NFL Draft Guru Believes ‘All Signs Point To’ Patriots Making This Pick

Todd McShay is leaning a certain way as he and his fellow NFL draft prognosticators try to figure out what the Patriots will do with their top pick.

McShay joined 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Zolak & Bertrand” on Wednesday and raved about Will Campbell, arguably the best offensive lineman in the 2025 class. Not only does the veteran draft analyst believe Campbell will excel on the field at football’s highest level, but he also sees the LSU product instantly establishing himself as a leader upon turning pro.

While Campbell might stand under the “can’t miss” prospect umbrella, McShay has a hunch the 21-year-old will land with New England due to a combination of talent, position and need.

“When you’re picking in the top 10, you obviously want to get an elite player,” McShay said, as transcribed by NBC Sports Boston. “And there are two guys at the top in Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter that are the elite of the elite. And then there’s some other guys at non-premium positions. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State running back. Tyler Warren, Penn State tight end. Mason Graham, defensive tackle from Michigan. But the next notch of players, he’s (Campbell) right there at or near the top, and he’s at a premium position. It just so happens that that premium position is critically important for the New England Patriots.

“So I’m not saying that’s definitively the pick, but all signs kind of point towards Mike Vrabel knowing he needs that O-line room leader and a guy that he can count on. They can’t afford to whiff on this pick, and probably can’t afford to take a player maybe that has a slightly higher grade and a position that’s not a premium position in terms of value.”

Vrabel seems to be very high on Campbell and certainly isn’t turned off by the highly touted prospect’s polarizing arm length. The Patriots’ new head coach believes Campbell is completely capable of being a legitimate NFL left tackle — something New England desperately needs.

Of course, the Patriots’ scope at No. 4 overall will be shaped by how the first three picks in the draft shake out. But if Carter and Hunter both are off the board when New England goes on the clock, don’t be surprised if Vrabel and company put Campbell’s name on their first card.