The Patriots shocked the NFL last season, turning a 4-13 record in 2024 into a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl berth. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye took a massive step in his development, placing second in MVP voting, and Mike Vrabel was named Coach of the Year.

While the turnaround for New England was impressive, it’s important to note they had a historically easy schedule, in addition to playing most of their games in the 1 pm timeslot, and traveling the sixth-fewest miles of any team. The Patriots played only three games against opponents that finished with winning records, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and two games against the division rival Buffalo Bills. Replicating the success they had last year will be tough, given that they will have such a forgiving schedule.

New England doesn’t have much in the way of draft capital, with only their own picks in the first three rounds. Their top needs, wide receiver and edge, will likely see the best prospects off the board before their first pick at 31. Finding a true difference maker at these positions could require trading up, but the Patriots don’t have much capital to make that work. Otherwise, reaching down the board may be the best option, or opting to take positions that are not as big a need but have better prospects available.

Overall, last season was not a fluke, though the schedule certainly helped. If the Patriots want to repeat that success next season, however, they will have to find a way to make the most of a draft board that may not fall in their favor.