The New England Patriots have been doormats of the AFC East and the NFL for the past two years. The glory days of the Tom Brady era have faded far into the abyss, and since the team broomed the best, they've been among the worst.
It's always tempting to diss the doormats when they're down. On many occasions, it's justifiable when things remain largely the same year after year. But when things are in a state of massive change and revision, taking that stance might be a bit shortsighted.
Austin Mock of The Athletic recently launched a provocative prognostication on the New England Patriots 2025 team heading into the draft. They've been consigned to 28th place in the NFL—right about where they’ve been the past two years. Here, we disagree—and we’ll push back on that overly pessimistic projection model.
Dramatic changes are being overlooked in Foxborough
The Patriots hired Mike Vrabel
Before the 2024 season, predicting a bottom-of-the-barrel finish for the Patriots made sense. The offseason was a debacle. Aside from drafting Drake Maye—a move that felt like a foregone conclusion after owner Robert Kraft “suggested” he wanted a young quarterback to build around—the rest of the offseason graded an F.
But this is 2025, and to our friends at The Athletic, it’s worth highlighting a few major changes in the Foxborough football landscape. These updates seem to have flown under the radar and could end up making their projections look outdated in hindsight.
First, there’s a new leader. Mike Vrabel now holds the title of Head Coach and operates as the de facto general manager. Vrabel is no rookie—he’s a proven, winning coach with playoff experience and real front-office chops. Let’s not forget, he was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2021.
Vrabel’s coaching alone would elevate even last year’s roster. That 4-13 squad lost six one-score games. With Vrabel’s leadership, the Patriots likely would’ve won two or three of those games—without even changing the personnel.
A rebuilt defense gives Vrabel a strong foundation
While Vrabel’s presence alone adds value, NFL teams win with talent—and he’s already begun remodeling the roster. According to CBS Sports, New England earned a B+ grade for their 2025 free agency moves. That’s a massive leap from the D-grade showing last year.
Vrabel brought in scheme-fit talent at every level of the defense. Defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebackers Harold Landry III, Robert Spillane, and Jack Gibbens, and top corner Carlton Davis III all came aboard. Add them to a defense featuring Christian Gonzalez, and you’ve got five meaningful upgrades.
Offensive reinforcements are in place—and more are coming
Vrabel also addressed the offense. He signed Stefon Diggs, giving New England the true No. 1 receiver they’ve lacked since Julian Edelman. He added Mack Hollins as a reliable red-zone target, and bolstered the offensive line by signing three veteran linemen—two of whom are expected to start immediately.
Right tackle Morgan Moses and center Garrett Bradbury should anchor the unit, and if Wes Schweitzer is healthy, he could claim the left guard spot.
Then there’s the draft. Expect Vrabel to avoid repeating 2024’s failed experiment of moving right tackles to the left side. If LSU’s Will Campbell isn’t the pick at No. 4, he’ll likely target a left tackle later.
Vrabel will draft smart—and it could mean a playoff run
At No. 4, Vrabel will likely have his pick of several top non-quarterback prospects. Expect him to land one of them, then continue building with smart, need-based picks. If all goes to plan, New England should be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2025. A 9-8 or 10-7 season isn’t just possible—it’s within reach.
If Vrabel nails the draft and gets a few breaks on the board, the Patriots could pull off what many see as unthinkable: a return to the postseason. And if Drake Maye clicks? They could even push Buffalo for the AFC East crown.
The Athletic may think the 2025 Patriots will look just like the 2024 version. Don’t count on it. This team looks ready to flip the narrative—and potentially, the entire AFC. (And yes, Ashton Jeanty would help speed things along).