The Patriots got off to a great start in free agency, filling many holes and making the defense much more solid than it was when the team finished the season against the Buffalo Bills.
Milton Williams, Harold Landry, Robert Spillane, Carlton Davis, Khyiris Tonga, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Marcus Epps will make the defense much stouter in 2025.
The team definitely focused on defense in early free agency, but it didn’t totally ignore the offense. They landed a new right tackle, Morgan Moses, who is an established solid veteran and a very impressive person as well. Hearing him speak, it was clear why the coaching staff wanted to bring him aboard.
Mack Hollins was a sneaky good addition. He’s got excellent size at 6’4, 221, can get separation off the line, and runs good routes. He’s a very good blocker in the running game and plays special teams. He had his best season in Las Vegas under Josh McDaniels, with 57 catches. He’s going to be a fan favorite in Gillette Stadium.
So, let’s get to this Mock Draft 2.0. Obviously, after the start of free agency, the draft will focus more on offense, which is needed.
When Mike Vrabel said the roster will look much different in August than it does now, you can take it to the bank. Many of these free agents will step into starting roles or have important depth roles.
Therefore, I drafted not one, not two, but three offensive tackles in this mock draft. But first, I traded back with the Raiders two spots and picked up the #37 pick, so the Patriots would pick with back-to-back selections early in the second round.
I was going to pick Will Campbell, but I decided to switch things up a bit and was considering either Membou or Kelvin Banks, whom I like. So, let’s talk about these players.
#6: Armand Membou, OT, Mizzou:
Membou is a big man at 6’4 “, 332, but he is also extremely athletic. He scored the top athletic score for all the offensive tackles at the NFL Combine, running a 4.91 in the 40, which is very impressive for a 332-pound lineman.
I don’t worry about his height. Watch his tape. This young man can play.
“He’s still growing into his frame, but his game boasts unusual maturity. Membou’s potential impact at a premium position should keep him at tackle, but he has outstanding potential regardless.”- Lance Zierlein.
He’s a right tackle, but as athletic as he is, he could transition to left tackle. But Morgan Moses is 34. He could be your right tackle in a year or two. This kid is a baller.
#37: Omarion Hampton, RB, UNC:
A running back at #37? You better believe it.
Hampton looks like an NFL running back with good size at 6’0 “, 220. He is an ideal fit for downhill gap scheme run offenses with a mixture of inside zones. Because of his physical and powerful running style, he is a strong short-yardage and red-zone runner.
I like this guy, and his presence will push Stevenson and Gibson. He was Drake Maye’s teammate at UNC and was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award (the nation’s top RB) two years in a row.
“Hampton is a three-down back with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and willingness in pass protection. He has what teams need in a bell cow or lead running back.” – Dame Parson, Bleacher Report.
#38: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas:
The Patriots have guys who can move the chains and be reliable in the passing game, but this guy has the speed and athleticism to take a short pass and get the crowd on their feet. Josh McDaniels will know precisely how to use him. This guy hasn’t come close to scratching the surface of his talent.
“Bond played decoy for the betterment of Texas’ offense but clearly has the talent to take on a more focused, productive role… An offense should feed him a heavier diet of shallow crossers, deep digs, and quick-game throws, allowing him to make magic with the ball in his hands and add to their chunk play total.
“Bond is an explosive athlete with above-average skill. He simply needs more targets to reach his potential. He’s well-suited to the NFL game and could become a very good pro within his first three seasons.” – Lance Zierlein.
One NFC personnel director told Zierlein, “I love his speed and the way he opens up coverages, but if you take him, you have to get him the ball more than Texas did. He’s special as a runner.”
#69: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami:
McDaniels can find a way for two slot guys to feast on the field. Estrepo is a sure-handed, twitchy slot who’s quick out of his breaks and can get open against both man and zone coverages. He has Patriot written all over him.
Restrepo is built a bit like Julian Edelman, not tall, but solidly built at 5’10, 209. Restrepo will be a very good slot receiver in the NFL; he has the perfect blend of route-running skills, toughness, and the ability to make contested catches.
His timed speed won’t blow you away, but he also plays much faster than the stopwatch times him, like Edelman. He has an innate ability to get open when plays break down. He and Drake Maye will get along quite well.
#77: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU:
Yes, the Patriots still have Hunter Henry, and brought back Austin Hooper. However, this draft is deep in good tight ends, and this builds for the future. He’s got the genes, his father is HOF Jason Taylor.
Taylor is an athletic, well-rounded tight end who can make plays in the short, intermediate, and deep portions of the field, while also providing valuable blocking reps.
He’s 6’5, 251 and is ascending, he’ll grow more into his frame as well as his game. But with Henry and Hooper, who better to learn from.
#106: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College:
Trapilo comes from just down the road at BC, with Bill O’Brien and Doug Marrone. He’s tall at 6’8, 316. And could use a tad more strength training at the next level. But he made big strides last year, and his pass blocking is excellent.
I could see him playing anywhere along the offensive line. But his path should remain as a tackle.
#144: Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia:
After six straight offensive players are taken, it is time for a defender.
Mondon, like all Georgia linebackers, is physical and can run. He had a stress fracture on his foot but ran a 4.58 in the 40 at the NFL Combine. He’s a three-down linebacker with good sideline-to-sideline ability.
He’s effective on passing downs, combines good coverage, and is an elusive good blitzer.
# 217: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT, Georgia:
Back-to-back Georgia defenders. Ingram-Dawkins was rated as the top athlete for all Defensive Tackles at the NFL Combine. He has an explosive first step and has the tools, but he is still learning his craft.
For a large man (6’5), he has excellent bend and can shoot gaps and offer some pass rush ability with more seasoning. However, with an attacking style of defense, he could spell some of his other teammates until he finds a niche as a sub-package interior rusher.
#220: Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State:
Tackle number three, Travis is a big man at 6’8 “, 339 lbs. He ran a 5.14 40 at the NFL Combine. In college, he played both left and right tackle and could be a swing tackle at the next level.
He has a road-grader mauler mentality in the running game, with good lateral range as a pass blocker. He is a developmental prospect, but needs to refine his skills.
#238: Caleb Ransaw, CB, Tulane:
Ransaw is another guy who tested extremely well physically at the NFL Combine. He was rated as the number three corner in athletic testing. He ran a 4.33 in the 40 in Indy. He’s a very good big nickel, has played in the slot, but a move to free safety might be in the cards for him.
At pick #238, you are just looking for good traits and see what the guy can do.
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
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Regards to Isiah Bond, his highlight films show he’s not just a straight line sprinter. Bond has athletic bodily talent to run a stack of route-tree options, and as said above by Steve, his game could be suited better for the pros than the situation on Texas. I sorta see the same in Luther Burden where he’s got explosiveness and athleticism that would map to the NFL. Sometimes these college teams are just not suited to highlight or expose a guys talent. Passing games or QB may be weak. It’s a team game and not designed for individuals. I’d be… Read more »