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Improved positioning means the Patriots have more options in 2025 NFL Draft

By Ryan McLaughlin

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) hands the ball off to running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) hands the ball off to running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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If there's one thing that's crystal clear in an otherwise murky season for the Patriots, it's that Drake Maye is their quarterback of the future. Quarterback is arguably the most important position in professional sports, and the Patriots hit a home run in last spring's draft by selecting the talented Maye with the third pick.

If the season ended right now, the 3-10 Patriots would be in that same drafting position come April, and the team should send former signal caller Mac Jones a thank-you card for leading his Jaguars to a win over Tennessee on Sunday, which vaulted New England into that position.

The Raiders and the Giants currently hold the top two picks, but the Patriots currently hold the highest position of teams not needing quarterbacks. Las Vegas and New York currently need resets at the position while New England has its man.

So, who can the team bring in to help their young quarterback?

The combination of New England's available salary-cap space and draft positioning suggests a vital offseason for Eliot Wolf and the Kraft family. Given that the Patriots finish the season with games against the Cardinals, Chargers, and two against Buffalo, a 3-14 finish is very likely.

Here are four players (in no particular order of importance) the Patriots should consider taking if they hold onto that first pick among non-quarterback-needy teams.

4 players the Patriots can draft with the third overall pick in 2025

1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

A two-way talent that hasn't been seen since the days of the man coaching Hunter at Colorado, Hunter would be an instant upgrade to the Patriots' beleaguered receiving core.

Rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker have been very underwhelming, and Hunter has the size and speed to be the deep threat New England has not had since Randy Moss. He would also be ideal opposite Christian Gonzalez in the secondary.

2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

While the receiving core and the offensive line need upgrades, cornerback is a position that management needs to shore up in the offseason. Johnson and Gonzalez would give the Patriots two surefire, talented cornerbacks.

The team will likely move on from free-agent-to-be Jonathan Jones in the offseason, so don't be surprised if Johnson's name is called. Johnson is 6'2'', and his size is needed on the perimeter of New England's defense.

3. Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

While Texas' Banks appears to be the top offensive tackle available, his ankle injury that has kept him out of the Longhorns' last two games is a slight concern. He had hoped to play in the SEC championship game Saturday but was ruled out.

That being said, Banks has only given up three sacks during his time in Austin, so he could solve the Patriots' revolving door up front.

4. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Burden is a surefire talent whose numbers have taken a bit of a hit this season, but he's the best player on a not-so-talented Missouri team. Burden is another option to upgrade a Patriots' wide receiver room that doesn't have a bonafide WR1.

Should the Patriots nab a top free agent like Tee Higgins, Burden would give the team two exceptional playmakers they desperately need.

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