The 2025 NFL Draft is (literally) right around the corner, and the excitement amongst Patriots fans continues to rise. There are a few players they would most like to hear be called to the stage by New England with the No. 4 pick, most of whom are on offense to help second-year quarterback Drake Maye succeed even more this fall.
He impressed as a rookie, despite the unfavorable circumstances he was put into with a less-than-ideal receiving corps and a virtually non-existent offensive line. Fortunately for the Patriots, he overcame those issues and proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was their next franchise player, so Mike Vrabel and Co. have vocalized their goal of getting that started as soon as this season.
Because of that, incoming rookies like CB/WR Travis Hunter have long been the favorite to be the next New England Patriot. Besides his apparent duality on offense and defense, adding Hunter into the offensive lineup for Maye to work with, especially after signing Stefon Diggs, is hard not to dream about.
The problem is that he's unlikely to be on the board at No. 4, forcing the Patriots to look elsewhere for their next player. It has resulted in a new clear favorite to be their first round pick, and it's a player at such an important position that fans can't be angry if they hear his name called.
Latest mock drafts have the Patriots improving the offense tremendously for Drake Maye in 2025
Pro Football Network: Will Campbell, T, LSU
"Campbell’s arm length falls about an inch short of the league average for a tackle. Let’s set the record straight: although it’s outside of the threshold most teams have for tackle prospects, it was rarely an issue for him against the nation’s best talent.
He possesses a rock-solid base, quick and powerful feet that make up for the “lack” of arm length, and the ability to generate force with every movement. His anchor is firm, and his lateral quickness, paired with sharp hand-fighting skills, makes him more than capable of neutralizing finesse rushers. If that’s not enough, his 9.89 RAS only reinforces the fact that he’s an athletic freak."
CBS Sports: Will Campbell, T, LSU
"He might never be an All-Pro player, but the Patriots need a left tackle. Campbell has a guard look to me, but for the Pats he would be their starter on the left side. Think a Matt Light type of career."
NBC Sports: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
"All right, let’s start to spice this up. After the three players above, the tier of prospect starts to level off a bit. While many have bailed on being excited about McMillan, I’m not ready to waver. New England needs to get Drake Maye a big, physical perimeter target. McMillan and Stefon Diggs would be a much-needed improvement at wide receiver, and they can capitalize on the depth of the offensive line class on Day 2."
NFL.com: Will Campbell, T, LSU
"Upgrading the offensive line and protecting Drake Maye should be of the highest priority for the Patriots. Mike Vrabel apparently isn't hung up on Campbell’s suboptimal arm length, and the LSU tackle could immediately become New England's best O-lineman."
Draft Wire: Will Campbell, T, LSU
"Campbell becomes instant help for Drake Maye. And yes, Campbell is absolutely a tackle in the NFL until proven otherwise."
USA Today: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
"At the annual league meeting, Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said the team wouldn't be boxed in by needs and would instead focus on taking the best player available at No. 4. This scenario would certainly test his commitment to that stance. While taking a left tackle has to be in play given how problematic New England's current protection plan for Drake Maye looks, Carter would be without peer among the prospects available as a potential game-wrecker for Mike Vrabel and a defense that ranked last with just 28 sacks in 2024."
FOX Sports: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
"The Patriots have other bigger needs, but at this point, Hunter is just too good to ignore. He's the best player in this draft and one of the most unique players I've evaluated in 25 years in the business. Mike Vrabel will love Hunter's instincts and tenacity on defense — almost as much as Drake Maye will appreciate Hunter's sharp routes and sticky hands."