already jumping on the bandwagon of what they believe will be the team's best season over the last five years.
That appears to be the case with former running back Damien Harris, whom the Patriots drafted in the third round of the 2019 draft. He experienced the highs and lows of the Tom Brady and post-Tom Brady era in New England, which included the lone season of Cam Newton and roller coaster tenure of Mac Jones.
He was invested in what the Patriots were doing in this year's draft, so much so that before Day 3 was well underway, he shared his belief that his former team would make the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season.
Bold take: The New England Patriots are a playoff team after this draft!
— Damien Harris (@DHx34) April 26, 2025
Considering how chaotic things have been in New England since Brady left five years ago, it would be quite an accomplishment for Vrabel to take them to the playoffs in his first season as their head coach. They haven't reached the postseason since Mac Jones' rookie season, getting in as a wild card team and unfortunately being blown out by the Bills in historic fashion.
Since then, they haven't managed to win double-digit games and have competed for last place in the division, a dramatic change from their dynasty years.
However, this offseason has shifted what many feel will be their inevitable future during the 2025 season, like Harris declaring they could easily make the playoffs based on who they drafted. That would be the icing on the cake of what has already been a fantastic offseason, but it might be too premature to even consider achieving that goal.
At this point, the Patriots' focus must be just winning games. The division has only improved, and it won't be easy to reign supreme in the AFC East any time soon. So, instead of trying to make the playoffs, getting back on track to being competitive would be the more attainable and understandable goal.