The 2025 NFL Draft has come to an end and New England’s rookie class is taking shape. From their creative hobbies to inspiring stories, get to know 11 of the newest Patriots.
The future of the New England Patriots is finally in focus.
With the 2025 NFL Draft concluding on Saturday, Mike Vrabel’s first rookie class as head coach is officially locked in — a group full of high energy, leadership qualities, and plenty of personality. As the coaching staff gets to work integrating these rookies into the locker room, fans can look forward to getting to know the people underneath the helmets.
From multi-sport backgrounds to creative hobbies and inspiring stories, this group is just as intriguing off the field as they are impressive on it. Before they take the field for rookie minicamp in May, let’s take a closer look at some fun facts and interesting tidbits about the newest Patriots.
Meet the Patriots’ rookie Class of 2025:
Will Campbell, OT, Louisiana State University
Round 1, Pick No. 4
Campbell grew up in Monroe, Louisiana, – a small town with deep football culture. Though his father Brian played offensive line at East Texas A&M, Campbell grew up an LSU fan and would go on to play for the Tigers, earning a role as team captain in his sophomore season. Along with his father, who taught him the fundamentals of offensive line play, fellow Monroe native and former NFL All-Pro offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth was a huge influence who Campbell modeled his game after
Off the field, Campbell’s work ethic can in part be credited to early mornings helping out on his family’s farm, and his maternal grandfather owns a sporting goods store called H. Mickel Sports in Monroe. Though he describes himself to be a “boots and jeans guy,” the Patriots 4th overall pick cleaned up nicely for the first round of the NFL Draft with a custom green pinstripe suit, Louis Vuitton sneakers, and a one-of-a kind, two-toned Rolex Submariner “Bluesy.” The watch was engraved with “Draft Day 2025” and Campbell’s signature to signify the occasion and will be given away in a contest being held by Kettle
Campbell also has a charitable heart, but the cause most dear to his heart is very personal. On Jan. 5, 2024, Campbell lost his cousin, 16-year-old Tarver Braddock in an accidental fire at a hunting camp in Mississippi. Campbell’s younger brother was at the camp as well, according to his mother Holly, but was OK. Campbell and Braddock were incredibly close growing up and leveraging the first-rounder’s platform within college football and now the NFL, established the Tarver Braddock Foundation, which New England fans will surely get behind.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State University
Round 2, Pick No. 38
Being drafted into the NFL is a dream come true for Henderson, a captain and national champion with the Buckeyes — not for the fame or money, but as a means of giving back to his family. Henderson grew up in Hopewell, Virginia, where a high percentage of residents live below the poverty line. His parents separated when he was young, and while his father, Trenton, remained in his life, his mother, Lakeesha Hayes, worked tirelessly to support him and his siblings.
Playing football in his backyard with his two brothers offered a safe haven from the crime and violence Henderson witnessed at a young age, and the sport ultimately became his way out of Hopewell. Still, seeing his mother struggle weighed heavily on Henderson, leading to dark thoughts and profound anger. Henderson channeled that pain into football, getting him to Ohio State — but depression, sleep paralysis and suicidal thoughts followed, especially after a sophomore-season injury.
Though Henderson didn’t grow up religious, he found faith during this time while studying the Bible with Christian teammates, helping him overcome his mental health battles. Along with his faith, parents, and grandmother, Henderson’s brothers were major influences. His eldest brother, Ronnie Walker Jr., played running back at Indiana and Virginia, while his younger brother, Kesean Henderson, a five-star recruit in the Class of 2026, is committed to Houston as a quarterback.
Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State University
Round 3, Pick No. 69
Williams was born in Baltimore, Maryland, before moving cross-country to Inglewood, California — a vibrant community known for its sports culture. He’s the latest athlete from Inglewood to make it to the pros, joining names like Boston Celtics legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Paul Pierce.
Williams attended three different high schools — Hawthorne, Narbonne, and Saint Monica Preparatory — before graduating in 2020, just one season before two-time Patriots Super Bowl Champion Tully Banta-Cain joined Saint Monica’s coaching staff. His ability to adapt to new environments during his formative years translated on the field, where he transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver — a switch that ultimately defined his path to college and the NFL.
Williams has three siblings: Mychai, Amari, and Nire. His brother Mychai played cornerback at Colorado State University and Missouri Southern.
