New England Patriots - NESN.com
Welcome to the Patriots Prospect Preview, our annual series where we talk about the club’s future picks before literally anyone else! It’s a new season, but we’ve got the same valuable insight, so let’s get straight into Week 1.
The New England Patriots will kickstart what they hope to be a new era next weekend, but until then…
It’s college football season, baby!
I’ve enjoyed putting together this series for each of the last three seasons, and have included some pretty significant names that eventually found their way to One Patriot Place. Can we do it again? Yes, of course we can, and it starts with an incredible opening slate where you can get to know these players:
Week 1: vs. Notre Dame (Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC)
Will Campbell hasn’t played a snap, so we’ll give him an opportunity to prove his worth before declaring there remains a need along the offensive line — but there probably remains a need among the offensive line.
Campbell’s ideal position remains along the interior. Morgan Moses is much closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Vederian Lowe and Marcus Bryant are, well… Vederian Lowe and Marcus Bryant.
The Patriots could very well enter next offseason in need of the same thing they entered this offseason in need of — so why not aim for the very best?
Francis Mauigoa is the top offensive tackle prospect in the country, showing significant development from his freshman campaign to his sophomore campaign — where he reduced his sacks allowed from five to just one while cutting his penalties nearly in half. Mauigoa already anchored the most explosive attack in the nation last season, helping his club lead the country in both points per game (43.9) and yards per game (537.2) in 2024.
Miami expects him to do the same following a switch at quarterback from Cam Ward to Carson Beck.
I’d be wholly unsurprised if we see the true junior take another major step forward, as his combination of size (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) and insane athleticism (reached 20 miles per hour during a play in 2024) makes him perhaps the most impressive prospect in the entire class.
Week 1: @ Miami (Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC)
The Patriots are quite alright at linebacker — finding some decent depth with Robert Spillane, Jack Gibbens and Christian Elliss.
Drayk Bowen is built from an insanely similar mold, though, and fits too much to be overlooked come draft season.
Bowen was stuck behind Jack Kiser in 2024, but his innate ability to diagnose plays and take control of making defensive signals showed that he might just be a better overall player. Notre Dame’s defense could be better than their championship-appearing squad from last season if the veteran linebacker takes the step everyone expects.
I don’t blame you for scoffing at an off-ball linebacker in this spot, but don’t be surprised...
