Did Patriots Come Close To Trading No. 4 Pick? Mike Vrabel Opens Up

The New England Patriots watched some fireworks go off at the 2025 NFL Draft before they went on the clock.

The Jaguars, who entered draft night with the fifth overall pick, jumped up three spots on the board via a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Jacksonville made the aggressive move to ensure it landed dual-threat phenom and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.

The blockbuster deal prompted Mike Vrabel to be asked if the Patriots received any offers for their No. 4 overall pick before they selected offensive lineman Will Campbell.

“No,” Vrabel told reporters, per a team-provided transcript. “I think at this point in time, it was pretty quiet. I think we would have entertained anything that anybody offered us. It was pretty quiet. I mean, I think everybody was going up for two players, and one was already there and they didn’t have to move, and the other team that wanted to get to two got there. We would have been open, but excited to be able to stay there and pick and get Will.”

The “two players” Vrabel referred to were Hunter and standout edge rusher Abdul Carter, who was selected by the New York Giants with the third overall pick. While a trade-down might have benefitted New England in the long run, it’s clear that Vrabel and company are thrilled to have Campbell in the organization.

The LSU product similarly was happy to see the Patriots stick and pick, as Campbell entered the draft with hopes of landing in Foxboro, Mass.