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Rumor has it, Abdul Carter’s draft stock is dropping.
Or is it?
Once considered a lock to go in the top three, there appears to be some smoke circulating about the Penn State pass rusher’s make-up, not to mention the “stress reaction” foot injury that was discovered at the NFL’s scouting combine.
Usually, when there’s smoke, there’s fire.
But, being in the home stretch ahead of the draft, this is also known as lying season. Everything should be taken with a grain of salt.
So for my second crack at the Patriots 7-round mock, I’m still going to assume both Travis Hunter and Carter won’t be there at No. 4.
Even if Carter doesn’t drop, the Patriots still have to decide if they’re taking the best player available or drafting for need in that prime first round spot.
Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, Georgia outside linebacker Jalon Walker and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty are all available.
So is LSU left tackle Will Campbell.
How did I tackle that tug-o-war in Mock #2?
Here’s a look:
FILE - LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell (66) faces off against Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)AP
Short arms and all, Will Campbell is considered the best left tackle in the draft by evaluators.
Regardless, there are still plenty of teams that will shy away from Campbell, whose arms measured below 33 inches at the NFL Combine.
Me?
If Dante Scarnecchia isn’t bothered by Campbell’s arm length, that’s good enough for me.
While the Patriots need to collect as much top-end talent as possible, they also need to protect Drake Maye. That’s numero uno on the priority list.
The Patriots are one team that doesn’t seem freaked out by Campbell having less-then-desirable arm length for an NFL tackle.
Perhaps that’s just lip service, but for this exercise, Campbell’s the pick.
Short arms not withstanding, Campbell has all of the traits the Patriots are looking for in a starting caliber tackle. He’s athletic, plays with an edge, and at the college level anyway, was considered the cream of the crop.
Second round, pick 38:
Texas A&M defensive lineman Nic Scourton gestures during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP
Sporting the NFL’s worst sack total last season, the Patriots pass rush needs a kick in the pants.
While Mike Vrabel & Co. addressed the issue in free agency (Harold Landry, Milton Williams, Khyris Tonga), they would be wise to add on in the draft.
Scourton, who was at Purdue before heading to Texas A&M, has a dazzling array of pass rush moves. He was first-team All-SEC. He led team with 14 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks.
If the Patriots are looking for a strong edge setter and powerful pocket pusher, Scourton is the man.
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) outruns Mississippi State safety Jordan Morant (17) for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.AP Photo/Wade Payne
When it comes to running back, it’s not a question of if the Patriots will draft one, it’s more a matter of when.
In this mock, the third round seems about right. And it’s hard to go wrong with the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
Sampson scored a school record 22 rushing touchdowns last season for Tennessee. He’s a home run hitter with the ball in his hands.
He might not be the tallest back at 5-foot-8, but has great burst and breakaway speed. He ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at his Pro Day.
He finished with 1,491 rushing yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The Patriots need depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, and while Sampson didn’t have much production as a pass catcher, he has enough upside to warrant selection.
Tre Harris was a reliable target for Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss.AP
The Patriots need as many playmakers as they can get, and Harris fits the profile.
Last season, the Mississippi star caught 60 passes for 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns, and was among the highest graded wideouts (89.7) by Pro Football Focus.
Harris was a high school quarterback before switching to receiver. So like former Patriots Julian Edelman and Jakobi Meyers, who also flipped to receiver, Harris has a good understanding of route-running and where he needs to be.
He’s not the fastest guy on the outside (4.54-second 40), but he’s smart and physical.
He’d be a good addition as an outside-the-numbers receiver. As an added bonus, he’s also a pretty good blocker in the run game.
Florida State defensive lineman Joshua Farmer walks the field during the school's NFL football pro day in Tallahassee, Fla., Friday, March 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)AP
The Patriots made some hay in free agency to fortify the defensive line, signing Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga.
With Christian Barmore still making his way back from the blood clots he experienced last season, it’s always good to add more depth at defensive tackle.
Farmer, who was in for a pre-draft visit, led Florida State in sacks (4) last season, and also registered 32 tackles, eight for loss.
He’s also a team captain and leader.
Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant (2)during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E Braley)AP
It’s hard not to be drawn to the name, even if this Bryant plays football, not basketball.
Cobee can play both cornerback spots, either outside or in the slot.
He’s aggressive, and has the reputation of being a ball hawk.
While the Patriots are pretty much set out on the boundary with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III, and have Marcus Jones the likely starter in the slot.
The mission in the draft is to add quality depth.
Bryant was a big-time playmaker at Kansas, finishing with 13 career interceptions and 35 career passes defensed.
