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With just hours to go until Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off, there’s very little mystery over who the New England Patriots will take.
Almost all signs point to LSU tackle Will Campbell being the choice at No. 4 overall.
Across the national media landscape, Campbell is the overwhelming consensus pick. But there are some other projections out there. A couple of mock drafts have the Patriots taking a different tackle. A couple have New England taking a surprise edge rusher.
Here’s a rundown of notable mock drafts across the country as we head into draft day:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"The Patriots have a need at left tackle, and Campbell is the top offensive lineman in the draft. Sometimes, things just fit. Despite some of the concerns about his length, Campbell has the skill set to become a Pro Bowler, even if he’s ultimately moved inside to guard."
Field Yates, ESPN - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“With a pair of notable needs at offensive tackle and receiver, the Patriots have work to do in supporting quarterback Drake Maye in his second season. Campbell checks one box. He has outstanding footwork, yielding just two sacks over the past two seasons. And despite his modest 32⅝-inch arm length, Campbell is a starting NFL left tackle.”
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“The Patriots must upgrade the left tackle position heading into Year 2 for Drake Maye. Campbell fits the bill. He’ll be a long-term starter for New England."
Cris Collinsworth, Pro Football Focus - Armand Membou, OT, Missouri (But he thinks they will take Campbell)
“I don’t think it’s who they’re going to take… I think it will be Will Campbell, but you only get to play GM once in your life [in a mock draft], so here’s what I would do.”
Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“The Patriots had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season. They added Morgan Moses to play right tackle but need a long-term solution on the left side. Campbell was a three-year starter at LSU and moves fluidly for a 6-6, 319-pound tackle. His experience on the left side gives him an edge over Armand Membou, who profiles more as a right tackle.”
Peter Schrager, ESPN - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Campbell is smart, tough, dependable and a leader in a position of great need. He might not be built like Hall of Famer Orlando Pace, but the Patriots would be getting a day one starter and a culture guy on their offensive line.”
Karen Guregian, MassLive - Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
“I like Jalon Walker as the wild card. From a cultural standpoint, and performance perspective, Walker, who won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker, is Mike Vrabel’s dream choice.”
Henry McKenna, USA Today - Will Campbell, OT, LSU (After trading down to No. 11)
"Everyone thinks Campbell is going to be the first tackle off the board to New England. But with his arm length, some folks aren’t sure he’s a tackle. And if they’re not sure he’s a tackle, then he’s not worth the No. 4 pick."
Tim Bielek, cleveland.com - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"The Patriots might be disappointed that neither the Browns nor the Giants take a QB and allow Carter and Hunter to fall this far. But getting a potential left tackle for Drake Maye isn’t a bad consolation prize."
Matt Miller, ESPN - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“There might be a debate if Carter slides to No. 4, but the Patriots’ priority is protecting second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Every source I talked to this week has Campbell going to the Patriots, and he would be their left tackle.”
Mark Daniels, MassLive - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"This is a no-brainer. The Patriots haven’t had stable play at left tackle since 2021. Their biggest need is left tackle. Campbell is the best left tackle in this draft. A three-year starter, he’s an elite athlete. That’s why some believe Campbell is an instant starter at tackle despite having a shorter wingspan. A two-time captain, he also has the leadership qualities that Vrabel covets. Campbell is the best offensive line prospect this year. The Patriots need to protect Drake Maye better than they did last season. Campbell will be an upgrade."
Charles Davis, NFL Network - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“This could be a pick where the crowd in Green Bay lets out a roar of surprise if New England takes RB Ashton Jeanty. The Patriots might think about it, but ultimately, they pick a polished offensive lineman who will be the starting left tackle from the moment Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the selection.”
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"Campbell started in the SEC as a freshman, played (and played well) against some of the best edge rushers in the country, and the Patriots absolutely have to address the tackle position in the draft. Kelvin Banks Jr. is my OT1, but Will Campbell will be ready to start on Day 1."
