The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
With 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2025 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the New England Patriots, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the New England Patriots rookies?
- Will Campbell (OT, LSU)
- TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
- Kyle Williams (WR, Washington State)
- Jared Wilson (C, Georgia)
- Craig Woodson (S, Cal)
- Joshua Farmer (DL, Florida State)
- Bradyn Swinson (EDGE, LSU)
- Andres Borregales (K, Miami)
- Marcus Bryant (OT, Mizzou)
- Julian Ashby (LS, Vanderbilt)
- Kobee Minor (CB, Memphis)
New England Patriots Draft Class Grade:
The New England Patriots received a B+ draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Patriots Rookies Will Make An Impact?
By the time draft day rolled around, the selection of Will Campbell (first round) was a no-brainer, but only because New England failed to find a left tackle through free agency or trades.
Campbell was a productive three-year starter at left tackle at LSU, but he lacks the elite blend of size and athleticism that would typically land an offensive lineman in the top 10.
However, the Patriots desperately needed someone to step in at left tackle to improve the protection for Drake Maye.
Campbell was the best option given his role at LSU. He blocked for traditional dropbacks 64% of the time (NFL average: 60), which should ease his transition to the league.
Although Armand Membou was sometimes mentioned as an option with higher upside, Membou had never played left tackle, not even in high school, which meant he wasn’t a viable option for New England 一 another example of how New England backed themselves into a corner by failing to address this need earlier.
Campbell is joined on the offensive line by Jared Wilson (third round), who will have an opportunity to compete for the job at left guard. The fact that New England is considering an all-rookie left side says all you need to know about the state of the offensive line.
Wilson was a one-year starter at center at Georgia, so there’s no guarantee he’s able to quickly make that transition. His future might still be at center, but Garrett Bradbury was just signed to a two-year contract and is unlikely to relinquish that role.
TreVeyon Henderson (second round) is likely to operate as the Patriots' primary running back. However, he might not technically be the starter as Rhamondre Stevenson is the more physical runner and will still see action on early downs.
Henderson immediately becomes the Patriots' most explosive backfield weapon and will undoubtedly see the majority of action on passing downs. And given the Patriots' lack of offensive weapons, he could play a significant role in the passing game.
Based on route adjusted data, Henderson gained 13% more yards after catch than expected over his final two years at Ohio State.
Kyle Williams (third round) will try to provide a spark to the receiving corps.
Although Williams primarily played on the outside during his career at UNLV and Washington State, he’s undersized and might be better suited for a role in the slot.
Craig Woodson (fourth round) was an odd selection in the fourth round, as safety is one of the few areas of the Patriots' depth chart that was in good shape.
Kyle Duggar and Jabrill Peppers are each under contract for three more years, so there’s no path to the field for Woodson. Extensive special teams experience will help him earn a roster spot while he waits his turn.
Joshua Farmer (fourth round) is a potential Day 3 steal for the Patriots and should be in the defensive line rotation immediately.
Farmer has played nose tackle, though he’s best suited to make an impact on passing downs as a three-tech. Farmer was one of just three interior pass-rushers in the ACC to generate a pressure rate over 10% in 2024.
In three-man fronts, Christian Barmore and Milton Williams will be the starters on the end with Khyiris Tonga at nose tackle, but Farmer likely rotates in with Williams and Barmore.
Bradyn Swinson (fifth round) is a developmental edge-rusher who joins a crowded depth chart. The fifth-round draft capital indicates New England would like to keep him on the roster, but there’s no margin for error in training camp with at least four others solidly ahead of him on the depth chart.
Andres Borregales (sixth round) will be expected to win the job at kicker. He hit 14 of 20 field goals (73%) from 45 or more yards over the last two years, though the kicking environment will be more challenging in New England than it was in Miami.
Over the last three years, Borregales missed just one field goal under 35 yards 一 a 34-yarder in a November game at Boston College.
The selection of Marcus Bryant (seventh round) is understandable given the state of the offensive line. Although the depth chart is now loaded with unproven (or poorly proven) options, Bryant has an uphill battle for a roster spot.
The 6-foot-8 Bryant is probably a tackle only, which hurts his chances to make the roster.
Julian Ashby (seventh round) is strictly a long snapper 一 even at Furman he never got on the field at another position. Like all specialists who get drafted, he will be expected to win that job immediately.
Kobee Minor (seventh round) was a surprising choice, even that late in the draft, given his lack of size and poor testing numbers. Perhaps he can push for the final roster spot at cornerback, but New England’s secondary is crowded.
The Patriots definitely got better through the draft, and this 11-man class will help upgrade the talent throughout the depth chart.
However, the failure to secure a left tackle prior to the draft was certainly a failure. Ideally, the Patriots would have tried to entice a team to trade up, allowing them to get more draft capital in the early rounds, but that was not an option without a left tackle to protect Maye.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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