Patriots Have Chance To Pick ‘Crown Jewel’ Of NFL Draft Class

The New England Patriots would love to draft a sure thing at No. 4 overall during next week’s NFL draft.

LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell doesn’t really fit into that category.

Campbell is a polarizing prospect that has analysts split on what he can project into at the next level. Campbell’s arm length has been the topic of much discussion. Campbell’s arms came under the 33-inch threshold at the NFL Scouting Combine — it measured 32 5/8 inches — but did hit the 33-inch mark when measured at his pro day.

He is expected to be available when the Patriots get on the clock as Campbell has been heavily linked to New England. And NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks believes the Patriots drafting Campbell would be quite a win for the franchise.

“Will Campbell is the crown jewel of the class to me, with a game that suits any scheme,” Brooks wrote. “I’m not as concerned about his arm length as some draft analysts seem to be. The LSU standout is an unfinished product, but he should quickly smooth out the rough edges to become a quality starter.”

Brooks has Campbell ranked as his top offensive tackle in the draft class. While some believe Campbell will have to transition to guard in the NFL due to his arm length, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel sees him as a left tackle — a big position of need for New England.

“I think you have to,” Vrabel told reporters at last month’s NFL owners’ meetings, per team-provided video. “I don’t understand how you can watch him play in the SEC, which is the best conference in college football, against guys that are going to get drafted, at that position. So, I don’t think you have to project it. You could just actually watch and say, ‘There’s the snaps at left tackle.’ Evaluate it and see what you think.”

If the Patriots aren’t sold on Campbell, Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou sounds like a good backup option. Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. actually had Membou ranked one spot ahead of Campbell on his big board.

“Armand Membou is a rare find as a supersized blocker with quick feet, elite burst and violent hands,” Brooks wrote. “The Missouri product overwhelms defenders at the point of attack and on the second level, displaying running back-like movement skills in space.”