The Patriots' most glaring needs before the 2025 draft are wide receiver and left tackle. In 2024, they botched filling the wide receiver position and neglected the left tackle altogether, which helped consign the team to the bottom of the AFC East.
In 2025, new Head Coach and de facto GM, Mike Vrabel, dramatically strengthened his defense. He also added two receiver upgrades in free agency, Stefon Diggs, a No. 1 receiver, and Mack Hollins, a solid 2B-type and red-zone target. Yet, Vrabel neglected to add any free-agent left tackles. Now, his only realistic opportunity to add to the position is through the draft.
He'll neglect to do so at his peril. Expectations are high that he won't repeat the folly of the 2024 offseason. So, expect two incoming left tackles in the draft. Let's look at the four top draft options he should consider.
4 Patriots' left tackle options in the 2025 NFL draft
Will Campbell, LSU
The best option in the draft who may be available at pick No. 4 is LSU's big left tackle, Will Campbell. Since getting Campbell in a trade down may be iffy, one option is to just take him at pick No. 4. The 6'6", 316-pound Campbell is the best available. He should start at left tackle from Day One. When you invest in a fourth pick overall, he starts.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) rates Campbell as their top tackle and sixth-best player overall in the draft. Here's how they summarize his skills,
"Campbell is an offensive lineman's offensive lineman. He approaches the position with excellent respect for what it takes to be great in the trenches: fundamentals, IQ and competitive toughness. His length and flexibility limitations might push him inside in the NFL, but this is a starting-caliber player at all five spots on the line."
Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
On Day Two, it will likely take the Patriots' second-round pick, No. 38, to land Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery, a 6'6", 331-pound left tackle. This choice is unlikely but not entirely out of the question, even if the Patriots have already selected Campbell.
Vrabel needs multiple left tackles. If he does so with his first two Patriots picks ever, the grade would be A++. If not, and they only take Ersery in the second round, they'll still have their starting left tackle in 2025.
nfl.com says this about the Golden Gophers' left tackle in their Overview of the player,
"Three-year starter at left tackle with good power. Ersery is not a natural bender, which creates disadvantages with leverage and when attempting to mirror moving fronts. He’s well-versed in Minnesota’s outside zone attack, but might be more consistent in power, inside zone and hat-on-hat matchups. He’s huge, but he sets with good quickness to the rush, using his length and hand strength to gather it or lock it out..."
Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
Another tackle rising in the draft is Oregon's left tackle, Josh Conerly Jr. Conerly, like Campbell and Ersery, plays left tackle. He'd like Ersery would require the Patriots' second-round pick, No. 38. He's PFF's sixth-rated tackle in the draft.
While a bit undersized at 6'4" and 315 pounds, Conerly is a seasoned left tackle who'll also likely step right into the Patriots' starting lineup if he's the first tackle selected by Vrabel. If Campbell is on board, he'll slot in as the team's top swing tackle.
nfl.com talks about the 6'5", 311-pound former Ducks' star in their Overview,
"Two-year starter whose in-season improvement and performance against Penn State’s Abdul Carter make it easier to project his future. Conerly is proportionally built but lacks ideal play strength. He strains at the point of attack but needs to get his hips and hands synced to improve as a finisher. He moves easily in space and gets to his angles to help spring the run..."
Anthony Belton, NC State
The final left tackle highlighted is NC State's Anthony Belton. Belton may be available later on Day Two or even Day Three. The 6'6", 336-pound Belton would be a tremendous third-round addition after taking a starting tackle earlier. Belton has great height, long arms, and huge hands. Length can't be taught.
nfl.com provides an Overview of the Wolfpack's big tackle,
"Belton is an enormous tackle with good power and long arms. He can bulldoze the roads clean for running backs but needs to play with better hand placement to sustain his early lead..."
Those are four left tackles available who'd be solid additions to the Patriots' offensive line. If they can land two, they'd have gone a long way toward remedying their deficiencies at the second-most-important position on the team.