Analyst Wonders If Patriots Could Pull This ‘Shocker’ In NFL Draft

Those around the league think they know what the Patriots will do.

Given the likelihood Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter will be off the board, coupled by New England’s need along the offensive line, just about everyone thinks Mike Vrabel’s team will draft an offensive tackle at fourth overall. But what if they don’t?

NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline said that would be “a shocker.”

“Moving back to the pass-rusher front, sources believe that if the Patriots pull a shocker and move away from selecting on of the offensive tackles with the fourth selection, it will be for a pass rusher,” Pauline wrote. “They (Sources) point to offseason desires to trade for Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett.”

Vrabel said the Patriots will draft the best player available at No. 4, rather than drafting for need. That sentiment, perhaps pre-draft gamesmanship, theoretically keeps the door open on New England drafting someone like edge rusher Jalon Walker.

Walker is widely considered one of the best prospects in the class, perhaps even on a line higher than offensive tackles Will Campbell or Armand Membou.