The Patriots should target these teams and players if they decide to trade down.
As the NFL offseason heats up and teams begin to assess their needs for the 2025 season, the New England Patriots are in a pivotal position. With a roster that is still in the midst of an overhaul, New England may look to improve its future prospects by trading down in the upcoming NFL Draft. Trading down provides a team with the opportunity to accumulate more assets, whether that be additional draft picks or the chance to target specific players who fit into their long-term plans.
The Patriots, under head coach Bill Belichick, have often operated with an eye on both the present and the future. A trade down could allow them to build their roster more comprehensively and strategically, targeting players who are undervalued or who could make an immediate impact. The question is, which teams and players should the Patriots look to target if they decide to trade down?
In this article, we will dive into potential trade partners for the Patriots, as well as some of the players they could target if they decide to move down in the 2025 draft.
Why the Patriots Might Consider Trading Down
The New England Patriots have several reasons to consider trading down in the draft:
- Depth Over Star Power: The Patriots’ roster, while competitive, is not filled with top-tier stars. Instead of focusing on drafting a single standout player with their early pick, Belichick may prefer to move down in order to accumulate more picks and build a well-rounded roster with depth in key areas. A trade down can also help the team shore up multiple positions of need, rather than overloading one specific area.
- Roster Needs: The Patriots have several key positions where they need to improve, including quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, and defensive back. Rather than committing to one player, they could use multiple picks to address several areas of weakness.
- Flexibility: Trading down offers the flexibility to take advantage of the market. With several quarterback-needy teams likely to reach for signal-callers early in the draft, New England could take advantage of that demand by moving back and securing a high value in return.
- Future Draft Capital: Belichick has a history of valuing future draft capital. By trading down, New England could acquire additional future picks that might help the team continue to build for future seasons.
Given these factors, the Patriots might find it more beneficial to move back, collect more assets, and attack the draft from a position of flexibility. But which teams should the Patriots target in such a trade, and which players could they target if they do move down?
Trade Partners for the Patriots
When looking for teams to potentially trade down with, the Patriots should target franchises that are in a win-now mode or teams that have pressing needs at specific positions. Here are a few teams that could make for ideal trade partners:
1. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a team that could be looking to move up in the draft to secure a quarterback. With Matt Ryan’s future in doubt and the team in need of a young franchise signal-caller, Indianapolis may look to move up to grab one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. The Colts are in a prime position to trade assets in exchange for a top quarterback prospect, and the Patriots could benefit from that by trading down and acquiring additional picks.
Potential Targets for the Patriots: If the Patriots trade down with the Colts, they could target players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the wide receiver from Ohio State, who could complement the Patriots’ receiving corps. Alternatively, they might look to target players like Paris Johnson Jr., a top offensive tackle prospect, to help protect Mac Jones or any future quarterback the team might develop.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have already moved on from Derek Carr and may be looking for a new quarterback to take the reins. They could look to move up in the draft to secure one of the top quarterbacks. The Patriots could find a trade partner in the Raiders, who may be willing to part with additional picks to secure a top quarterback for their future.
Potential Targets for the Patriots: In this scenario, the Patriots could target wide receivers like Jordan Addison from USC, or Zay Flowers from Boston College, who could add an explosive element to the offense. The team could also look for help on the defensive line or in the secondary, with players like Jalen Carter or Devon Witherspoon available to solidify the defense.
3. Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a team that could look to make a splash in the draft, possibly moving up to secure an elite player. While their primary focus might be on improving their defense, the Falcons could also look to bolster their offense, particularly if they see a chance to add a dynamic playmaker like a wide receiver or tight end. A trade with the Falcons could allow the Patriots to move down and accumulate assets.
Potential Targets for the Patriots: Should New England trade down with Atlanta, they might look to bolster their offensive line or defense. Broderick Jones, the offensive tackle from Georgia, would be a strong choice to help protect the quarterback. On defense, the Patriots could look at Bijan Robinson, the star running back from Texas, to add an element to their rushing attack, or Trenton Simpson, a linebacker from Clemson, who would be an immediate upgrade to their front seven.
4. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks made a surprise playoff appearance in 2024, and they could be looking to further solidify their roster with additional talent. Seattle has multiple picks in the first and second rounds and could look to trade up to grab a top-tier player who could immediately contribute to their playoff aspirations.
Potential Targets for the Patriots: In this scenario, the Patriots could aim to add depth to their defense or offensive line. Tyree Wilson, a dynamic edge rusher from Texas Tech, could be a fantastic addition to help boost New England’s pass rush. Alternatively, Kelee Ringo, a cornerback from Georgia, could help bolster the secondary for the Patriots, which remains one of the team’s key weaknesses.
5. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders could be looking to move up to secure a quarterback, depending on the state of their current roster. With Carson Wentz no longer in the picture, Washington might view this draft as an opportunity to secure a long-term answer at the quarterback position.
Potential Targets for the Patriots: If the Patriots trade down with Washington, they could focus on addressing the offense and defense. Quentin Johnston, a wide receiver from TCU, could provide a much-needed deep threat for the Patriots’ passing game. On the defensive side, players like B.J. Ojulari, an edge rusher from LSU, or Mazi Smith, a defensive tackle from Michigan, could add immediate value to New England’s defensive front.
Players the Patriots Should Target in a Trade-Down Scenario
If the Patriots do indeed trade down in the 2025 NFL Draft, there are a number of players who could make an immediate impact for the team. These players might not be the flashy, headline-making names that would be selected in the top five picks, but they are high-quality prospects who could help the Patriots build a well-rounded and competitive roster.
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR) – Ohio State
As one of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft, Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be a perfect fit for the Patriots if they decide to trade down. New England has struggled to find a true No. 1 receiver, and Smith-Njigba is an excellent route runner with great hands and football IQ. His addition to the Patriots’ offense would give Mac Jones—or any future quarterback—a reliable target to develop a strong passing attack.
2. Paris Johnson Jr. (OT) – Ohio State
The offensive line has been a point of concern for the Patriots in recent years, and addressing it through the draft could set the foundation for long-term success. Paris Johnson Jr., a standout offensive tackle from Ohio State, would be a great fit for the Patriots. His size, athleticism, and versatility would make him a plug-and-play starter on the offensive line, helping to protect the quarterback and open running lanes.
3. Jalen Carter (DT) – Georgia
The Patriots’ defensive line could use some additional talent, and Jalen Carter, a dominant defensive tackle from Georgia, would be a great addition. Carter has the ability to disrupt the pocket and stop the run, which would significantly improve the Patriots’ front seven and provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His talent could immediately improve the Patriots’ defense, making him a top target if New England decides to trade down.
4. Kelee Ringo (CB) – Georgia
The Patriots’ secondary is another area that requires improvement, and Kelee Ringo would be an excellent addition to the cornerback position. Ringo has the length, speed, and instincts to be a shutdown corner at the next level, and his ability to match up with top receivers could make him a valuable asset for the Patriots’ defense.
