Patriots’ Draft Focus: Will a New RB Revive Their Offense in 2025?

The New England Patriots’ offense sputtered through the 2024 season, leaving fans yearning for a spark. Despite the promising play of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the team struggled to consistently move the ball and find the end zone. One area that particularly underperformed was the running game, leading many to wonder: could a new running back in the 2025 NFL Draft be the key to unlocking the Patriots’ offensive potential?

The State of the Patriots’ Rushing Attack

In 2024, the Patriots ranked 13th in the league in rushing yards per game, averaging 115.8 [13]. However, this number doesn’t tell the whole story. While Rhamondre Stevenson led the team with 801 rushing yards [13], the Patriots often struggled to establish a consistent ground game, especially on crucial third downs [7]. The Patriots’ inability to effectively run the ball put immense pressure on Drake Maye and the passing game, making the offense predictable and easier to defend [7].

Why a New Running Back Could Be the Answer

Several factors suggest that drafting a running back could be a wise move for the Patriots in 2025:

Complementary Skill Set: While Rhamondre Stevenson is a solid all-around back, the Patriots could benefit from adding a player with a different skill set. A speedier, more elusive back could provide a change of pace and create mismatches in the passing game [4].
Potential Upgrade: While Stevenson has shown flashes of brilliance, the Patriots may see an opportunity to upgrade the position with a younger, more dynamic player from the draft [6].
Depth and Insurance: The NFL is a war of attrition, and injuries can decimate a team’s running back corps. Drafting a talented back would provide valuable depth and insurance in case of injury to Stevenson or other players [5].
Mike Vrabel’s Philosophy: Head Coach Mike Vrabel has publicly stated that he would like to add a good young runner to the roster [17]. This suggests that the Patriots’ brain trust is seriously considering drafting a running back in 2025.

Top Running Back Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft class boasts several intriguing running back prospects who could potentially revitalize the Patriots’ offense. Here’s a look at some of the top names:

Ashton Jeanty (Boise State): Jeanty is a versatile playmaker with impressive balance, footwork, and vision [4]. He excels in any blocking scheme and has been compared to Alvin Kamara [4]. In 2024, Jeanty demonstrated his all-purpose ability, racking up significant rushing and receiving yards [1].
Omarion Hampton (North Carolina): Hampton is a powerful, physically gifted runner with a combination of size, explosiveness, and lower-body strength [4]. He is a productive slasher-type runner who excels in zone schemes [4].
TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State): Henderson is a dynamic runner with exceptional agility and long speed [4]. He is also a capable pass-protector and receiver, making him a valuable asset on third downs [1].
Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State): Judkins is a bruising runner with excellent size and strength [1]. He is particularly effective in goal-line situations, showcasing his ability to find the end zone [2].
Cam Skattebo (Arizona State): Skattebo is a physical runner with outstanding core strength and balance [1]. He is also a skilled receiver, making him a threat in both the running and passing game [1]. In 2024, Skattebo became the first FBS player since Christian McCaffrey in 2015 to have at least 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season [1].
Kaleb Johnson (Iowa): Johnson is a decisive runner who excels at hitting the holes quickly and breaking out for big gains [11]. He is particularly effective in inside-zone schemes [2].

Potential Draft Strategy

With the Patriots holding the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft [18], it’s unlikely they would use such a high pick on a running back. However, they could target a running back in the later rounds, perhaps in the 3rd or 4th round [6]. Some mock drafts have the Patriots selecting Ohio State RB Quinshon Judkins with the 38th pick [9]. Another mock draft has the Patriots selecting UCF’s RJ Harvey in the 5th round [6].

Other Offensive Needs

While a new running back could certainly boost the Patriots’ offense, it’s important to remember that the team has other pressing needs. The offensive line, in particular, needs to be addressed [5]. The Patriots’ struggles in pass protection have hindered the development of Drake Maye and limited the effectiveness of the entire offense [8].

Conclusion

The New England Patriots’ Draft Focus: Will a New RB Revive Their Offense in 2025? While it remains to be seen whether the Patriots will ultimately draft a running back in 2025, the possibility is certainly intriguing. A talented rookie could provide a much-needed spark to the team’s rushing attack and help take some of the pressure off Drake Maye. However, the Patriots must also address their other offensive needs, particularly the offensive line, to truly unlock their full potential.