NFL analyst believes this Patriots rookie could be a ‘real steal’
"The former LSU edge was a Day 2-level talent who fell to the fifth round mainly because of concerns over his coachability."
The Patriots’ 2025 NFL Draft might be headlined by potential key fixtures on offense like OT Will Campbell, RB TreVeyon Henderson, and WR Kyle Williams, but New England might have unearthed more value on the defensive side of the ball as well.
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner put together a deep dive on Day 3 prospects from the 2025 NFL Draft that could make an impact for their teams — with Baumgardner listing a pair of Patriots selections in fourth-rounder Joshua Farmer (DL) and fifth-rounder Bradyn Swinson (edge).
While Baumgardner believes that a run-stuffing defensive lineman like Farmer has all the tools to be an NFL regular, he also stressed that Mike Vrabel and New England’s coaching staff will need to iron out some of the shortcomings in his game — especially when it comes to his consistency on the field.
“Farmer was an inconsistent performer throughout his Florida State career, though he did finish his time in Tallahassee as a captain and was well respected throughout the program,” Baumgardner wrote. “Traits-wise, he has everything a defensive tackle needs to shine in the NFL.”
Swinson — who led LSU last season in tackles for loss (13), sacks (8.5) and pressures (59) — is another player that Baumgardner believes has the traits to excel at the next level, but will require patience from Vrabel and his personnel.
“Swinson, meantime, could be a real steal if New England can bring out the best version of him,” Baumgardner wrote. “The former LSU edge was a Day 2-level talent who fell to the fifth round mainly because of concerns over his coachability. If he proves he can be a consistent professional, his talent could lead him to outperform his draft slot pretty quickly.”
With New England adding several starters on defense this offseason like Milton Williams, Harold Landry, Carlton Davis, and Robert Spillane, the Patriots aren’t expecting rookies like Farmer and Swinson to storm onto the scene right away in 2025.
But if Vrabel and Co. can coach both players up to their potential, New England could have two additional impact players on hand at the line of scrimmage.
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