On paper, the New England Patriots had arguably the best draft of all 32 NFL teams.
There’s no way to confirm that statement until the players step onto the field and let their performance reveal the truth behind the 2025 NFL draft. However, multiple rookies in New England could potentially make an impact right out of the gate.
That sets the stage for a competitive training camp, where players will battle it out for a chance to make Mike Vrabel’s first 53-man roster as the Patriots’ head coach.
What rookies will make the biggest impact?
Today, we’re going to rank all of the rookie draft picks by potential impact on the 2025 season. Let’s take a look at who has the best chance of being an immediate difference-maker in New England.
11. CB Kobee Minor
The cornerback room is loaded to the teeth in New England right now.
Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones likely have the three starting jobs tied up, with multiple talented players vying for backup positions. Competing with the likes of Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial and Isaiah Bolden for a backup role will be a daunting task for Mr. Irrelevant in 2025. With that said, Minor appears to be relishing in the underdog role, and perhaps he turns into a training camp surprise.
10. OT Marcus Bryant
The offensive tackle position was one of the weakest for the Patriots entering the 2025 NFL draft. So it was no surprise that they decided to double-dip after spending the No. 4 overall pick on LSU star Will Campbell. Marcus Bryant will likely be viewed more as a project addition to the Patriots’ roster. However, he has the potential to grow into something more with the right coaching.
9. LS Julian Ashby
Some might argue that Julian Ashby deserves to be higher on this list considering he’s a likely starter right out of the gate. It would be a fair assumption for one of the top specialists in the country. Ashby has massive shoes to fill when taking up the mantle left by long-time Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona. However, the former Vanderbilt standout isn’t one to back down from a challenge.
8. EDGE Bradyn Swinson
The fact that Bradyn Swinson comes in at No. 8 on this list is a testament to how good of a draft class this is for the Patriots. He should get opportunities to work immediately in the Patriots’ pass-rushing rotation, which will also include Keion White, Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson. It’s a far more talented group than the Patriots had last year.
7. DT Joshua Farmer
There has been so much talk about the dominant pairing of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore that people are beginning to sleep on the arrival of Joshua Farmer. The former Florida State defender is a powerhouse with a track record of wreaking havoc along the defensive front. Even if he isn’t racking up sacks, his ability to push the pocket creates big-play opportunities for his teammates.
6. G Jared Wilson
Jared Wilson was dealing with an injury during the spring practices, but he should be very much in the mix for an interior offensive line position. The left guard position has looked open throughout OTAs and minicamp. Along with left guard, Wilson could also vie with veteran Garrett Bradbury for the starting center role. He’s a versatile offensive lineman with the ability to play at all three interior positions.
5. S Craig Woodson
There was concern for redundancy when the Patriots used a fourth-round pick on Craig Woodson. They already have Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers locked in as starters, with a deep bench behind them. It hasn’t taken Woodson long to change minds in the spring practices. He’s an instinctive playmaker who could potentially push Dugger for snaps.
4. K Andres Borregales
Andres Borregales is already leading the ongoing kicking competition with veteran John Parker Romo. He was arguably the best kicker in the country last season, and he could see plenty of work for a Patriots team that struggled in the red zone. Granted, they hope that isn’t the case this year, but Borregales is a consistent and reliable kicker for them to lean on early.
3. WR Kyle Williams
Kyle Williams was the best pure separator at wide receiver in the entire 2025 NFL draft class. Not only can he find gaps in the defense, but he can also make plays with the ball in his hands. NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice even went as far as projecting him to make the NFL’s All-Rookie Team. Williams has incredible potential to develop into a top-tier receiving option for New England.
2. RB TreVeyon Henderson
TreVeyon Henderson is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Rhamondre Stevenson is still the No. 1 running back on the roster, but that could eventually change with the arrival of the former Ohio State speedster. Henderson is a legitimate triple-threat option with the ability to run, receive and pass protect. He will make an immediate impact on the Patriots’ offense.
1. OT Will Campbell
The Patriots went into the draft with left tackle at the top of their to-do list. So they opted to use the No. 4 overall pick to draft arguably the best offensive lineman in the country last season, LSU left tackle Will Campbell.
If Drake Maye hopes to find success at the next level, he’s going to need a reliable blindside protector to help keep him upright in the pocket. Campbell will have one of the toughest jobs on the field, but his power and nasty streak in the trenches should serve him well at the NFL level.
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