If the New England Patriots decide to trade down in the 2025 NFL Draft, they would be positioning themselves for an opportunity to acquire additional picks while still securing valuable talent. Bill Belichick has often displayed a preference for accumulating assets, allowing him to make strategic moves and address multiple areas of need. By trading down, the Patriots could address long-term needs, such as quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver, while bolstering depth in the roster.
To maximize the value of such a trade, New England would need to target specific teams that are positioned to move up in the draft, as well as identify players that fit their system and needs. In this piece, we’ll explore potential trade partners for the Patriots, along with players that New England should consider targeting if they trade down.
Why the Patriots Should Consider Trading Down
The 2025 NFL Draft offers an opportunity for teams to find future stars, and the Patriots are currently positioned at a critical juncture. Although New England has a solid defensive foundation, there are still several offensive holes that need to be filled. This is particularly important as the team continues to develop its quarterback situation and figure out the best path forward at the position.
Trading down gives the Patriots flexibility in addressing multiple positions of need. It also increases the chance of acquiring multiple high-quality players, giving the coaching staff more options in terms of roster construction. Additionally, with a deep class of players available, New England could further stockpile assets for future drafts, creating a more robust team-building plan over the next few seasons.
Identifying Trade Partners
When considering a trade down, New England would need to target teams that are in a position to move up the board. These teams often fall into a few categories:
- Teams with a need at a specific position
- Teams that are in “win-now” mode and need to add immediate impact players
- Teams that are rebuilding and want to move up for a quarterback or a game-changing prospect
1. Teams Needing a Quarterback (e.g., Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons)
The Colts (currently drafting in the top 10) are an obvious team to target for a trade down. Indianapolis could be looking for their next franchise quarterback, especially after struggles with the position in recent years. If the Patriots are sitting in a spot where the Colts feel that a player like a top-tier quarterback prospect is available (or if there is a specific prospect they want to target), they could offer a package of picks to move up and secure that player.
The same can be said for teams like the Atlanta Falcons, who have invested heavily in their defense and could look to move up to grab a quarterback prospect if they feel there’s a future franchise QB available. A trade with these teams would allow the Patriots to move down and acquire valuable assets while letting teams like Indianapolis or Atlanta select their quarterback of the future.
2. Teams in Win-Now Mode (e.g., Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets)
The Rams, although entering a rebuilding phase, still possess a veteran-laden roster with Super Bowl aspirations. Their window with Matthew Stafford could be closing, and adding another key piece — whether on offense or defense — could make them more competitive in the short term. If they feel a player like a top-tier defensive talent or wide receiver is available, they may be willing to trade up.
Similarly, the New York Jets, a team loaded with defensive talent but searching for offensive upgrades, may be looking to trade up if there is a specific player who can contribute immediately to their playoff push. The Patriots could work out a deal with these teams, moving down in exchange for extra picks while still acquiring players that can fill gaps in their roster.
3. Teams Rebuilding (e.g., Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals)
The Chicago Bears, with their large collection of draft picks and the desire to rebuild their offense around Justin Fields, are another potential trade partner. The Patriots could target this team if the Bears are interested in moving up for a specific player. Chicago may want to get a game-changer on offense or a key piece to continue developing their defense.
The Arizona Cardinals, similarly, are in a rebuild and could be looking to move up for a quarterback of the future, depending on how their roster and Kyler Murray’s situation unfold. The Patriots could take advantage of this situation to move down and gain additional picks in what looks to be a deep draft class.
Targeted Players if the Patriots Trade Down
Once the trade partners are established, the next step is identifying players that could be targeted if New England decides to trade down. With Belichick’s long track record of selecting players who fit his system, it’s important to focus on positional needs and potential fits.
1. Quarterback (e.g., Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy)
Assuming the Patriots are not in a position to draft a quarterback at the top of the draft but still want to address the future of the position, they could target a player like Drake Maye from North Carolina or J.J. McCarthy from Michigan. Both quarterbacks have the potential to be top-tier NFL starters, and if New England is able to trade down and still land one of these prospects, it could set them up for long-term success.
Maye is a prototypical pocket passer with excellent arm strength, while McCarthy’s mobility and dual-threat ability make him an intriguing prospect. Both could develop into the type of franchise quarterback the Patriots need, and landing one of them in the middle of the first round after a trade down would be a win.
2. Offensive Tackle (e.g., Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu)
The Patriots’ offensive line has been inconsistent in recent seasons, and addressing that unit through the draft is crucial for the development of Mac Jones or any future quarterback. Trading down to acquire a player like Joe Alt from Notre Dame or Olu Fashanu from Penn State would help provide stability on the offensive line.
Alt, a dominant force in college football, possesses elite strength and technique. Fashanu, similarly, has the ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside with his impressive size and quickness. Both players could immediately contribute to New England’s line and help create a more stable offensive environment.
3. Wide Receiver (e.g., Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers)
The Patriots’ wide receiver group has often lacked a true No. 1 option in recent years. A trade down would provide an opportunity to acquire a dynamic receiver to pair with Mac Jones. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) or Malik Nabers (LSU) would be excellent targets.
Harrison, the son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, is an elite route runner with incredible hands and ball skills. Nabers, a physical and fast receiver, offers versatility and would add an explosive element to the Patriots’ offense. Either of these players could become the centerpiece of New England’s receiving corps for years to come.
4. Edge Rusher (e.g., Jared Verse, Kool-Aid McKinstry)
While the Patriots’ defense is strong, adding an explosive pass rusher to the mix could take it to another level. A player like Jared Verse from Florida State, a dynamic edge rusher with great speed and power, would fit well in New England’s defensive schemes.
Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama, while technically a cornerback, possesses the traits to contribute as an edge rusher in certain packages. New England has always valued versatility on defense, and McKinstry’s potential to play multiple roles would make him an intriguing option.
5. Cornerback (e.g., Kalen King, Tony Grimes)
With a solid defensive foundation, New England could look to bolster its secondary by targeting elite cornerbacks. Kalen King from Penn State is a ball-hawking corner with the skills to shut down top receivers. His ability to make plays in key moments would be a welcome addition to the Patriots’ defense.
Tony Grimes from North Carolina is another cornerback who fits Belichick’s mold of a player who is disciplined, smart, and capable of developing into a starter. His physicality and ability to read the quarterback would make him a valuable asset in New England’s defense.
