The 2025-26 NFL Season is just around the corner and analysts are starting to release their mock drafts. ESPN’s Field Yates released his first mock draft, having the New England Patriots select a defensive player with the 8th overall pick in next year’s draft.

The New England Patriots are entering the 2025 NFL season with cautious optimism as they rebuild under head coach Mike Vrabel. ESPN projects the team’s win-loss record ceiling at 11-6 and floor at 6-11,

"The Patriots project to have Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas as their starting receivers, with Mack Hollins and 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams also locks as complementary options," Reiss writes. "So Chism has essentially forced the team's hand to keep six receivers and maybe even a seventh."

Could the Patriots go from a cellar-dweller to winning double-digit games in one year? ESPN thinks it’s possible.

The New England Patriots put defensive tackle Isaiah Iton on injured reserve and added undrafted wide receiver Phil Lutz to the roster on Monday.

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently the topic of conversation in the NFL. It's not just about Trey Hendrickson's contract saga. It's also about Joe Burrow and the lack of support he's receiving. It's about the team's overall performance. There's plenty to talk about this team.

While that may not seem like much cash by NFL standards, the Patriots had to outbid six other teams to win the 5-foot-10, 198-pound Chism’s services, and the pay package they bestowed upon him was the highest of any of the 16 undrafted free agents signed by the team.

Check out the latest from Bryce Lazenby on Patriots, covering NFL's New England Patriots and more at Sportsnaut.

According to Yates and his co-hosts Daniel Dopp and Mike Clay, Henderson is already shooting up draft boards, into the top 50 selections of ESPN fantasy drafts. Entering the year, his projected numbers sit at just over 220 carries, 992 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns.