The New England Patriots continued their rebuilding effort in the 2025 NFL Draft, looking to surround franchise quarterback Drake Maye with talent on both sides of the ball. The front office made bold selections and unearthed a potential diamond in the rough on Day 3. Here’s a breakdown of the key picks that have Patriots fans buzzing. 1.09: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas After a strong rookie season from Maye, the Patriots prioritized protection for their young quarterback by selecting Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Banks, a 6’5”, 320-pound mauler, was widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the class. Known for his athleticism, footwork, and mean streak in the run game, Banks is expected to step in immediately as the team’s left tackle. 2.09: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State The Patriots addressed their secondary next, selecting Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke in the second round. Burke, a long and physical corner, brings a lockdown mentality to a defense in need of a boost after struggling to contain elite receivers in 2024. His ability to shadow opponents and excel in press coverage makes him an ideal fit for New England’s man-heavy scheme. Burke is expected to compete for a starting role immediately, with his skills complementing Christian Gonzalez in what could become one of the NFL’s best young cornerback duos. 3.09: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL) With their third-round pick, the Patriots added a versatile weapon to the receiving corps in Miami’s Xavier Restrepo. A polished slot receiver with reliable hands and exceptional route-running ability, Restrepo is a natural security blanket for Maye. In a league where quick, precise slot receivers have become invaluable, Restrepo is poised to carve out a significant role in New England’s offense. Early comparisons to former Patriots standout Julian Edelman have fans optimistic about what he can bring. 5.09: Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois The true gem of the Patriots’ 2025 draft might be fifth-round pick Xavier Scott, the standout cornerback from Illinois. New England had him as a top corner on their draft board. Despite being a Day 3 selection, Scott has made an immediate impact in training camp, turning heads with his athleticism, instincts, and ability to compete against the starters. Scott, a quick corner with a nose for the ball, has shown exceptional versatility in camp, demonstrating the ability to play on the boundary, in the slot, and even contribute on special teams. His standout performances have earned him first-team reps in practices, and whispers around the organization suggest he could play a significant role as early as Week 1. Scott’s ability to adjust to the NFL so quickly has Patriots fans and coaches alike excited about his potential. If his training camp success carries into the regular season, the Patriots may have uncovered one of the steals of the 2025 draft. Draft Recap and Outlook The Patriots’ 2025 draft class reflects a clear strategy: support Drake Maye and bolster the team’s foundation on both sides of the ball. Kelvin Banks Jr. secures the offensive line, Denzel Burke strengthens the secondary, and Xavier Restrepo adds a reliable target in the passing game. Meanwhile, Xavier Scott’s emergence in training camp hints at an exciting power for the secondary. With these additions, New England is poised to make strides in their quest to return to playoff contention. If Maye continues his trajectory and these rookies deliver as expected, the Patriots could be on the cusp of reclaiming their place among the NFL’s elite.
