"In short, they are possibly the best-positioned team in the NFL. While New England's success was something I predicted and argued should be the expectation, a 14-3 record with one loss in their final 15 games was not even what the most optimistic could have expected. Drake Maye's ascension, paired with a stout defense and a coaching staff that instilled strong discipline, led to an overachieving squad in 2025, but the roster-building isn't done just yet."
"In a recent mock draft, PFF's Trevor Sikkema has New England selecting Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk to upgrade their defensive line. Sikkema reasons New England may prefer an edge defender that's more established as a pass rusher, but taking a gamble on Faulk could pay off in a major way, and Vrabel has a history of making boom or bust selections in the first round: see Jeffery Simmons and Caleb Farley for the good and the bad."
"New England will be in the market for an edge rusher. K'Lavon Chaisson will be a free agent in the offseason, and with a career high of 7.5 sacks, he'll be looking to cash in. Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings, and Elijah Ponder have all been contributors and will be back for next season, but the latter pair have 11.5 career sacks combined."
The New England Patriots enter the offseason with 12 draft picks, 15 rookies, a 14-3 record and the No. 2 seed in the AFC. Drake Maye's development, a stout defense, and disciplined coaching produced a one-loss run in 15 games and an overachieving 2025 campaign. Roster needs persist, notably offensive line depth, an additional top offensive weapon, and defensive reinforcements or replacements for departing free agents. Mock drafts link New England to Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk as a potential first-round pick to upgrade the pass rush, while the team faces impending free agency at edge and rotational defensive roles.
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