The New England Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, and it will be interesting to see how much impact he has on the team’s choice with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
This pick is crucial for the team, and considering the numerous roster weaknesses the Patriots need to address during the offseason, they could target several positions in the first round. The most pressing needs are wide receiver, offensive line, and edge rusher.
Vrabel was asked during his press conference about filling the roster gaps, and he immediately pointed to the offensive line.
“Certainly, you look at the teams that are able to protect the quarterback and dictate the flow of the game offensively, making sure that up front we’re sound, we’re strong, whether that’s through free agency or the draft, that’s something that’s critical,” Vrabel said.
“The D-linemen, they’re getting better every year. They’re getting more disruptive. They’re getting bigger, more powerful. So as they try to disrupt our quarterback, we have to have some things that counterbalance that.”
The two best left tackles in the 2025 draft class are Will Campbell from LSU and Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas.
Banks’ team, the Longhorns, ended their season last week with a College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Ohio State. However, Banks performed well against Ohio State’s strong defensive line. He played 47 pass block snaps and allowed just one pressure, earning a high 86.4 pass block grade from Pro Football Focus. In December, Banks won both the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award.
The Patriots could also consider selecting an edge rusher like Abdul Carter from Penn State with the No. 4 pick. Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter could also be an option if he drops to No. 4.
However, selecting a left tackle would make a lot of sense for the Patriots, as it is their top priority.
Here are some predictions from recent expert mock drafts about who the Patriots should consider in Round 1:
Jordan Reid, ESPN: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
“The offensive tackle class isn’t strong in 2025, but the Patriots must find a way to protect quarterback Drake Maye, who was sacked 34 times in 13 games this season. New England’s 8.2% sacks-per-dropback rate was the sixth highest in the league.
Banks is clearly the best tackle in the class, and he has given up only one sack this season. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder is a strong, quick-footed prospect who can be an immediate starter at left tackle.”
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
“The Patriots ruined their shot at the No. 1 pick with a Week 18 win Sunday — and then fired head coach Jerod Mayo as soon as that game ended. It might not actually matter in the end, though, because Hunter looks like New England’s best fit anyway. He’s the best player in the draft regardless of position, so this would be a steal.”
Mike Renner, CBS Sports: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“Beggers can’t be choosers, and the Patriots’ left tackle need is enough to lean Will Campbell with this pick. He was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Tigers, although some see him kicking inside to guard at the next level. Campbell is accomplished enough on the blindside that I’m keeping him there until proven otherwise.”
Danny Kelly, The Ringer: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“The Patriots beat the Bills in Week 18, which meant they lost the chance to get the first pick, but they don’t need a quarterback, so they still have a chance to get a top player. Campbell could significantly improve New England’s weak offensive line. He has the footwork and athleticism to play left tackle, but also the strength and build to play guard. He gives the Patriots flexibility to protect Drake Maye in 2025.”
Nate Tice/Charles McDonald, Yahoo! Sports: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
“With a new head coach and quarterback in 2025, the Patriots could really use a new wide receiver to help start the new phase of the team. McMillan has the size, speed, and skills to become a top option for QB Drake Maye and whoever is coaching the team next season.”
Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
“The Patriots have needs at wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter can play either position and is the best player available. This makes the choice easy.”
Brad Crawford, 24/7 Sports: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
“It looks like either Will Campbell or Kelvin Banks from Texas will be the first offensive tackle off the board, according to 247Sports draft analyst Blake Brockermeyer. Before Campbell’s final season at LSU, Brockermeyer wrote about the offensive tackle’s strengths.
‘With excellent technique as a pass protector, Campbell does a nice job of getting to the right spot and squaring his shoulders,’ Brockermeyer said. ‘He generally uses a two-hand punch, which can be a problem if done too often, but Campbell typically stops his opponents and has great footwork to recover if he’s slightly beaten.'”
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
“The Patriots had the fewest sacks in the NFL under their former defensive-minded coach Jerod Mayo. Carter was dominant in the CFP, excelling at pass rushing and stopping runs, and he would be a great pick for the Mike Vrabel era.”
