The New England Patriots may have found their quarterback for the future.
They also gave him a solid WR1 in Stefon Diggs.
Now, it’s all about keeping Drake Maye safe.
That’s why Jeremy Fowler of ESPN firmly expects them to take LSU standout OT Will Campbell with the No. 4 selection.
That’s, of course, assuming that Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter are no longer there:
“Several industry sources believe the Patriots have an affection for LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell. Assuming Hunter and Carter are off the board, Campbell would represent a safe pick for New England at No. 4, and word is new coach Mike Vrabel is high on him. Campbell would provide New England the chance to reestablish its identity across the offensive line for quarterback Drake Maye,” Fowler wrote.
New Patriots coach Mike Vrabel knows that good teams win in the trenches, and given how much the offensive line underperformed last season, it would make sense to add a solid blocker like Campbell.
On the downside, Campbell’s arm length – or lack thereof – has drawn some doubts about how he might fare against the NFL’s bigger and stronger defensive linemen, and they believe he might be better off moving to guard as opposed to tackle.
Nevertheless, his record in college is pretty immaculate, and even if he were to move to guard, he would still be worthy of such a lofty selection.
The Patriots need to give Maye some time and room to operate and pull the strings of the offense.
Needless to say, this wouldn’t be the sexy or flashy pick, but it’s the one they need to make.
Unless they somehow stumble upon a generational prospect like Hunter or Carter, or someone makes them an offer they just can’t refuse to trade back from No. 4, adding a player with Campbell’s skills and proven track record will be the wisest and safest bet for GM Eliot Wolf.
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