Top NFL Insider Drops Major Intel About Patriots’ Draft Plan

The week of the NFL draft is when teams finalize their boards and their plans, and a top insider offered an idea of what they might be.

It’s been reported and projected for weeks that Will Campbell is the likeliest choice for New England with the fourth overall pick. That’s due to Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter likely getting drafted in the top three and how Campbell fills a major need for the Patriots. There’s always a possibility for a trade, but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported the expectation for the Pats in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“The Patriots, armed with the No. 4 pick, know they have a lot of needs, and while the prospect of trading up to draft Hunter or Penn State edge Abdul Carter is appealing, New England understands the importance of building a solid foundation — and how vital draft picks are to doing it,” Russini wrote in a column Wednesday. “Expect Eliot Wolf, Mike Vrabel and company to use their top selection to beef up their offensive line, and attempt to plug other holes throughout the draft.”

Campbell might not be an inspired choice, and fans who are concerned about his arm length might like the choice, but it might be the Patriots’ best option Thursday night. While the draft class doesn’t contain top-end talent, there are plenty of ways for New England to upgrade its roster on Day 2 and Day 3 of the NFL draft.

Russini added that the Patriots were fielding calls for the No. 4 pick. However, the target for the calls is Hunter, who might not make it past No. 3. A deal could be worked out heading into Thursday, but it seems like Campbell is destined for Foxboro, Mass.