Patriots Media Reading Way Too Much Into This Robert Kraft Line

The 2025 NFL Draft is April 24, and it can’t come soon enough for the New England Patriots.

Robert Kraft doesn’t often hold media availabilities, so it’s only natural for media and fans to cling to the owner’s words about the franchise. One line in particular caught their attention Tuesday.

“I think that any of us that are fans of the team know we want to try to strengthen the offense a little on the line, in the receiver area, maybe a speed running back,” Kraft told reporters at the annual NFL meeting Tuesday, per MassLive’s Mark Daniels.

Offensive line and wide receiver were needs consistently brought up throughout the offseason, but the “speed running back” line was what caught on like wildfire for Boston media. WEEI’s morning programs, “The Greg Hill Show” and “Jones and Keefe,” dedicated segments with flashy headlines suggesting the Patriots could draft a running back with the fourth overall pick.

Is that possible? Sure, but it’s not that likely. Ashton Jeanty often was brought up in those conversations because he’s regarded as the best in the class, and he’s the only name non-draft analysts actually know.

Therein lies the issue. Instead of naming actual late-round running back targets like Keagan Stiefel and Sean McGuire did in their respective mock drafts, radio hosts can only talk about Jeanty and baselessly speculate that New England would draft him at No. 4. It’s a silly argument with little merit and only meant to drive up engagement, which, sure, that’s the point of the modern content game. We’re just asking you not to fall for it and not engage with it.

The Patriots drafting a running back isn’t that outlandish. Rhamondre Stevenson’s fumbling is a legitimate issue, and Antonio Gibson provided nothing of value last season. It only makes sense for New England to add depth with a Day 2 or Day 3 pick. But the first round? That would only make sense with a trade down.

But morning radio shows don’t have to make sense. They just need to fill up their time in the day and move on to the next topic. We just wish the NFL draft could come sooner so they can have meaningful content to talk about instead of overanalyzing a comment from an 83-year-old man.