As the 2024 NFL Regular Season has officially come to an end, the New England Patriots finish the year with a 4-13 record, the fourth worst record in the league.
Although it may seem like a positive to end the season with a win, beating the Buffalo Bills heavily impacted the 2025 NFL Draft position for New England. Going into the final week, the Patriots held the first overall pick and a loss against the Bills would have secured them that first pick. Unfortunately for New England, Buffalo benched their starters in preparation for the playoffs which significantly increased the Patriots’ chances of winning.
The Patriots did end up winning their final game 23-16. This caused the Patriots to fall to the number four pick in the upcoming draft. The Tennessee Titans ended the year as the new first overall pick holder, followed by the New York Giants, and the Cleveland Browns.
Following the game, head coach Jerod Mayo was fired after just one year in the position for New England. One positive to come from Sunday’s game was the performance of rookie quarterback Joe Milton III. Milton III proved that he has all of the tools to be successful in the league, even if it is just in the backup role to Drake Maye. Regardless, Milton III has generated trade interest which could allow New England to get some more picks for this upcoming draft.
Hopefully with a busy offseason the Patriots can bounce back and give Drake Maye the weapons he needs to succeed in year two.
