Going into the upcoming draft, the Patriots have a lot on their plate to accomplish, with the expected priority being to load up on offense after a defensive-heavy free agency. Mike Vrabel has made it clear that the new regime wants to surround quarterback Drake Maye with the best roster possible, which can be mostly accomplished through the 2025 rookie class.
With the No. 4 overall selection, they will have more than their fair share of players to choose from, but some of the favorites to become their next player are becoming less likely to be available by the time they're on the clock. That unfortunately includes Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter, who had been the most mock-drafted player to New England for several weeks, and Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter, who has been tied to the Patriots for most of the offseason.
Because they are both expected to be off the board by No. 4, the Patriots will have to look elsewhere for their next rookie pick. That has put LSU's left tackle, Will Campbell, as the new favorite, whether at their given selection or if the team trades down.
He wouldn't be a bad selection, given how badly the Patriots need a starting left tackle. But there's a chance they trade down and select a different player, maybe even someone that has not been discussed in New England circles whatsoever.
New mock draft has the Patriots take an under-the-radar weapon for Drake Maye after a trade down in Round 1
If the expected outcome of Carter and Hunter being off the board becomes a reality, the Patriots are suspected to entertain trading out of the No. 4 pick.
NESN's Keagan Stiefel explored that situation in his latest mock draft, having them trade down to No. 7 with the Jets so the AFC East rival can draft their next quarterback in Shadeur Sanders, while the Patriots select the best tight end of the incoming class, Tyler Warren, out of Penn State. He then has the Patriots trade back into the first round to get their starting left tackle at No. 26 by selecting Ohio State's Josh Simmons.
Although the tight end position isn't considered one of massive need, especially to take a first-round prospect, if the goal is to give Maye the best offense possible, it's hard to argue against giving him a player like Warren while also getting a left tackle later in the first round.
During his 2024 season, Warren impressed, recording 104 receptions for 1,230 yards and eight touchdowns, solidifying himself as the top tight end of the 2025 class. Because the Patriots already have a group led by Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, they don't necessarily need Warren. But if they want to build a solid tight end room for the future, drafting him when they can wouldn't be a bad idea.
It would certainly not be a well-received pick initially, mainly because of who they'd pass on, like Campbell. But if they manage to trade back in and get their left tackle, then fans will be far happier than if that didn't happen.