Six Patriots Thoughts About NFL Draft Expert’s Prospect Rankings

Relevant information surfaces in a variety of ways during the pre-draft process.

One way is prospect rankings, especially from NFL draft experts like The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Brugler published an updated version ranking his top 100 prospects Tuesday, and there are plenty of Patriots-related nuggets.

Here are six Patriots thoughts from the rankings:

Strength of the class is good news
It’s a good draft to need defensive line help, which the Patriots do. “Not enough spots to include all the (defensive linemen),” Brugler posted on X. Nearly a third of the top 100 are D-linemen. Seventeen of Brugler’s top 100 are edge rushers, with 10 in the top 50. There are 13 defensive tackles to go along with those edge rushers. Three of the top four prospects in the class — Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter (No. 2), Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker (No. 3) and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham (No. 4) — would add pass-rushing prowess to the Patriots. The depth helps with the Patriots having four top-80 picks.

Top tackle solidified with other risers, fallers
LSU’s Will Campbell remains the top offensive lineman with Brugler ranking him No. 6.

“If I were running an NFL team, I’d be keeping him at tackle until I have a reason to move him inside to guard,” Brugler wrote, referencing the narrative Campbell isn’t long enough to play offensive tackle.

He’s 6-foot-6 and 319 pounds. While Campbell has stayed put throughout the pre-draft process, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks has slipped a bit. He previously was thought to be in the running for the top tackle. Brugler ranked the 6-foot-4, 325-pound Banks the No. 22 prospect in the class. Not bad, obviously. But it’s worth noting Missouri’s Armand Membou (No. 8) and Ohio State’s Josh Simmons (No. 17) each ranked higher.

Second-round tackle options
Campbell is the most likely option if the Patriots go tackle at No. 4. If they don’t, Brugler’s rankings indicate a few offensive tackles who could be on the board late first- early second-round. Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr., a 6-foot-4, 313-pound offensive tackle who stood out at the Senior Bowl, ranked 31st in the top 100. Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson (6-4, 320 pounds) isn’t far behind at No. 34. The Patriots are slated to pick 38th, though a pair of third-rounders could allow them to trade up. In total, there are seven offensive tackles in Brugler’s top 50 and nine in the top 100.

Second- and third-round receivers to remember
If the Patriots address the trenches with their No. 4 pick, top receiver prospects like Hunter, Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan (No. 7), Missouri’s Luther Burden III (No. 20) and Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka (No. 24) likely will be off the board by the time they’re back on the clock. Brugler’s rankings provide some second- and third-round options, though, with New England also holding picks Nos. 38, 69 and 77. Second-round options could include Texas’ Matthew Golden (No. 27), Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins (No. 48), Utah State’s Jalen Royals (No. 58) while third-round possibilities include Ole Miss’ Tre Harris (No. 68), Iowa State’s Jaylen Noel (No. 72), TCU’s Jack Bech (No. 74) and Oregon’s Tez Johnson (No. 89).

QB rankings aren’t cause for optimism
The Patriots would greatly benefit from three quarterbacks being selected with the first three picks, but that’s not going to happen. At this point, they should be thrilled if two were taken in the top three, meaning either Hunter or Carter would be available at No. 4. Hunter and Carter are viewed as legitimate blue-chip prospects in the class. Brugler’s ranking, however, causes that thought to take a hit. Cam Ward (No. 15 overall) was ranked as the top QB followed by Shedeur Sanders (No. 25), Jaxson Dart (No. 57), Tyler Shough (No. 59), Jalen Milroe (No. 61), Will Howard (No. 84). Could the Browns or Giants draft Sanders? Sure. It’s a premier position and we’ve seen how teams operate. But if those teams also have 24 players higher on their big board, perhaps things get dicey.

Expert’s preference for Travis Hunter
Another one of the top draft experts, NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah, believes Hunter should play wide receiver. Brugler feels the opposite. He ranked Hunter as the top prospect in the class and labeled him a cornerback. “He doesn’t have the top spot just because he can play both ways — that is more of a bonus,” Brugler wrote. “His athleticism, length and ball instincts are why he’s here, and those traits give him a sky-high ceiling at cornerback.”

The Patriots might prefer Hunter to play wide receiver given they have more of a glaring need at that position.