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“The Patriots are a team that everyone seems to think they know. With a new coach and staff in place, that can be a dangerous assumption. However, the possible positions Campbell could help resolve for New England make this the pick.”
Chris Mason, MassLive - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“With Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter off the board, the Patriots opt for Campbell here. He may be a fine tackle for many years to come, but could also wind up kicking inside to guard. That’s quite a gamble at No. 4 overall, but it’s one the Patriots are left taking. Whether tackle or guard, Campbell is a really good football player who will help fortify a unit that needs all the help it can get.”
Todd McShay, The Ringer - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Campbell might not be this high on many other teams’ boards, but New England’s ranking is all that matters. New head coach Mike Vrabel fell in love with Campbell after meeting him multiple times during the draft process. Campbell’s recall and football intelligence sold Vrabel on making him the leader of the Patriots’ OL room. There’s even a report that Drake Maye knows Campbell is the pick.”
Jonathon Macri and Nathan Jahnke, Pro Football Focus - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“The Patriots had the second-lowest team pass-blocking grade and the third-lowest team run-blocking grade last season. While the Patriots added multiple free agents, that shouldn’t stop them from adding the best offensive linemen in the draft. Campbell is an experienced starter with over 800 snaps at left tackle in each of the last three seasons. Campbell will primarily help Drake Maye avoid pressure. Maye faced pressure on 37.4% of his dropbacks last season, leading to 34 sacks.”
Kory Woods, MLive.com - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"It’s possible the Patriots could go wide receiver here, as I’ve had them do in previous mocks. But even with Bill Belichick long gone, building in the trenches and keeping the franchise quarterback upright still screams Patriot Way. Campbell is the best tackle on the board."
Brad Briggs, Chicago Tribune- Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"The Patriots signed veteran Morgan Moses to play right tackle and need to come out of the draft with a bookend to protect QB Drake Maye. Campbell’s strengths — intelligence, toughness, athleticism and durability — make him coach Mike Vrabel’s kind of guy, even if it’s fair to question his arm length."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
"Yes, he’s coming off a knee injury, but he is expected to be ready for camp. He’s special. He’s athletic, can move and is just scratching the surface of what he can be. Plug and play at left tackle."
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Protecting Drake Maye is a top priority for a front office that wants to see the franchise quarterback flourish in Year 2.”
Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Campbell, who also faces questions about his length, is so incredibly explosive and such a versatile athlete that I don’t think this will be a time for Mike Vrabel to start caring about the measurements of his offensive linemen.”
Jeff Howe, The Athletic - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"Will Campbell’s personality is perfect for new head coach Mike Vrabel. He’s a tough, mean, no-nonsense type of player who should set the tone in the locker room."
Joel Klatt, Fox Sports - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“I think New England’s going to be stuck and overdraft Campbell. I really like Campbell. He’s an excellent player, but this is a high spot for him, as I think they could still get him in the back half of the top 10. Still, this is an easy selection to help protect Drake Maye.”
Rob Rang, Fox Sports - Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
“Sure, Drake Maye could use an improved offensive line, but I have a hard time imagining New England passing up the opportunity to land Carter if he were available here. His burst and bend off the edge make him an immediate double-digit sack candidate for defensive-minded head coach Mike Vrabel and a franchise seeking to rebuild ‘The Patriot Way.’”
Ben Volin, Boston Globe (via LA Times) - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"With both of their preferred choices off the board, the Patriots face a tough choice between a tackle or pass rusher. Campbell’s arm length isn’t ideal, but he’s the best OL in the draft and fills their biggest hole at left tackle.”
Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Even if Carter is available here, I still think the Pats take an offensive tackle here. Campbell appears to be the pick. The arm length doesn’t seem to be a factor, especially since the pre-draft measurements were all over the place and he’s closer to 33 inches anyway.”
Calvin Watkins, Dallas Morning News - Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
“The sexy pick is to select a running back, but getting a tackle is what’s important. You could go with Will Campbell here as well.”
Johnny McGonical, PennLive - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Continue reading...
