5 top prospects for the Patriots to select with the 1st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft

If there's one positive to consider with the Patriots residing in the AFC East cellar – along with the development of rookie quarterback Drake Maye – it's what the team would be if the season ended today , would have the first pick in the 2025 draft.

Yes, we are used to winning championships here. However, the days of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick winning the Lombardi Trophies are but a distant memory at this point. And the Patriots obviously need to start thinking about their future.

That being said, here are five potential blue-chip companies that the company could land with the first overall pick, assuming they get it and don't pass on it.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The Patriots' wide receiver room is young, no question, but Hunter is a real talent at both the wide receiver and cornerback positions. Second-year receivers Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas are talented and developing a great rapport with Maye, but the Patriots don't have a difference-maker on the perimeter that would make a defensive coordinator say, “We've got to make sure this guy is it.” covered at all times.”

Hunter, who has 51 catches for 604 yards and six touchdowns for Colorado so far this season, could give the Patriots the playmaker on the outside they haven't had since Randy Moss was here.

Will Campbell, OT, LSU

There's no doubt the offensive line needs help, and LSU's left tackle appears to be the best at the position in next year's draft. Campbell started all 33 games he played in his two-and-a-half-year career in Baton Rouge and was Jayden Daniels' primary guard last year.

At 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, Campbell is athletic and good on his feet and would give the Patriots a franchise left tackle.

Mykell Williams, DE/Edge, Georgia

Remember when the Patriots signed Richard Seymour to the Athens pipeline in 2001? That turned out to be a pretty successful decision, and Williams could be another one. An anchor for one of college football's best defenses, Williams is very athletic and quick at 6-5 and 265 pounds.

The Patriots have struggled at the line of scrimmage this season, particularly on defense where they have been plagued by injuries. Williams would give the team a potentially game-winning offense.

Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

Another franchise prospect left tackle to keep Maye upright.
Banks is the top offensive tackle for a Longhorns team that was ranked No. 1 in the country until last week's loss to Georgia.

Banks is currently the second-ranked offensive lineman in the planned draft behind Campbell.

James Pearce, Jr., DE/Edge, Tennessee

Pearce is an absolute killjoy who immediately makes a difference with his mix of speed and size. That's what the Patriots are missing on defense, especially after trading Matthew Judon to the Falcons in the preseason.
Like Williams, Pearce could play right away and give the Patriots' pass rush a needed boost.

Like Williams, Pearce is a guy who could play right away and give the Patriots' pass rush a needed boost.

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