The Patriots falling to the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft because they won their Week 18 game against the Bills has haunted the team since last season. Although it was an exciting performance for fans and ultimately helped Mike Vrabel trade quarterback Joe Milton III, not having the first overall pick has stripped New England of the chance of either selecting the best prospect of the incoming class or walking away with a massive haul from a team wanting to trade up.
That now has them as the favorite team to take LSU left tackle Will Campbell with their pick, which isn't the worst decision ever, considering the offensive line has been a problem for several years at this point. But missing out on the likes of Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter is a nightmare that could have been avoided.
A loss in Week 18 would have ensured they had a chance to add one of them to their roster. Instead, there are dream scenarios of seeing the Patriots trade up with the Browns or the Giants to take either Carter or Hunter, as they are expected to be off the board by No. 4.
Unfortunately, in the hours leading up to the start of the first round, that doesn't appear to be a possibility despite NFL insider Jordan Schultz reporting that teams have been calling about moving into the top three picks.
While still considered a longshot, multiple teams have contacted the #Browns and #Giants about the possibility of moving up to No. 2 and No. 3 overall, sources tell @NFLonFOX. My understanding is that Cleveland has been listening — and the calls have been legitimate, not just… pic.twitter.com/yUtnWkuYBl
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 2025
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The Patriots' chances of trading up for their dream rookie player don't look like a real possibility anymore
Because the incoming quarterback class is not too impressive, teams who have been on the phone with Cleveland or New York have their eyes set on Carter or Hunter. That works against the Patriots' hopes of possibly accomplishing that trade, and the latest intel suggests they know that, too.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic has reported that Mike Vrabel and Co. have not been looking into trading up from No. 4, whether because they are not interested in doing so or they know it won't realistically happen.
The Patriots have not shown much, if any, interest in moving up from No. 4 in the draft, per sources. They’ve sounded willing to stick to their board.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) April 24, 2025
This indicates they are good with taking whoever is available when they're on the clock. All signs point to Campbell becoming the next New England Patriot, whether fans love it or not.
There's a chance it's all a smoke screen, but given the tremendous need for massive improvement on the offensive line, it's fair to assume there's more truth to the Patriots' interest in Campbell than not. It's also fair to assume they won't be trading up, either, and we'll see Carter and Hunter playing elsewhere in the NFL in 2025 and beyond.