It shouldn't come as a surprise that people weren't all that impressed with the 2024 Patriots draft class's lack of production. While Drake Maye shined, receivers Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker were non-factors, and third-rounder Caedan Wallace struggled with seven penalties in just 129 snaps.
The 2025 class has a much different aura around it, and is viewed much more positively by fans and the media alike. It's the first time in several years that the rookies have been so highly regarded, especially after the last few years of Bill Belichick's tenure.
ESPN spoke with league scouts, and Jeremy Fowler recently published an article highlighting some of their favorite moves, with the Patriots making the list for that very reason.
It has prompted many analysts to share their belief in the new Mike Vrabel-run team potentially making a playoff run this fall, with scouts Fowler spoke to suggesting that their 2025 class could be the reason.
This year was the perfect time for the Patriots to have an impressive draft
The 4-13 Patriots of the 2025 season had little to show across the board, and as mentioned, that didn't include the draft class. The AFC scout mentions this, saying, "I didn't love their 2024 draft", but moving on to praise their work in 2025.
He explicitly mentions Kyle Williams as a player who "has a chance to be a real player," further noting that the team "hasn't had an impact receiver there in a while."
TreVeyon Henderson was also a popular pick, and a player that "a lot of teams loved". The scout also mentions that the team he works for was "really high" on No. 4 overall pick Will Campbell, a good sign for Drake Maye and the passing game for years to come. He further mentions that he doesn't "think they are that far away," a sentiment that has become increasingly popular throughout the offseason.
While this class still needs to prove itself through in-game action, it's always a good sign that other NFL scouts and executives believe in what the team is building.