Mel Kiper Jr. Projects Patriots Pick After NFL Mock Draft Shake-Up

The New England Patriots began their offseason program this week, and draft analysts changed their tune about what they’ll do with the No. 4 pick.

One prediction analysts agree on is that the Tennessee Titans will take quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick. What the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants do with the second and third picks, respectively, is up in the air two weeks ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released a new mock draft Tuesday and made a shake-up from his post-free agency mock draft. Kiper had Travis Hunter going to the Browns and Abdul Carter to the Giants. That left Will Campbell for the Patriots.

“With Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter unavailable, the Patriots could listen to trade offers in case a quarterback-needy team wanted to jump on Shedeur Sanders. I’m not projecting trades here, but even if I were, there’s a good chance New England might just stand pat and take Campbell,” Kiper wrote. “The Patriots allowed pressure on a league-worst 39.4% of their dropbacks last season, and Drake Maye is entering his first full season as the starting quarterback. They have to be better in pass protection.”

“Campbell would slide in at left tackle. I’m not overly worried about his 32⅝-inch arms; he plays longer than that. Campbell can land a quick first punch and use his great overall technique and agility to keep pass rushers at bay. He has 38 games of experience, and pairing him with new right tackle Morgan Moses would buy Maye more time in the pocket.”

Left tackle is one of New England’s biggest needs. While Kiper doesn’t believe Campbell’s arms will be a problem, other analysts and evaluators aren’t so sure. It seems like head coach Mike Vrabel is high on the LSU product, but Armand Membou would be another offensive tackle option for the Patriots to consider.

Kiper also predicted Round 2 selections, and the top draft analyst had New England selecting wide receiver Luther Burden with the No. 38 pick to add more wide receiver depth.

Things could change once teams are on the clock, but it does seem like the Patriots won’t have the opportunity to draft either Hunter or Carter at No. 4 overall.