Patriots Face Interesting Dilemma In NFL Analyst’s First Mock Draft

The New England Patriots are at an odd place with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it’s why the direction of the top three selections will be key to watch.

This year’s quarterback class projects to be one of the weakest in recent memory. The Tennessee Titans need a signal-caller, but their front office noted it wouldn’t pass up on a “generational talent.”

ESPN’s Field Yates on Tuesday went in that direction in his first mock draft when he had the Titans taking two-way star Travis Hunter at No. 1. Yates then had the Cleveland Browns selecting Abdul Carter at No. 2 and the New York Giants taking quarterback Cam Ward at No. 3. For the Patriots, the NFL analyst went with Will Campbell at No. 4.

“There is a case for taking the best player available, and per my own board, that would be Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Not a bad fit,” Yates wrote. “But offensive tackle is a massive need for the Patriots, and Campbell is my highest-graded player at the position in this class (No. 6 overall). He has excellent footwork to mirror opposing pass rushers screaming off the edge and the body control to absorb power and then reset his feet.

“New coach Mike Vrabel has stressed the importance of fixing the offensive line — and any investment that supports second-year quarterback Drake Maye should take priority. New England was 31st in pass block win rate (50.9%) and gave up the league’s fifth-most sacks (52) in 2024.”

Campbell wouldn’t be a terrible choice, and it seems like most draft analysts have the LSU offensive lineman or Graham at No. 4. But would this really be the best course of action?

It’s important to be clear that most of the top draft analysts aren’t projecting trades. That’s way too complicated and tough to determine months before the NFL draft. However, there’s a strong case that’s what New England should do with the No. 4 pick.

Campbell isn’t viewed as a can’t-miss prospect and there are multiple questions about his ability to play tackle in the NFL. But as Yates noted, the Patriots’ offensive line is a mess, and New England needs to build through the trenches. It’s a tough dilemma Vrabel and the front office must deal with if the top of the draft goes the way Yates projects.