The Patriots were linked heavily to Travis Hunter in many early mock drafts with the potential of Shedeur Sanders being one of the first prospects to hear their names called. With that no longer the case, a top three order of Cam Ward (Titans), Hunter (Browns) and Abdul Carter (Giants) has emerged as the expectation for tonight. 
If that plays out, the Patriots would be faced with the option of moving down the board from No. 4 overall or selecting from the remaining players. Connections to LSU’s Will Campbell have long been in place as a result, and that remains the case with the opening round hours away. Campbell is still widely seen as New England’s target, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports as well as ESPN’s Matt Miller report.
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Interestingly, Schultz adds Campbell should still be expected to join the Patriots even in the event Carter is still on the board by that point. The Giants could take a signal-caller (such as Sanders) third overall or opt to move down the Day 1 order. Carter remaining available with New England still on the clock would come as a surprise, but it would certainly add intrigue to the team’s decision. Long seen in tandem with Hunter as a top-two talent, Carter could add considerably to the Pats’ pass rush in 2025 and for many years beyond that.
On the other hand, upgrading along the O-line has remained a major priority through the offseason for New England. The team’s free agency moves resulted in the arrivals of right tackle Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury, with the latter replacing David Andrews shortly after his release. The left tackle spot remains an area of need, though, and Campbell could solidify it (provided, of course, he receives the opportunity to operate on the blindside as he did in college despite concerns about his arm length). Miller confirms the consensus All-American would be tasked with left tackle duties in the event he wound up being selected by the Patriots.
Miller’s colleague Jeremy Fowler reports New England recently traveled to Louisiana to meet once again with Campbell. That marks another indication this team-player pairing will become official tonight. While Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker emerged as a name to watch on this front earlier this week, he remains an outside candidate to hear his name called fourth overall as things stand.