For a few months now, most Patriots fans have been looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, as it was apparent the team was headed to another highly coveted pick in the first round. That was the case earlier this year, as they landed the third overall selection, leading to Drake Maye becoming the newest New England quarterback.
Once he became the starter, things appeared to pick up for the team, and it seemed, without a doubt, that they made the right choice and had their franchise player in the former UNC player. So next year's free agency and draft would focus on boosting the team around him, especially on offense, no matter where they landed in the draft order.
But that's looking like it will be a great spot to be in, as their loss to the Chargers guarantees they will have a top-five pick in next year's draft, opening the door for big possibilities as a team near the top of the board not needing a quarterback.
With today's loss to the Chargers, the #Patriots clinched a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They'll finish no lower than No. 2 if they lose next weekend
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) December 28, 2024
The Patriots' bad season could yield the greatest gifts through the 2025 NFL Draft
They have long been favored to take Colorado's CB/WR Travis Hunter, the best non quarterback prospect of the entire class and he would immediately help the Patriots address two of their biggest weaknesses on the team.
Not only would be a massive help for Maye on the offense, but he would be a shutdown corner to join Christian Gonzalez in the secondary, bringing New England's cornerback room back to elite status.
They also will have the option to trade down, especially with a team like the Raiders, who will almost certainly be hoping to move up for a quarterback. That gives the Patriots many opportunities to bulk up their roster by adding more picks and hopefully hitting them out of the park far better than they did this year.