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New 2025 NFL mock draft has Patriots making ‘surprising’ first-round pick
"The 6-foot-6, 210-pound receiver showcases shades of Mike Evans and Drake London."
Eliot Wolf and the Patriots’ top brass have their work cut out for them this offseason.
Even though Drake Maye looks like the real deal at quarterback, New England is still missing several stalwarts at critical areas of the depth chart.
When it comes to the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, the writing has been on the wall for months that New England needs to upgrade its offensive line.
But even with New England’s evident woes in pass protection, Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema has the Patriots pivoting to another area on offense in his three-round mock draft.
With the fourth-overall pick in the upcoming draft, Sikkema has New England selecting Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
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“This pick might be surprising since it’s not an offensive lineman, but with over $115 million in projected effective cap space, the Patriots have the financial flexibility to address the offensive line with quality veterans in free agency,” Sikkema wrote. “That could allow them to prioritize a high-ceiling pass catcher like Tetairoa McMillan at the top of the draft.”
Even though Sikkema has a pair of ofensive tackles going in the top 10 of the draft in Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. (No. 7, Titans) and LSU’s Will Campbell (No. 8, Browns), he added that McMillan’s pro-ready frame and impressive production on a lackluster Arizona squad could make him an appealing target for a player like Maye.
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“The 6-foot-6, 210-pound receiver showcases shades of Mike Evans and Drake London, with smooth movements for his size and exceptionally strong hands,” Sikkema said.
The Patriots would be thrilled if McMillain develops into the next Evans, who has ammassed 1,000 recieivng yards in each of his first 10 full NFL seasons with Tampa Bay.
Like the 6-foot-5 Evans, McMillain is a force on the field — capable of reeling in deep balls down the sideline while carving up defensive backs with routes across the middle of the gridiron.
In 12 games this season with Arizona, McMillain has reeled in 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns.
Sikkema also had New England taking Alabama guard Tyler Booker in the second round (No. 36) and Ohio State edge rusher J.T. Tuimoloau in the third round (No. 68 overall) of his mock draft.
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