NFL Draft Expert Predicts Scouting Combine Riser To Patriots

The Patriots got plenty of intel on draft prospects last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

They met with two-way star Travis Hunter during the event and probably would love it if premier edge rusher Abdul Carter fell to them with the No. 4 overall pick. LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell has been linked to the Patriots more than any other player with that top selection, but perhaps Campbell’s underwhelming arm length will scare them off.

If that’s the case, the Patriots could pivot to another offensive tackle, one who caught eyes due to his performance at the combine. And NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein very well could see the Patriots drafting Missouri’s Armand Membou when they get on the clock at No. 4.

“LSU product Will Campbell is tough, but so is Membou — and the Missouri tackle has less technique to clean up,” Zierlein wrote. “Let’s put a new face into the fourth pick of the draft, giving New England the best offensive lineman on my board.”

Membou outperformed many of the other tackles at the combine, including Campbell. The 6-foot-4, 332-pound Membou ran the second-fastest 40 time among offensive linemen at 4.91 seconds. He also had the longest broad jump at nine feet, seven inches and turned heads with 31 bench press reps.

Membou doesn’t just have a strong combine showing to lean on, either. The 21-year-old started 25 games over the last two seasons at right tackle for Missouri and earned Second Team All-SEC honors in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, Membou didn’t allow any sacks or quarterback hits in 411 pass-block snaps this past season.

The Patriots have a franchise-altering decision to make with their second top-five pick in as many years. And Membou certainly gave the organization plenty to think about.

The Patriots could still see a lot of Campbell even if they pass on him. Zierlein predicted Campbell going to the New York Jets with the No. 7 overall pick.