For much of the past two weeks, the Patriots have received a lot of praise for how they handled the 2025 NFL Draft, with most complimentary takes surrounding their additions to the offense. Because the assumption was that it would be their priority, since they want to surround Drake Maye with the best talent possible, it's understandable that the offense would dominate the headlines.
However, one defensive rookie continues to be part of the conversation for all the right reasons, proving even more that Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf made the right call to draft him in the fourth round.
Joshua Farmer, a defensive tackle out of Florida State, has been an under-the-radar impressive pick by the new regime in New England. He has already received high marks for his pass-rushing abilities and an attitude to match, and now he's being labeled as a potential star of the NFL by a Super Bowl MVP.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend Dexter Jackson believes Joshua Farmer is a star in the making
With a dramatically improved offense, the Patriots needed to ensure the defense was also up to par this offseason, leading them to a player like Farmer. Although he wasn't considered the top prospect at his position, he was considered a steal for New England when they selected him, making the forthcoming excitement around him validate the pick much more.
His natural talents have plenty excited, including Dexter Jackson, who spoke about the 2025 NFL Draft with Roto Grinders last week, even touching on the Patriots' recent addition.
"Farmer brings a lot to the Patriots’ defense. When you take his intangibles, tape, and skill set into consideration and combine that with the situation he is in being coached by Vrabel in a cold environment where he could play right away, Farmer could be a future Defensive Player of the Year. Maybe I’m a little biased because he’s coming from Florida State, but they do have a history of creating great NFL defensive players."
If that doesn't further hype up fans, it's hard to imagine anything will.
The Patriots appear to have gotten a good one, even if some might deem Dexter's prediction premature. Although we are yet to see what Farmer can do on an NFL field, he's clearly shown impressive work throughout his college career and has many believers across the league.
He's already begun work, too, reportedly having a lengthy conversation with one of the Patriots' top free agent signings, DT Milton Williams. Farmer has a chip on his shoulder, which New England is known for loving with its players (e.g., Tom Brady and Julian Edelman).
If Farmer can live up to all the talk he's already received over the past two weeks, the Patriots are in much better hands defensively than most believed they would be.