Since looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft during last season became common, the Patriots have been linked to several of the top incoming prospects on offense. Because the expectation is that they will prioritize helping out quarterback Drake Maye in any way possible, it made sense that the most talented receivers and offensive linemen were considered the favorites for New England.
That remains the sentiment during the NFL Combine this week, with LSU's left tackle Will Campbell and Colorado's CB/WR Travis Hunter still being mock drafted at No. 4. But just a few weeks ago, Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter was overwhelmingly favored to go to the Patriots, showing how the defense also needs a lot of attention this offseason.
Because Mike Vrabel and Co. are expected to focus on the offensive and defensive lines in free agency, at least according to the latest rumors, on top of Carter being projected as the first overall pick, it might mean the Patriots won't be looking at the position on draft night.
If that's the case, they could shift their attention to another quality player on the defensive line, who could be a sneaky good addition to the roster, especially since he seems to be predominately flying under the radar thus far.
The Patriots could be the best team to draft defensive lineman Mason Graham out of Michigan
Although they could very easily address the defensive line thoroughly in free agency, that shouldn't rule the Patriots out of considering Michigan's Mason Graham with their first round draft pick.
The defensive tackle is considered the top prospect at the position of the 2025 class, and his production throughout his college campaign proves he's worthy of that honor. The 6-foot-3, 320 lbs. lineman earned an overall grade of 91.1 for the 2025 season from PFF, ranking nearly perfect in every statistical measure, making it nearly impossible for him not to be a hit if he were picked by the Patriots.
The highest-graded run defender in CFB in 2024:
— PFF (@PFF) February 27, 2025
〽️ Mason Graham - 92.6 pic.twitter.com/5nwxEapIGZ
Over the last three years, he recorded 1,293 snaps, 12 sacks, 47 hurries and 17 quarterback hits in 39 regular season games. Graham was an absolute wrecking ball of a player and could continue on that path in New England as a day one starter this fall.
Because the new regime seems to want to build the roster through the draft, Graham could easily be one of those players. Pairing him with guys like Ja'Whaun Bentley and Keion White on the defensive line would be pretty impactful compared to what we've seen from the group over the last two years, and that doesn't include the likely free agents they'll also sign well before the draft.