Although the pain still lingers for New England Patriots fans after losing in the Super Bowl to the Seattle Seahawks, it’s time for the team to shift its focus to the offseason. While the franchise took big strides in head coach Mike Vrabel’s first year, the Patriots still have a lot of work to do if they’re to remain Super Bowl contenders.
In doing so, Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf and Vrabel’s first order of business is to evaluate and prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine, as the league released the list of prospects that were invited to the event. Since New England has multiple areas to be addressed, here are the five draft prospects the Patriots should keep a close eye on.
1. Omar Cooper Jr., WR — Indiana
Although the additions of Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, along with the emergence of Kayshon Boutte, have done wonders for the offense, they still lack a true threat at wide receiver who can consistently create separation and turn a short play into a big gain.
Enter Omar Cooper Jr. from the University of Indiana. Cooper had a breakout season for the Hoosiers and played an instrumental role in winning the program’s first National Championship. Unlike in previous years, Cooper played the majority of his snaps in the slot, logging 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns across 16 games.
Cooper made memorable moments and plays all season, like in Week 3 against Indiana State, when he recorded 10 receptions for 207 yards and four touchdowns. He’s got all the tools you want from a receiver, from the excellent route running to playmaking ability.
Averaging 13.6 yards per reception and 7.2 yards after catch per Pro Football Focus, Cooper has proven to be a dangerous man when the ball is in his hands. The only knock on Cooper is that Indiana’s offense was RPO-based, meaning his route tree was limited. His talent alone, though, shows he can be a great player at the next level.
Considering Josh McDaniels’ offense focuses on short-to-intermediate throws, Cooper fits the Patriots’ scheme and should be available in the first round. While rookie receivers tend to struggle in McDaniels’ offense, I believe Cooper’s ability to create separation could create instant chemistry with Drake Maye.
2. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, — Oregon
If it wasn’t clear enough during their playoff run, the Patriots’ offense needs more playmakers. Not only do they need another receiver, but they could also use another tight end. No disrespect to Hunter Henry, he’s a quality player and great teammate, but he’s not someone defenses’ game plan for.
Kenyon Sadiq, however, intimidates defenses. Without question, the best tight end in this year’s draft class, Sadiq has tremendous speed and is a great downfield threat. Like Cooper, Saqid had a breakout season, logging 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.
He has the ideal size and versatility you look for in a modern-day tight end, while still being an excellent blocker, earning a 66.3 run-blocking grade per PFF. It felt like wherever Oregon lined him up, Sadiq succeeded.
Whether he lined up in the slot, out wide, or featured on screen passes, Sadiq is a proven playmaker who should intrigue all 32 teams. As of now, Sadiq is considered a mid-to-late first-round pick, but he’ll likely stamp himself as a top-20 selection with a strong showing.
Based on talent and potential alone, Sadiq is one of the few players I believe the Patriots should take the risk to trade up to get. He’s got the intangibles, tools, and playmaking ability that the premier pass catchers have, and I believe he would instantly become Maye’s favorite target.
Considering tight ends tend to be productive in McDaniels’ offenses, Sadiq could become the Patriots’ best pass catcher.
3. Chase Bisontis, G — Texas A&M
The Patriots have their hands full with what they're going to do on the offensive line. While I don’t think they'll move Will Campbell to guard, I do expect them to move Jared Wilson to center.
If that’s the case, Chase Bisontis out of Texas A&M could be a name that fills Wilson’s void at left guard. In his last two years with the Aggies, Bisontis was the team’s starting left guard and proved a dependable piece to their line, allowing just two sacks and 17 hurries across 1,357 snaps.
Despite allowing minimal pressures during this span, Bisontis was penalized 16 times. While he may have had a down season in 2025, with PFF giving him an overall grade of 62.4, he’s shown promise of becoming a quality guard in the NFL.
He’s got the size and strength that’s necessary to succeed at the next level, and that alone should attract interest from the Patriots. Besides Wilson, the Patriots have Ben Brown and Caedan Wallace as depth options at guard. While Brown has been dependable, Wallace is unproven.
Given how poorly their offensive line play has been the last few years, Bisontis must be someone they watch closely at the combine.
4. Monroe Freeling, T — Georgia
Monroe Freeling has emerged as one of the premier tackles in this year’s draft class in large part due to his superb pass protection. In 2025, Freeling allowed just three sacks and six hurries, earning an 85.1 pass blocking grade per PFF, and has allowed only a combined six sacks and 25 hurries across his three years with the Georgia Bulldogs.
While he played the majority of his snaps at left tackle for the Bulldogs, he has experience playing both tackle spots. Freeling has the physical tools of an NFL-caliber tackle; however, his overall game is still a work in progress. This is primarily due to his limited experience, as he’s started just 16 games over his career.
Even though he’s a raw prospect, Freeling has the physical tools and skillset that you want in a tackle. This, along with his success against the rush, should intrigue the Patriots.
With Morgan Moses turning 35 in March, both Thayer Munford Jr. and Vederian Lowe being free agents, and rookie Marcus Bryant only having 18 snaps under his belt, the Patriots must bolster their depth at the position. Since they have several question marks at the position, the Patriots must closely monitor Freeling.
5. Anthony Hill Jr., LB — Texas
Linebacker may not be a top priority for the Patriots, but it's still a position worth upgrading. With Robert Spillane dealing with a lingering ankle injury and Jack Gibbens being a free agent, it wouldn’t hurt to add another linebacker to the mix. If they were to address the need in the draft, Anthony Hill Jr. should be at the top of their list.
From playing in the box to lining up on the edge, Hill proved to be a versatile linebacker in his three years with the Texas Longhorns. Across 40 games, Hill logged 249 total tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, three interceptions, and eight forced fumbles.
He’s got a nose for the football and is arguably one of the best tacklers in his class. However, he must improve in coverage if he wants a prominent role in the NFL. For his career, Hill has allowed 101 receptions for 834 yards and three touchdowns.
Still only 21 years old, Hill has the potential to grow into a productive player, and New England can offer him a chance to develop. Learning and playing behind Spillane, Christian Elliss, and Jahlani Tavai would do wonders for him.
As of now, Hill is projected as a second or third-round selection and should be someone the Patriots take a look at.