Patriots Team Needs: 5 Positions To Target In NFL Draft & Free Agency

The New England Patriots should be much better in 2025. With Mike Vrabel as head coach and Drake Maye under center, the Patriots could be this year’s Commanders. Now, it’s time to build a better roster. What are the Patriots’ team needs? Here are the five positions New England needs to target in the NFL Draft and free agency.

Offensive Line

“I’ve been tempted by Will Campbell and not as much the shiny object…”

Always fun to pick the brain of our pal @StevePalazzolo_ on fixing the Patriots roster. Offensive line is tempting, but would he go with a pass-rusher if given the chance?

Next Pats: https://t.co/9W9qApGS1y pic.twitter.com/UUJSs3yLbR

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) February 7, 2025

This should be Vrabel’s first priority as head coach.

Protecting Maye is all Vrabel should be thinking about this offseason.

The Patriots were last in offensive line rankings by Pro Football Network at the end of the season.

New England holds the No. 4 pick in the draft, and they must consider taking an offensive lineman.

The Patriots are also projected to have the most cap space ($130-plus million), so bringing in two to three offensive linemen this offseason is a must.

Wide Receiver

The #Patriots opening up free agency with Tee Higgins and Josh Sweat would change the perception of the team overnight.

New England better be ready to spend if they want to start off the Mike Vrabel era on a good note.

(📸 @RafaelaEnjoyer | @premefootball) pic.twitter.com/Jkgi8gqp2G

— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) February 14, 2025

Once Maye is protected, now he needs someone to throw to.

The Patriots were ranked last in passing yards per game (176.1).

The receiving corps of DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker, and Ja’Lynn Polk is a below-average unit.

Could this be the team to sign Tee Higgins?

Edge Rusher

Josh Sweat is a beast w' a pass rush plan. The #Patriots have to spend this off-season, and he's a great plan 🅰️ with Tee Higgins. pic.twitter.com/EyfmeRLMCX

— ZeeBee (@BellinoZee) February 3, 2025

Vrabel was known in Tennessee for having an elite defense.

Vrabel must bring his defensive expertise to a unit that ranked 31st in pressure rate and 32nd in sack rate.

In today’s NFL, a team cannot succeed unless they pressure the quarterback.

Trading Matthew Judon for draft purposes was the right move last summer. Now, they must replace his production in the draft and free agency.

Could Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat be one of Vrabel’s targets?

Running Back

According to @MikeGiardi , It's time for the patriots to get a new running back.

But is the draft the right time to do it? pic.twitter.com/xLT8hJdSgY

— WEEI Afternoons (@WEEIAfternoons) February 14, 2025

Rhamondre Stevenson is the lead back in New England.

Despite the offensive line issues, Stevenson still managed to rush for 801 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games.

However, the Patriots desperately need a change of pace back to mix in with Stevenson.

Look for New England to take a running back on day two or three of the draft. Ohio State’s Trayvon Henderson could be exactly who the Patriots need.

Cornerback

The Patriots obvious needs at OT notwithstanding, I’ve come around on the idea of drafting Travis Hunter. A player of his unique talent who balls out for 120 snaps a game – at CO altitudes no less – passes this way but once. GET HIM
pic.twitter.com/5PUxtKechq

— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton1) December 29, 2024

Christina Gonzalez is a legitimate lockdown cornerback who will be the Patriots’ No. 1 option for the foreseeable future.

Now, New England must find him a running mate on the opposite side.

The Patriots must take care of the offensive line in the draft. However, if Travis Hunter falls to No. 4, it would be tough to pass on his dynamic playmaking ability on both sides.