Way too early 2025 Mock Draft: 3 prospects who may be destined to be Patriots

2. JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

The Patriots need an edge defender like they need air to breathe. After passing on the position in the 2024 draft and with several current players becoming free agents in 2025, New England must go after one in the 2025 draft.

Look no further than the Ohio State freight train Tuimoloau. At 6'5", 269 lbs., he’s built similarly to Patriots’ star Matthew Judon.

Tuimoleau opted to return for his senior season, so you must wonder if he could be trending to be a later first-round pick. His senior season will determine whether he can make his way into the top 10. He’s proven to be a playmaking defender in his first three seasons for the Buckeyes, registering 83 tackles (35 solo), 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. 

He's forced one fumble, recovered two fumbles, intercepted two passes (one for a TD), and recorded seven passes defended. The aforementioned pick-six is one of the more athletic plays you will see, in a 2022 Ohio State win over Penn State.

If the Patriots are set on making an EDGE their first-round pick in 2025, they should take a close look at Tuimoloau's stock and possibly even trade back in the first round to gain additional assets along with a prospect with tremendous upside.