At fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have a difficult decision. With Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter both likely off the board, the Patriots must decide between an offensive lineman or a new weapon for Drake Maye. In a new report a day before the draft, it seems the front office has made its decision.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Patriots are expected to shift gears towards the offensive line at fourth overall, assuming Hunter and/or Carter don’t make it there.
The Patriots understand that they have a lot of needs, and draft picks are vital to building the foundation Mike Vrabel wants in New England.
That's why they are unlikely to trade up. But who could they target with the No. 4 pick?https://t.co/EdbvDfHkRx pic.twitter.com/nG8aa7kQz5
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) April 23, 2025
“Expect Eliot Wolfe, Mike Vrabel and company to use their top selection to beef up their offensive line, and attempt to plug other holes throughout the draft.”
Protecting their franchise quarterback is incredibly important, especially with how poor the offense line was in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, the Patriots offensive line was the second-lowest graded line in pass protection in the NFL. They were also the lowest graded run blocking unit in the NFL as well.
LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) lines up during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies. Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.
Bolstering a unit that desperately needs it is a good use of the fourth overall selection. With the addition of Morgan Moses to play right tackle, and Garrett Bradbury at center, along with Mike Onwenu at right guard, the left side of the line is the only part that needs work.
At fourth overall, there are likely only two offensive lineman that the Patriots would consider taking: LSU’s Will Campbell and Missouri’s Armand Membou. Both are offensive tackles, but each have their own problems.
Campbell has short arms, and draft experts worry about his transition to offensive tackle in the NFL, with many experts moving Campbell to guard. Membou on the other hand is a right tackle, and with Moses in the building, the Patriots would need to move Membou to left tackle to get him on the field his rookie year.
While both have their question marks heading into draft night, both Campbell and Membou are at the top of the offensive line class in 2025. With the report from Russini, and all the previous reporting this week, the most likely scenario at fourth overall will be one of the two top tackles wearing a Patriots jersey by the end of the night.