Jared Wilson, C, University of Georgia
Round 3, Pick No. 95
Wilson was one of Georgia’s most trusted veterans in 2024, helping the team capture an SEC championship. Despite standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 310 pounds, the former Bulldog is exceptionally fast and athletic — surprising, considering he didn’t start playing football until high school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Soccer was Wilson’s first sport, which he credits for his footwork and lateral quickness — rare traits among 300-pound linemen. His mother reportedly encouraged the switch from soccer and basketball to football when he was a freshman, after he “started growing out instead of growing up.”
Wilson also loved snakes as a child and owned a ball python before moving in with his grandfather around age 12. Though he had to part with the snake then, he’s planning to get a new one when he moves to New England.
Wilson was one of Georgia’s most trusted veterans in 2024, helping the team capture an SEC championship. Despite standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 310 pounds, the former Bulldog is exceptionally fast and athletic — surprising, considering he didn’t start playing football until high school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Soccer was Wilson’s first sport, which he credits for his footwork and lateral quickness — rare traits among 300-pound linemen. His mother reportedly encouraged the switch from soccer and basketball to football when he was a freshman, after he “started growing out instead of growing up.”
Wilson also loved snakes as a child and owned a ball python before moving in with his grandfather around age 12. Though he had to part with the snake then, he’s planning to get a new one when he moves to New England.
Craig Woodson, Safety, University of California, Berkeley
Round 4, Pick No. 104
Originally from Grand Prairie, Texas, the safety praised for his high-football IQ maintained a 3.96 GPA in high school – no surprise for an athlete from Cal Berkeley. Still, Woodson’s commitment to academics was just as strong as it was to athletics. In his six years of college, Woodson earned a bachelor’s degree in film and media before adding a graduate certificate in business administration. Photography is a big interest of the Patriots 4th-round selection, and along with his undergraduate studies, he has a page entirely dedicated to this hobby on Instagram.
When Woodson got to school, fellow Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins was a senior at Cal. Woodson said in his introductory press conference with New England media that despite only spending a season together, Hawkins was very influential in his transition to the college game and he can’t wait to reunite with him in an NFL locker room.
Marcus Bryant, Offensive Tackle, University of Missouri
Round 7, Pick 220
After four years spent at Southern Methodist University where completed his undergraduate studies, Bryant went to Mizzou for one final season of college football. It paid off, with the 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive lineman from Round Rock, Texas, being drafted by the Patriots.
Bryant took advantage of NIL, and thanks to a deal he struck while at SMU, he starred in a few commercials for a Law Office. As he shared with local New England media, he is interested in acting and tried to pursue an on-screen career as a child. Those goals took a back seat to football, but now that he’s in the NFL, there may be some more opportunities coming his way.
Athleticism runs in the family, with Bryant’s brother Marcel playing Division I basketball
Julian Ashby, Long Snapper, Vanderbilt
Round 7, Pick 251
Ashby grew up in Lilburn, Georgia, and when his goal of being the quarterback at Parkview High School didn’t work out, he figured learning to play long snapper would help him make varsity. He just wanted to help the team in any way he could, but ultimately was advised to really work at the position as it could result in a college scholarship. Ashby did just that, and after being drafted, got much more than he bargained for.
Last year, Ashby went on a mission trip to Guatemala with an organization that aims to provide quality medical care, nutrition, and health education to rural regions of the country. A devout Christian, one of Ashby’s favorite Bible verses is Colossians 3:23, which is about approaching all tasks, big or small, with full effort – not for human approval, but with the mindset that you are ultimately serving God.
Kobee Minor, Defensive Back, Memphis
Round 7, Pick 257
For years, a photo of the NFL’s Draft stage was the wallpaper on his phone’s lock screen and the banner photo of his X account. It served as a symbol of motivation to achieve his dreams. The subject of his manifestations came to fruition in the final day of the draft, but being named “Mr. Irrelevant,” which he’s already added to his Instagram bio, only adds fuel to his fire.Kobee Minor, Defensive Back, Memphis
Round 7, Pick 257
For years, a photo of the NFL’s Draft stage was the wallpaper on his phone’s lock screen and the banner photo of his X account. It served as a symbol of motivation to achieve his dreams. The subject of his manifestations came to fruition in the final day of the draft, but being named “Mr. Irrelevant,” which he’s already added to his Instagram bio, only adds fuel to his fire.
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