Arizona State tight end Jalin Conyers, right, tumbles into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown as Colorado cornerback Jason Oliver defends in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)AP
Conyers has been around the block, playing at three different schools (Oklahoma, Arizona State, Texas Tech).
His combination of size and quickness make him an attractive early Day 3 proposition.
He ran an impressive 4.27 second shuttle, which was the best in this year’s class.
He also offers a good catch radius with 33.25-inch arms and 10-inch hands.
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will also love the fact he’s been used to throw the football at times.
He completed six of seven attempts for 40 yards and a touchdown over the last two years.
Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke (QB12), of Canada, throws on the sideline at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)AP
Having traded Joe Milton III, the Patriots will either sign another veteran, or add in the draft.
Rourke certainly has some toughness, a trait Mike Vrabel appreciates.
He played through a torn ACL in 2024 after transferring from Ohio University and still set a school record with 29 touchdown passes.
Between his size, athleticism and toughness, he could very well be on the Patriots radar.
As a side note, Rourke’s brother Nathan played under Bill O’Brien in New England in 2023 for a brief period.
National team kicker Ryan Fitzgerald (14), of Florida State, kicks a field goal during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)AP
If the Patriots are going to draft a kicker, which seems a likelihood, it boils down to a handful of possibilities.
Florida State’s Fitzgerald is one.
He has a strong leg both in field goal range and kickoffs.
He nailed a 59-yarder against Georgia Tech this past season.
Continue reading...
Or is it?
Once considered a lock to go in the top three, there appears to be some smoke circulating about the Penn State pass rusher’s make-up, not to mention the “stress reaction” foot injury that was discovered at the NFL’s scouting combine.
Usually, when there’s smoke, there’s fire.
But, being in the home stretch ahead of the draft, this is also known as lying season. Everything should be taken with a grain of salt.
So for my second crack at the Patriots 7-round mock, I’m still going to assume both Travis Hunter and Carter won’t be there at No. 4.
Even if Carter doesn’t drop, the Patriots still have to decide if they’re taking the best player available or drafting for need in that prime first round spot.
Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, Georgia outside linebacker Jalon Walker and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty are all available.
So is LSU left tackle Will Campbell.
How did I tackle that tug-o-war in Mock #2?
Here’s a look:
First round, pick 4:
Will Campbell, LSU, OT, 6-6, 319 pounds
You must be registered for see images attach
FILE - LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell (66) faces off against Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File)AP
Short arms and all, Will Campbell is considered the best left tackle in the draft by evaluators.
Regardless, there are still plenty of teams that will shy away from Campbell, whose arms measured below 33 inches at the NFL Combine.
Me?
If Dante Scarnecchia isn’t bothered by Campbell’s arm length, that’s good enough for me.
While the Patriots need to collect as much top-end talent as possible, they also need to protect Drake Maye. That’s numero uno on the priority list.
The Patriots are one team that doesn’t seem freaked out by Campbell having less-then-desirable arm length for an NFL tackle.
Perhaps that’s just lip service, but for this exercise, Campbell’s the pick.
Short arms not withstanding, Campbell has all of the traits the Patriots are looking for in a starting caliber tackle. He’s athletic, plays with an edge, and at the college level anyway, was considered the cream of the crop.
- BETTING: Will Campbell is -155 to be selected fourth overall over on DraftKings. Our complete list of Massachusetts sportsbook promos will help you decide which sportsbook to use.
Second round, pick 38:
Nic Scourton, Texas A & M, DE, 6-3, 257 pounds
You must be registered for see images attach
Texas A&M defensive lineman Nic Scourton gestures during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)AP
Sporting the NFL’s worst sack total last season, the Patriots pass rush needs a kick in the pants.
While Mike Vrabel & Co. addressed the issue in free agency (Harold Landry, Milton Williams, Khyris Tonga), they would be wise to add on in the draft.
Scourton, who was at Purdue before heading to Texas A&M, has a dazzling array of pass rush moves. He was first-team All-SEC. He led team with 14 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks.
If the Patriots are looking for a strong edge setter and powerful pocket pusher, Scourton is the man.
Third round, pick 69:
Dylan, Sampson, Tennessee, RB, 5-8, 200 pounds
You must be registered for see images attach
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) outruns Mississippi State safety Jordan Morant (17) for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.AP Photo/Wade Payne
When it comes to running back, it’s not a question of if the Patriots will draft one, it’s more a matter of when.
