Freeling's a long-limbed tackle prospect with excellent athletic ability, but his game needs more seasoning.

It took only one year for Mike Vrabel to build an impressive defense, but the Patriots must focus on replacing their short-term free agent signings with draft picks who can serve as a longer-term foundation. Howell led the SEC in pressures (41) and had 11.5 sacks in his second season at Texas A&M after transferring from Bowling Green. He doesn't immediately project as a three-down player but has the tools to develop into one with improved play against the run. Howell would bring an immediate pass-rushing presence and give New England serious juice off the corner when attacking the backfield with his impressive first-step quickness.

The Patriots made the Super Bowl with an ensemble cast at receiver led by 32-year-old Stefon Diggs. So getting a future WR1 should be a priority. Sarratt has some Courtland Sutton similarities and would complement Drake Maye's timing and accuracy well.

Freeling pairs elite length with high-end athleticism. He's incredibly smooth when mirroring pass rushers or climbing to the second level, and while he's still filling out his frame to handle pure power, his ability to lock onto defenders and sustain blocks in the run game already ranks among the best in this class.

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.