How Three Boston College Prospects Could Fill Several Patriots Needs

The New England Patriots have several holes to fill and other positions in need of improvement this offseason.

Free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft will be crucial. The New England Patriots hold the No. 4 overall pick and need to add at several levels. One local school could help out with that.

Despite a loss in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl to finish the season 7-6, the Boston College Eagles have multiple quality draft picks available that could assist the Patriots in the rebuild.

Beyond their geographical proximity, the organizations have several Patriots connections. BC head coach Bill O’Brien served two stints as New England’s offensive coordinator and hired New England’s current head coach as a defensive assistant during his time with the Houston Texans.

The Patriots also just brought in Doug Marrone, the former NFL head coach and a key staffer in O’Brien’s first season at BC to Foxboro, with a recent emphasis on the offensive line.

Here are three BC names to keep an eye on as the Patriots scout ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Ozzy Trapilo
The 6-foot-8, 305-pound offensive lineman has the size and ability to play as a projectable tackle at the next level. He held up strong with quality reps during Senior Bowl practices, and O’Brien continuously praised him ahead of the next steps, such as BC’s pro day before the draft.

Donovan Ezeiruaku
The BC edge rusher finished his collegiate career strong and led the nation in sacks (16.5) as an absolute game wrecker.

The 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year should hear his name called in the early rounds in April, perhaps even earlier than originally intended. There’s talented edge rushers in the draft, led by Penn State’s Abdul Carter as a potential top-5 pick. If New England passes or misses out on Carter early, Ezeiruaku could be the next high-level Patriots pass rusher of the future for New England.

NESN’s George Balekji, Travis Thomas and Keagan Stiefel discussed Ezeiruaku’s stock on the latest episode of the “Foxboro Rush” podcast.

“I don’t think anyone’s stock will rise higher than his,” Balekji offered on Ezeiruaku’s Senior Bowl workouts.

Ezeirukaku also appeared on “Foxboro Rush” during his standout 2024 season at BC.

Drew Kendall
Kendall established himself as a steady presence at center, and with David Andrews in the final years of his accomplished Patriots tenure, New England’s offensive line needs will soon come back inside.

Kendall was a captain this season at BC and projects as a capable leader and blocker at the next level. The Patriots should at least take a look after assessing the tackles in the draft.