In this mock, the third round seems about right. And it’s hard to go wrong with the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
Sampson scored a school record 22 rushing touchdowns last season for Tennessee. He’s a home run hitter with the ball in his hands.
He might not be the tallest back at 5-foot-8, but has great burst and breakaway speed. He ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at his Pro Day.
He finished with 1,491 rushing yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
The Patriots need depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, and while Sampson didn’t have much production as a pass catcher, he has enough upside to warrant selection.
Third round, pick 77:
Trey Harris, Mississippi, WR, 6-2, 205 pounds
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Tre Harris was a reliable target for Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss.AP
The Patriots need as many playmakers as they can get, and Harris fits the profile.
Last season, the Mississippi star caught 60 passes for 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns, and was among the highest graded wideouts (89.7) by Pro Football Focus.
Harris was a high school quarterback before switching to receiver. So like former Patriots Julian Edelman and Jakobi Meyers, who also flipped to receiver, Harris has a good understanding of route-running and where he needs to be.
He’s not the fastest guy on the outside (4.54-second 40), but he’s smart and physical.
He’d be a good addition as an outside-the-numbers receiver. As an added bonus, he’s also a pretty good blocker in the run game.
Fourth round, pick 106:
Joshua Farmer, Florida State, DT, 6-3, 305 pounds
You must be registered for see images attach
Florida State defensive lineman Joshua Farmer walks the field during the school's NFL football pro day in Tallahassee, Fla., Friday, March 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)AP
The Patriots made some hay in free agency to fortify the defensive line, signing Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga.
With Christian Barmore still making his way back from the blood clots he experienced last season, it’s always good to add more depth at defensive tackle.
Farmer, who was in for a pre-draft visit, led Florida State in sacks (4) last season, and also registered 32 tackles, eight for loss.
He’s also a team captain and leader.
Fifth round, pick 144:
Cobee Bryant, Kansas, CB, 6-0, 180 pounds
You must be registered for see images attach
Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant (2)during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E Braley)AP
It’s hard not to be drawn to the name, even if this Bryant plays football, not basketball.
Cobee can play both cornerback spots, either outside or in the slot.
He’s aggressive, and has the reputation of being a ball hawk.
While the Patriots are pretty much set out on the boundary with Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III, and have Marcus Jones the likely starter in the slot.
The mission in the draft is to add quality depth.
Bryant was a big-time playmaker at Kansas, finishing with 13 career interceptions and 35 career passes defensed.
Fifth round, pick 171:
Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech, TE, 6-3, 260 pounds
You must be registered for see images attach
Arizona State tight end Jalin Conyers, right, tumbles into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown as Colorado cornerback Jason Oliver defends in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)AP
Conyers has been around the block, playing at three different schools (Oklahoma, Arizona State, Texas Tech).
His combination of size and quickness make him an attractive early Day 3 proposition.
He ran an impressive 4.27 second shuttle, which was the best in this year’s class.
He also offers a good catch radius with 33.25-inch arms and 10-inch hands.
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will also love the fact he’s been used to throw the football at times.
He completed six of seven attempts for 40 yards and a touchdown over the last two years.
Seventh round, pick 220:
Kurtis Rourke, Indiana, QB, 6-4, 220 pounds
You must be registered for see images attach
Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke (QB12), of Canada, throws on the sideline at the NFL football Combine on Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Content Services for the NFL)AP
Having traded Joe Milton III, the Patriots will either sign another veteran, or add in the draft.
Rourke certainly has some toughness, a trait Mike Vrabel appreciates.
He played through a torn ACL in 2024 after transferring from Ohio University and still set a school record with 29 touchdown passes.
Between his size, athleticism and toughness, he could very well be on the Patriots radar.
As a side note, Rourke’s brother Nathan played under Bill O’Brien in New England in 2023 for a brief period.
Seventh round, pick 238:
Ryan Fitzgerald, Florida State, K, 5-11, 193 pounds
You must be registered for see images attach
National team kicker Ryan Fitzgerald (14), of Florida State, kicks a field goal during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)AP
If the Patriots are going to draft a kicker, which seems a likelihood, it boils down to a handful of possibilities.
Florida State’s Fitzgerald is one.
He has a strong leg both in field goal range and kickoffs.
He nailed a 59-yarder against Georgia Tech this past season.
More Patriots Content
- If Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are gone, do Patriots know who they’ll draft at No. 4?
- Why did Mike Vrabel trade Joe Milton III? Patriots coach provides answer
- Potential Patriots draft target would rather walk away from football than play 1 position
- NFL Draft’s QB class is more chaotic than ever. How will it affect Patriots?
Continue reading...
