The New England Patriots had struck out in their attempts to land a true No. 1 wide receiver for quarterback Drake Maye in the early stages of the offseason, but they finally brought in a game-changer when they agreed to a three-year contract with former Houston Texans star Stefon Diggs.
Diggs, who is fresh off tearing his ACL, should be in line for another 1,000-yard season if he's healthy. While Diggs will be a huge help for Maye as he tries to reach his potential, the Patriots still need to spend a few more picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on the offensive side of the ball for him to truly have enough support.
The Patriots, armed with multiple high-end selections, could supercharge their rebuild and get themselves on track to become a playoff team sooner rather than later if they follow the plan laid out in this 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
New England Patriots post-Stefon Diggs 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 4: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
With the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns both looking like teams who could take quarterbacks in the first two picks, New England could land either Carter or Colorado star Travis Hunter. The New York Giants could take Hunter at 3, which could lead to Carter falling in Mike Vrabel's lap.
Carter could be an immediate impact player who challenges for Pro Bowl nods right out of the gate. With insane bend around the explosion off the snap, and a very refined pass rush toolbox, Carter may be the safest pick in this draft and a future Patriots legend.
Round 2, Pick 38: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Morgan Moses signing gave the Patriots a solid, durable right tackle, but left tackle remains a serious black hole that needs to be addressed. In a deep offensive tackle draft, New England could kand a first-round talent like Ersery in the second round if they get a little lucky.
Ersery's game is all about power, which could make him one of the best run-blocking tackles in this class. If he can work on becoming just a bit more mobile and less rigid in pass protection, he should be able to start right away and protect Maye's blindside.
Round 3, Pick 69: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
The need for wide receiver is still present, as Ja'Lynn Polk showing next to nothing as a rookie has caused some major doubts about his validity as the No. 2 wide receiver. Bech is never going to win any sprints, but there is a lot to like about him as a reliable possession receiver over the middle.
Bech can run some very precise routes, catch anything thrown in the same zip code as him down the field, and make plays in the red zone. While he doesn't haev WR1 potential, he could end up as a long-term WR2 option who starrs alongside Diggs in the short term.
Round 3, Pick 77: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
Skattebo made a name for himself as the driving force behind the Sun Devils' rise to national prominence. While he is a poor athlete for the position, and lacks the explosion needed to be an every-down back, Skattebo's ability to do a little bit of everything will be held in high regard by Josh McDaniels.
Skattebo emerged as a quality blocker, superb receiver, and solid between-the-tackles runner with the power needed to grind out tough yards. After Rhamondre Stevenson's sharp decline, Skattebo might find a path to some serious playing time in their rookie season.