Almost all signs point to LSU tackle Will Campbell being the choice at No. 4 overall.
Across the national media landscape, Campbell is the overwhelming consensus pick. But there are some other projections out there. A couple of mock drafts have the Patriots taking a different tackle. A couple have New England taking a surprise edge rusher.
Here’s a rundown of notable mock drafts across the country as we head into draft day:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"The Patriots have a need at left tackle, and Campbell is the top offensive lineman in the draft. Sometimes, things just fit. Despite some of the concerns about his length, Campbell has the skill set to become a Pro Bowler, even if he’s ultimately moved inside to guard."
Field Yates, ESPN - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“With a pair of notable needs at offensive tackle and receiver, the Patriots have work to do in supporting quarterback Drake Maye in his second season. Campbell checks one box. He has outstanding footwork, yielding just two sacks over the past two seasons. And despite his modest 32⅝-inch arm length, Campbell is a starting NFL left tackle.”
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“The Patriots must upgrade the left tackle position heading into Year 2 for Drake Maye. Campbell fits the bill. He’ll be a long-term starter for New England."
Cris Collinsworth, Pro Football Focus - Armand Membou, OT, Missouri (But he thinks they will take Campbell)
“I don’t think it’s who they’re going to take… I think it will be Will Campbell, but you only get to play GM once in your life [in a mock draft], so here’s what I would do.”
Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“The Patriots had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season. They added Morgan Moses to play right tackle but need a long-term solution on the left side. Campbell was a three-year starter at LSU and moves fluidly for a 6-6, 319-pound tackle. His experience on the left side gives him an edge over Armand Membou, who profiles more as a right tackle.”
Peter Schrager, ESPN - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Campbell is smart, tough, dependable and a leader in a position of great need. He might not be built like Hall of Famer Orlando Pace, but the Patriots would be getting a day one starter and a culture guy on their offensive line.”
Karen Guregian, MassLive - Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
“I like Jalon Walker as the wild card. From a cultural standpoint, and performance perspective, Walker, who won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker, is Mike Vrabel’s dream choice.”
Henry McKenna, USA Today - Will Campbell, OT, LSU (After trading down to No. 11)
"Everyone thinks Campbell is going to be the first tackle off the board to New England. But with his arm length, some folks aren’t sure he’s a tackle. And if they’re not sure he’s a tackle, then he’s not worth the No. 4 pick."
Tim Bielek, cleveland.com - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"The Patriots might be disappointed that neither the Browns nor the Giants take a QB and allow Carter and Hunter to fall this far. But getting a potential left tackle for Drake Maye isn’t a bad consolation prize."
Matt Miller, ESPN - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“There might be a debate if Carter slides to No. 4, but the Patriots’ priority is protecting second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Every source I talked to this week has Campbell going to the Patriots, and he would be their left tackle.”
Mark Daniels, MassLive - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"This is a no-brainer. The Patriots haven’t had stable play at left tackle since 2021. Their biggest need is left tackle. Campbell is the best left tackle in this draft. A three-year starter, he’s an elite athlete. That’s why some believe Campbell is an instant starter at tackle despite having a shorter wingspan. A two-time captain, he also has the leadership qualities that Vrabel covets. Campbell is the best offensive line prospect this year. The Patriots need to protect Drake Maye better than they did last season. Campbell will be an upgrade."
Charles Davis, NFL Network - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“This could be a pick where the crowd in Green Bay lets out a roar of surprise if New England takes RB Ashton Jeanty. The Patriots might think about it, but ultimately, they pick a polished offensive lineman who will be the starting left tackle from the moment Commissioner Roger Goodell announces the selection.”
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"Campbell started in the SEC as a freshman, played (and played well) against some of the best edge rushers in the country, and the Patriots absolutely have to address the tackle position in the draft. Kelvin Banks Jr. is my OT1, but Will Campbell will be ready to start on Day 1."
Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“The Patriots are a team that everyone seems to think they know. With a new coach and staff in place, that can be a dangerous assumption. However, the possible positions Campbell could help resolve for New England make this the pick.”
Chris Mason, MassLive - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“With Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter off the board, the Patriots opt for Campbell here. He may be a fine tackle for many years to come, but could also wind up kicking inside to guard. That’s quite a gamble at No. 4 overall, but it’s one the Patriots are left taking. Whether tackle or guard, Campbell is a really good football player who will help fortify a unit that needs all the help it can get.”
Todd McShay, The Ringer - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Campbell might not be this high on many other teams’ boards, but New England’s ranking is all that matters. New head coach Mike Vrabel fell in love with Campbell after meeting him multiple times during the draft process. Campbell’s recall and football intelligence sold Vrabel on making him the leader of the Patriots’ OL room. There’s even a report that Drake Maye knows Campbell is the pick.”
Jonathon Macri and Nathan Jahnke, Pro Football Focus - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“The Patriots had the second-lowest team pass-blocking grade and the third-lowest team run-blocking grade last season. While the Patriots added multiple free agents, that shouldn’t stop them from adding the best offensive linemen in the draft. Campbell is an experienced starter with over 800 snaps at left tackle in each of the last three seasons. Campbell will primarily help Drake Maye avoid pressure. Maye faced pressure on 37.4% of his dropbacks last season, leading to 34 sacks.”
Kory Woods, MLive.com - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"It’s possible the Patriots could go wide receiver here, as I’ve had them do in previous mocks. But even with Bill Belichick long gone, building in the trenches and keeping the franchise quarterback upright still screams Patriot Way. Campbell is the best tackle on the board."
Brad Briggs, Chicago Tribune- Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"The Patriots signed veteran Morgan Moses to play right tackle and need to come out of the draft with a bookend to protect QB Drake Maye. Campbell’s strengths — intelligence, toughness, athleticism and durability — make him coach Mike Vrabel’s kind of guy, even if it’s fair to question his arm length."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports - Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
"Yes, he’s coming off a knee injury, but he is expected to be ready for camp. He’s special. He’s athletic, can move and is just scratching the surface of what he can be. Plug and play at left tackle."
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Protecting Drake Maye is a top priority for a front office that wants to see the franchise quarterback flourish in Year 2.”
Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Campbell, who also faces questions about his length, is so incredibly explosive and such a versatile athlete that I don’t think this will be a time for Mike Vrabel to start caring about the measurements of his offensive linemen.”
Jeff Howe, The Athletic - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"Will Campbell’s personality is perfect for new head coach Mike Vrabel. He’s a tough, mean, no-nonsense type of player who should set the tone in the locker room."
Joel Klatt, Fox Sports - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“I think New England’s going to be stuck and overdraft Campbell. I really like Campbell. He’s an excellent player, but this is a high spot for him, as I think they could still get him in the back half of the top 10. Still, this is an easy selection to help protect Drake Maye.”
Rob Rang, Fox Sports - Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
“Sure, Drake Maye could use an improved offensive line, but I have a hard time imagining New England passing up the opportunity to land Carter if he were available here. His burst and bend off the edge make him an immediate double-digit sack candidate for defensive-minded head coach Mike Vrabel and a franchise seeking to rebuild ‘The Patriot Way.’”
Ben Volin, Boston Globe (via LA Times) - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
"With both of their preferred choices off the board, the Patriots face a tough choice between a tackle or pass rusher. Campbell’s arm length isn’t ideal, but he’s the best OL in the draft and fills their biggest hole at left tackle.”
Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Even if Carter is available here, I still think the Pats take an offensive tackle here. Campbell appears to be the pick. The arm length doesn’t seem to be a factor, especially since the pre-draft measurements were all over the place and he’s closer to 33 inches anyway.”
Calvin Watkins, Dallas Morning News - Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
“The sexy pick is to select a running back, but getting a tackle is what’s important. You could go with Will Campbell here as well.”
Johnny McGonical, PennLive - Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
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