ESPN’s draft analyst believes New England will target an offensive tackle in Round 1.
You know that draft season is upon us when ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. publishes his final mock draft. This one, which covers two full rounds, has the New England Patriots stay put at No. 4 overall and go offensive tackle after missing out on Penn State edge Abdul Carter and Colorado cornerback/wide receiver hybrid Travis Hunter.
4. New England Patriots
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
With Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter unavailable, the Patriots could listen to trade offers in case a quarterback-needy team wanted to jump on Shedeur Sanders. I’m not projecting trades here, but even if I were, there’s a good chance New England might just stand pat and take Campbell. The Patriots allowed pressure on a league-worst 39.4% of their dropbacks last season, and Drake Maye is entering his first full season as the starting quarterback. They have to be better in pass protection.
Campbell would slide in at left tackle. I’m not overly worried about his 32⅝-inch arms; he plays longer than that. Campbell can land a quick first punch and use his great overall technique and agility to keep pass rushers at bay. He has 38 games of experience, and pairing him with new right tackle Morgan Moses would buy Maye more time in the pocket.
In addition to Will Campbell, Kiper also thinks that the Patriots will draft Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden in the second round.