This month, MassLive will look at the top four realistic options for the Patriots in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Mike Vrabel’s team holds the No. 4 pick. If they don’t trade down, these are the most realistic options.
JALON WALKER, OLB, GEORGIA
As the Butkus Award winner (nation’s top LB), Walker enters the draft right behind defensive end Abdul Carter as one of the best pass rushers.
But he’s so much more. He was the anchor of Georgia’s defense, capable of moving to different spots around the front seven.
In 2024, he tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks and led the team with 10.5 tackles for loss. He also had 60 tackles and 2 pass breakups.
Why the pick makes sense: The reasons are many.
Having finished with the fewest sacks in the NFL last season, the Patriots pass rush needs a boost.
Mike Vrabel has mandated impacting and affecting the opposing quarterback, making him uncomfortable.
There were weren’t many better than Walker at wreaking havoc in the backfield this past season. He’s an explosive pass rusher with a diverse set of moves.
But that’s just the appetizer.
Walker has worked hard to go from being a pass rush specialist to an every-down defender. He’s made himself a versatile defender, much like Vrabel was when he was a player.
Walker was used in various roles from edge rusher, to off-ball linebacker, to interior pass rusher to quarterback spy.
He can also handle running backs and tight ends in coverage.
As an added bonus, Walker played on punt coverage teams throughout the season for the Bulldogs.
Why it doesn’t: Left tackle is a greater need.
There will be a ton of interest in the Patriots thought process in terms of taking the best player available, or if need trumps that.
The Patriots just might handle their top need by snagging either Will Campbell or Armand Membou at No. 4 instead of taking the so-called best player.
On noted draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 rankings, he considers Walker the fifth-best overall prospect ahead of Campbell, who he ranks 10th.
They might also trade down if they can find a willing partner. The Patriots best option would be to trade down a bit and gather more trade assets.
Having signed Harold Landry in free agency, the Patriots might not be so compelled to add another outside linebacker, especially that high.
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