The New England Patriots upgraded their defense by adding veterans in free agency. The framework of the offseason has always shown that head coach Mike Vrabel is building a veteran defense to better support an offense led by a young quarterback who is only in his second year.
In doing so, the Patriots drafted for offensive needs in the first three rounds. The first player drafted on defense was a safety in Craig Woodson (No. 106) and then again shortly after by drafting defensive tackle Joshua Farmer (No. 137) out of Florida State, whom they traded up for with the Seattle Seahawks.
Farmer (six-foot-three, 305 lbs) has the ability to upgrade the defensive tackle position immediately upon arriving in New England. He’s quick, strong, physical, aggressive, and has a never-ending motor when he’s on the football field.
That said, Farmer has all of the qualities that Vrabel is looking for in his players. Two weeks ago prior to the Draft, Vrabel told the media that although talent is important, he wants to add players who are rough and mean.
“You can’t win… you can’t do what we want to do with just a bunch of good dudes. That’s not going to get it done.”
Farmer has the qualities that Vrabel described that he wants on his team. He believes that Farmer can be an addition to his new-and-improved defense for years down the road.
In an interview with local media after being drafted, Farmer said that he’s coming in with a big chip on his shoulder after he watched 17 other defensive tackles get drafted before him.
"I was coming there with that [chip] anyway, but it grew bigger. But I’m in the right situation. Me and Milton and Christian, we got some dawgs now and we’re bringing back the old New England."
Farmer describes himself as a tough and relentless player who is ready to prove himself and show everybody that there weren't 17 better defensive tackles than him.
“Tough, relentless player. I’m just ready to give it my all and they’re going to get a tough defensive tackle. I think there was 17 defensive tackles taken in front of me… everybody in the world knows that’s not how it’s supposed to go. I’m just ready to get there and prove everybody wrong and just be the best me every day.”
When I watched his film, I noticed that he provides controlled chaos and is extremely strong and solid up against an offensive line. He holds his own and can get in the backfield with ease. He only ran a 5.11-second 40-Yard-Dash, but he has a very fast and controlled play style that can’t really be seen in the 40-Yard-Dash.
Farmer’s description of himself as relentless is all true. His compact, durable size often makes him look like a linebacker when he gets in the backfield to blow up the play.
In four years at Florida State, Farmer accumulated 80 tackles, 21 for a loss, and 11 sacks in 42 career games.
It’s worth mentioning that Farmer is connected to Patriots defensive line coach Clint McMillian, as he said that McMillian offered him his first scholarship to play college football out of high school.
Farmer has always had the deck stacked against him with adversity, and has always come out on top of it. He lost both of his parents by the time he was 11 years old and was raised by his grandmother and his older siblings. He turned that into becoming a professional football player.
Patriots No. 137 overall pick Joshua Farmer has an unbelievable story:
— Alexandra Francisco (@ByAlFrancisco) April 26, 2025
Lost both his parents by the time he turned 11. Father died when he was 2 after complications from a stomach surgery. Mother passed away from a brain aneurysm. Was raised by his grandmother and older…
Farmer is everything that Vrabel wants in a player. He will join a defensive tackle group with Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, and Milton Williams. It seems like the plan is to create a young and physical core group along with the defensive line.
The Patriots brought Farmer in for a Top 30 Visit, making him the fourth player that New England drafted from their Top 30 Visits. They are targeting specific players and using resources to further evaluate them. During which, the player forms a bond and a sense of trust with Vrabel and his staff. Next, they’re being drafted by the Patriots.
Farmer is a great addition to the defensive line and Patriots fans are going to love him.