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New England Patriots Mock Draft: Revisiting the Michigan Wolverine Pipeline

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New England Patriots Mock Draft

In this week’s seven-round mock draft, the New England Patriots start their class by tapping back into the University of Michigan pipeline.

After back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the Patriots have found themselves picking within the top five of the NFL Draft once again. So far, they’re a perfect 1/1 after selecting Drake Maye, who looks to be their franchise quarterback, third overall in last year’s draft. For Elliot Wolf and the rest of the Patriots front office, their focus now shifts to building around Maye by surrounding him with a promising 2025 draft class.

New England Patriots Mock Draft: Revisiting the Michigan Wolverine Pipeline

Round 1, Pick 4: Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan

If Mike Vrabel is serious about rebuilding the trenches, the Patriots should be more than interested in spending the fourth overall pick on the All-American defensive tackle out of the University of Michigan.

Pairing a game-wrecking interior lineman with the likes of Keion White and Christian Barmore would reload the trenches on the defensive side of the ball and allow New England to align their scheme in many different ways.

Round 2, Pick 38: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

After the past week Armand Membou had at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, he probably won’t be available in the second round come April. Either way, he would be an exceptional addition to a Patriots team looking to rebuild the trenches. Membou possesses the ideal length to stick at offensive tackle after his arms were officially measured at 34” this past week.

His career path could be similar to current Patriots offensive lineman Michael Onwenu who has spent a good chunk of his tenure in New England at both tackle and guard. Whatever position Membou finds himself playing at the NFL level, the Patriots need all the offensive lineman help they can get.

SCOUTING REPORT

Round 3, Pick 69: Savion Williams, WR, TCU

Players with the size and athleticism that Savion Williams possesses is incredibly rare. He can turn a five-yard slant into a 75-yard touchdown. If you need a big play downfield, he can win at the catch point too. Fortunately for New England, they need both.

His 88.9% contested catch rate would’ve ranked first among Patriots receivers this past season. Drake Maye desperately needs a playmaker downfield and Williams fits that need perfectly.

SCOUTING REPORT

Round 3, Pick 77: Kevin Winston Jr., SAF, Penn State

Kevin Winston Jr. is a tricky evaluation. After a breakout campaign in 2023, he played in just one full game this season. But even with a limited sample size in 2024, there’s no denying how good of a fit he’d be in New England.

Penn State allowed Winston Jr. to showcase his versatility and playmaking ability. Both are traits the Patriots desperately need in their secondary. Especially with Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers on the downside of their careers.

Round 4, Pick 105: Luke Kandra, IOL, Cincinnati

At 6-4, 318 lbs, and a projected 4.9 40-yard dash time, Luke Kandra will be a riser come the combine. He is capable of playing all three interior positions and showcased his improved anchor strength at the Hula Bowl. The Patriots would welcome a player with the pedigree and experience of the former Bearcat.

 

Round 5, Pick 145: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

Back-to-back selections used on offensive linemen make sense for New England. Selecting one from Boston College makes even more sense after the hire of Doug Marrone. During Ozzy Trapilo’s senior season, Marrone served as a Senior Analyst of Football Strategy for the team.

With an impressive 6-7, 321-pound frame, Trapilo fits the bill of a franchise offensive tackle. He spent time at both right and left tackle throughout his collegiate career with the Eagles. It’s rare to see prospects with the size of Trapilo move as well as he does. At the next level, Marrone and the Patriots would have to help him understand the nuances of tackle play.

Round 7, Pick 219: Tyler Batty, DL, BYU

Tyler Batty may be a Deatrich Wise clone. At 6-5, 275 pounds, he’s just five pounds lighter than Wise and plays just like him. Batty relies on his power and instincts to bull rush on passing downs. Against the run, he utilizes his frame and strength to anchor himself on the line of scrimmage.

Batty will never be an explosive pass rusher off the edge, much like Wise. But he would give the Patriots a high-floor player to serve as depth along the defensive line.

Round 7, Pick 222: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas

Even after inking Rhamondre Stevenson to a four-year extension last off-season, the Patriots need to inject some youth into their backfield. Stevenson has struggled with fumbles and Antonio Gibson lacks breakaway speed.

Texas running back Jaydon Blue would bring game-breaking speed both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Injuries are an issue for Blue but his speed is undeniable. In 2023, he was clocked at 22.3 miles per hour on a 69-yard run against Texas Tech.

Round 7, Pick 240: Holden Willis, TE, Middle Tennessee State

Like the running back position, the Patriots need youth and depth at tight end. Both Hunter Henry and impending free agent Austin Hooper will be 31 next season. The only backup tight end under contract for next season is 2024 seventh-round pick Jaheim Bell.

Middle Tennessee State tight end Holden Willis had never played the position before this season. He is a converted wide receiver who led the Blue Raiders in both receiving yards and touchdowns this season.

At just 212 pounds, Willis won’t be an in-line tight end at the next level. Instead, he will be utilized more as a F-tight end. A position newly hired offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels schemes his offenses around. The fit for Willis and New England is more than ideal for both parties.

Main Photo: Eric Seals -USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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