NFL Analyst Lays Out Interesting Draft Plan For Patriots

It’s no secret that the New England Patriots appear to be the likely destination for Will Campbell at No. 4 overall on Thursday night in an effort to address their biggest area of need.

But what should the Patriots do following that selection when they get on the clock again early in the second round? The Patriots need more than just offensive line help as they sure could use a wide receiver, tight end and edge rusher among other things.

But ESPN’s Jordan Reid had the Patriots bypassing those three positions with the No. 38 overall pick in his latest mock draft. Instead, Reid had them going back for another offensive lineman after selecting Will Campbell by drafting Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson.

“The Patriots should entertain the idea of doubling up on offensive linemen with their first two picks,” Reid wrote. “Jackson is a scheme-versatile blocker who subbed in for Josh Simmons at left tackle last season after playing only guard before that. He projects as a guard, but Jackson’s versatility combined with Will Campbell would give the Patriots’ O-line a significant makeover.”

Pairing Campbell and Jackson together would solidify the left side of New England’s offensive line for years to come.

While everyone knows about the gaping hole at left tackle for the Patriots, they aren’t exactly set at left guard, either. Cole Strange or Layden Robinson, who the Patriots selected in the fourth round last year, are projected as the starting left guard and they didn’t exactly inspire confidence with their play in 2024.

Protecting franchise quarterback Drake Maye and putting weapons around him is of utmost importance for the Patriots. And they can achieve one of those two by following Reid’s blueprint in the draft.