It’s almost go-time for the New England Patriots, and the 2025 NFL Draft has the potential to shake things up in a big way. As one of the most unpredictable teams in the top five, the Pats are staring down several different roads—and it’s officially silly season.
The rumor mill is churning harder than ever, and with zero first-round trades made so far, things are bound to get wild once the clock starts ticking Thursday night. New England, holding Pick No. 4, is a prime candidate to either make a splash or stockpile picks depending on how the board shakes out. Either way, they have to do right by second-year quarterback Drake Maye. He is the future.
According to a recent piece from Thomas Valentine at Pro Football Focus, there are four different trade scenarios the Patriots should at least consider. Some are bold, some are practical—and some might be too clever for their own good.
Breaking down four potential Patriots draft-day trades
1. Patriots and 49ers swap top-5 pick for haul of assets
This scenario only becomes realistic if Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are both off the board when New England is on the clock. In that case, the Patriots could trade back with San Francisco, who may be eyeing a franchise-changing player such as Will Campbell (LSU). Dropping to No. 11 still keeps the Pats in range for an elite offensive lineman or wideout like Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)—and they’d gain three additional assets to help a roster with more than a few holes.
2. Patriots trade back into Round 1 with Chiefs
This one is intriguing. The Patriots could look to snag a fifth-year option for a key player by reentering Round 1 late (think Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens). If a wide receiver like Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) or a versatile lineman like Tyler Booker (Alabama) or Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) is still available at 31, this deal with Kansas City gives them a shot to jump back into the first-round conversation—while still keeping all of their top-100 ammo.
3. Day 2 swap with the Broncos for running back positioning
A running back run could be coming early on Day 2, and if Denver misses out at 20 or 51, they may try to climb. The Pats could slide back 16 spots while picking up another dart on Day 3. It’s a subtle move, but if the Patriots like a back like TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) or Kaleb Johnson (iowa) and think they’ll fall, this gives them more flexibility.
4. Top-10 pick flip with the Panthers
This is the spiciest of the bunch. Carolina may want to move up for a blue-chip player like Hunter or Carter, especially with Bryce Young starting to turn a corner. New England would only fall four spots but could still nab someone like Campbell, Ashton Jeanty, or Armand Membou (Missouri) at 8—while pocketing another top-75 pick and a future third.
These moves range from practical to pipe dream, but they all share one common thread: the Patriots have options. And with the board still wide open, don’t be surprised if one of these scenarios—or something even wilder—becomes reality come draft night.