Big spenders this offeason, the Patriots signed and reunited Harold Landry III with his former coach Mike Vrabel. That doesn't mean they won't look to add to their pass rush in 2026. While he missed several games in 2024 due to a calf injury and his numbers were down year over year, the explosive edge rusher had 12.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as a true freshman in 2023. Depending on how he bounces back and takes a step forward, he has the traits to warrant a pick in the top half of the first round.

Downs is one of the best prospects eligible for next year's draft. While safety is currently and likely will be a need for the Patriots next year, safety is not often valued at a level that justifies top-10 consideration. Downs is a special talent, though.

The Patriots went offense-heavy in the 2025 draft after using free agency to bolster their defense. We'll add more to that defense with Faulk, a towering 6-6 edge rusher with a stout base. He can play multiple alignments, and he finished the 2024 season with seven sacks. He's already one of the best run defenders in the country but needs to become more consistent rushing the passer to be picked in this part of the draft.

Best Pick: Third-round receiver Kyle Williams was a receiver who really impressed me in 2024. He has great separation and will fill a need on this roster.

Worst Pick: I didn't love third-round center Jared Wilson as much as most analysts. He's a solid player, but I am not sure he's what most have him rated. He went a little high for me.

The Skinny: Taking Will Campbell in the first gives them their blind-side left tackle for Drake Maye. I still think he's more of a guard, but time will tell. Getting running back TreVeyon Henderson in the second and Williams in the third will also help Maye. This draft was all about their second-year quarterback, and it should have been.

Top needs entering the draft: Offensive tackle, wide receiver and defensive tackle

The Patriots were in a good spot at No. 4. If either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter fell to them, great. If not, they would have their pick of the offensive linemen in this class. That matters because quarterback Drake Maye was pressured on 37.3% of his dropbacks -- not ideal for a young passer. Amid personnel changes, the offensive line was 31st in pass block win rate at 50.9%. But Will Campbell instantly improves things here.

Everyone made a big deal about his 32⅝-inch arm length after the combine, and it's not ideal. But I still see the footwork, technique and pure power of an NFL left tackle. Campbell will immediately replace Vederian Lowe there. The Pats had selected just one offensive lineman in the top 10 in the common draft era (since 1967) before the Campbell pick; John Hannah also went fourth in 1973.

New England continued its revamp on Day 2, sticking with the offense. (It used seven of eight picks on offense last year, and the first four went that way this year.) Running back TreVeyon Henderson and receiver Kyle Williams will improve Maye's supporting cast. Henderson is in a perfect spot to maximize his skill set. He's a big-play artist because of his explosion and vision, but he won't be a 30-carry back every Sunday. Henderson is at his best when he's sharing the work, and the Pats will do that with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson still in the fold.

Williams, meanwhile, will be a good deep threat for Maye with his speed. The WR room is definitely better, between Williams and free agent signing Stefon Diggs. The Day 2 capper was Jared Wilson, my top-ranked center. He's behind Garrett Bradbury on the depth chart, but his quickness and even a little bit of interior versatility mean he should see the field. There are some good Day 3 picks in New England, too. Defensive tackle Joshua Farmer has dealt with some injuries, but he can push the pocket. Bradyn Swinson had 8.5 sacks last season off the edge. And Andres Borregales is the No. 2 kicker in the class.

It has been a good offseason for New England. This draft class is solid. But the Pats also spent in free agency, signing Diggs, Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Robert Spillane, Carlton Davis III and Morgan Moses. They could take a big step forward in 2025.