Patriots Insider Raises ‘Compelling’ 2025 NFL Draft Question

The New England Patriots had a very difficult time protecting Drake Maye in the quarterback’s rookie season.

It’s no secret, then, that improving the performance of the offensive line will be a point of emphasis in 2025. And steps the Patriots take over the next several months could go a long way toward solving that problem.

That means coaching.

“The Patriots stand out from most other teams in the NFL when it comes to offensive line coaches,” ESPN Patriots insider Mike Reiss wrote Sunday. “They have taken the unconventional approach of having three — Doug Marrone leading the way, aided by experienced assistants Jason Houghtaling and Robert Kugler.”

That also means deploying better on-field personnel, with the 2025 NFL Draft an important opportunity for New England to infuse some talent up front.

“The Patriots enter the 2025 NFL draft (April 24-26) with nine selections, and the question seems to be less if they select at least one offensive lineman for a 12th year in a row, but more when they do it,” Reiss wrote.

Will Campbell has been frequently linked to the Patriots in mock drafts, despite questions over the LSU tackle’s arm length and whether it’ll ultimately necessitate a shift to guard. He’s not the only offensive lineman who could be on New England’s radar, though, as Missouri’s Armand Membou and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. might be considerations, as well, particularly if the Pats trade down.

Whatever the case, it’s been a very intriguing offseason for the Patriots. And that’s unlikely to change before New England kicks off its 2025 campaign.

“It all sets up one of the more compelling draft-based questions for the Patriots,” Reiss wrote. “In their quest to support Maye, how do they best strategize to bolster the offensive line?”

The answer to that question might determine the Patriots’ success — or lack thereof — in Maye’s sophomore season.