In the months leading to the 2025 NFL Draft, there have been a handful of players connected to the Patriots for the No. 4 pick, most of whom address major needs on the current roster. For much of that time, the focus has primarily been on CB/WR Travis Hunter, an explosive option for offense and defense, which makes him an even more desirable prospect to select.
However, the most updated intel makes it almost certain that Hunter will be off the board by the time the Patriots are on the clock, so the focus has shifted to LSU left tackle Will Campbell.
Despite filling a major need on the offensive line to ultimately help Drake Maye, the excitement over Campbell hasn't been nearly as much as the potential of adding Hunter to the locker room. That's generally expected given their difference in position, but the questions regarding Campbell's size and performance have made it more difficult for fans to alter their mindset about the value he would bring to the offense.
Regardless, all signs point to Mike Vrabel and Co. being infatuated with the left tackle, especially since their vocalized priority is to enrich the offense around Maye for the 2025 season. Adding Campbell to that lineup looks like a near guarantee heading into the first round. So much so that the current rumor claims the quarterback already knows Campbell is the pick.
NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay hints at Drake Maye already knowing the Patriots' first-round pick
While it's still a guessing game until the selection is announced, the latest intel from draft analyst Todd McShay states that the Patriots are all-in on Campbell at No. 4, and Maye already knows that he will be their first-round pick.
"Campbell might not be this high on many other teams’ boards, but New England’s ranking is all that matters. New head coach Mike Vrabel fell in love with Campbell after meeting him multiple times during the draft process. Campbell’s recall and football intelligence sold Vrabel on making him the leader of the Patriots' OL room. There’s even a report that Drake Maye knows Campbell is the pick."
It's not entirely surprising if the rumor is true, considering Maye is expected to be New England's franchise quarterback, and their first-round pick, Campbell, significantly boosts the offense for the upcoming season. The offensive line was a consistent problem during his rookie season, so addressing that glaring need early will dramatically change their output this fall.
There's even the possibility that Maye was involved in the conversations about the pick, even if he isn't the ultimate decider of who it should or shouldn't be. With a new coaching staff in Foxboro and a collaborative process reportedly taking place behind the scenes, involving the quarterback doesn't sound like a half-bad idea, especially if he is their priority this offseason.