Why Patriots Trading No. 4 Pick Might Be Their Best Option

The New England Patriots will be on the clock in exactly one month with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

It’s a selection that will have franchise-altering ramifications as the Patriots can’t afford to let this top-tier selection go to waste. It will be undoubtedly be a difficult decision for the franchise, especially with their being no clear-cut candidate to take at that spot.

It’s why George Balekji advocated on NESN’s “Boston Has Entered The Chat” podcast on Monday for the Patriots to trade back in the draft if a certain situation presents itself.

“I think if Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter aren’t there, you trade back no matter what,” Balekji said. “You have your pick of the litter: Will Campbell, Armand Membou or let’s say Josh Simmons at four, if they want to go left tackle. But you trade back and you stay within the top 10, you should still get one of those three.”

The Patriots might have a hard time finding a team that wants to jump to the fourth spot, though. The New York Jets and New Orleans Saints are possible trade partners, and would keep the Patriots in the top 10 at either No. 7 or No. 9, respectively.

Trading back does make sense for the Patriots, especially given the questions marks surrounding Campbell. It would help the Patriots obtain more draft capital to facilitate their rebuild and, as pointed out by Balekji, still be able to fill a huge void by selecting their left tackle of the future.

But pulling off a trade of that magnitude is always easier said than done.

You can watch all episodes of “Boston Has Entered The Chat” on YouTube and Spotify.