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Patriots Boost the Trenches in Latest Mock Draft

In Daniel Jeremiah's first mock draft, he has the Patriots taking Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

By Jovan Alford

Jan 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Mike Vrabel addresses media at a press conference to announce his hiring as the head coach of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Jan 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Mike Vrabel addresses media at a press conference to announce his hiring as the head coach of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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After another four-win season, the New England Patriots are back picking inside the top 5 of the 2025 NFL Draft. There was a thought the Patriots would have the first overall pick, but they beat the Buffalo Bills in Week 18.

That said, New England is still in a great spot at the top of the NFL draft. Since they do not need a quarterback, the Patriots can use the No. 4 overall pick to address the offensive and defensive lines or get a wide receiver.

New England’s offensive line struggled in pass protection this season, while their defense failed to get any pressure, ranking dead-last in sacks (28). 

In Daniel Jeremiah’s first mock draft on NFL.com, Jeremiah has the Patriots getting Maye some help on the offensive line, with the selection of Will Campbell. Campbell is considered one of the best linemen in this year’s draft class.

"The Patriots must help Drake Maye on the offensive line. I see Campbell as a safe, steady player who is still improving," Jeremiah said.

This season, the rookie quarterback was sacked 34 times, which includes five games with at least four sacks. That said, Maye must be upright in the pocket for the Patriots’ offense to move the ball and be successful.

New England had Demontrey Jacobs and Vederian Lowe starting at left and right tackles this season. Neither Jacobs nor Lowe was great in pass protection, making offensive tackle a must for the Patriots to address in the draft.

The 26-year-old Jacobs allowed nine sacks and was penalized 11 times. He had a horrific 38.4 overall grade on PFF and a 43.1 pass block grade (ranked 121st among 141 tackles). 

As for the 25-year-old Lowe, he allowed five sacks and was penalized 13 times. Lowe was a better pass blocker (66.9 grade) than Jacobs but struggled in run blocking (45.8 grade – ranked 132nd among 141 qualified tackles).

We are still a few months away from the 2025 NFL Draft, but one thing for sure is that the Pats need to address the trenches to be competitive in the AFC East.

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