NFL Analyst Shares Draft Intel About Patriots’ First-Round Pick

As Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer, it feels like reality is starting to set in for the Patriots.

For some time, New England was speculated to be in a position to select one of arguably the two best players in the class. But in wake of free agency and other developments, Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter both are expected to be off the board when the Patriots make their first pick at fourth overall.

In that event, ESPN’s Mike Reiss believes New England should consider trading back. But if the Patriots stand pat, they could address a major need.

“We’ve been told to expect a ‘best player available’ approach from the Patriots at No. 4, as scouts have been saying that New England would be happy with either Hunter or Carter should they be available,” ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote. “But what if they aren’t? Keep an eye on offensive tackle Armand Membou (Missouri). The Patriots have done a lot of work on him, so Membou could be in play early.”

Membou very well could turn into a great NFL offensive lineman, but New England taking him at No. 4 would be a bit of a surprise. Will Campbell arguably is the best tackle prospect in the class, and head coach Mike Vrabel clearly isn’t concerned about the LSU product’s polarizing arm length.

Time will tell how the Patriots end up utilizing their top selection. But it’s starting to feel like, one way or another, the No. 4 overall pick will yield support for quarterback Drake Maye.