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Patriots Finally Replace Terrible Starter in Latest First-Round Mock Draft

The New England Patriots address the glaring hole on the offensive side of the ball in The Athletic's latest mock draft.

By Cem Yolbulan

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs (75) blocks Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Demontrey Jacobs (75) blocks Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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The New England Patriots are 3-10 for the season as they enter their bye week before playing out their final four games of the season. At this point, it's clear that the Patriots will have a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. How high that selection will be will depend on how the last month of the season plays out.

The best outcome for the Patriots for the final stretch is that they play fun and competitive games while ensuring that they don't win and hurt their chances of a top-three pick.

Pats fans have already started evaluating the draft prospects to see who fits their team the best. Understandably, most of the focus has been on the offensive side of the ball. The Patriots desperately need to surround Drake Maye with more talent.

The offensive line, which has been a disaster all season, seems like the obvious choice for upgrades through the draft. In fact, The Athletic's Dane Brugler has the Patriots selecting LSU's Will Campbell with the no. 4 overall pick in his latest mock draft.

"Despite having average arm length, Campbell moves with fluidity and strength throughout his frame and projects as an immediate NFL starter at tackle, guard or even center."

- Dane Brugler, The Athletic

While acknowledging the need for an elite wide receiver, Brugler identified the offensive line as an area where the Patriots could use their top pick. Campbell, as the only offensive lineman in the top ten of the mock draft, is the consensus best OL in the class.

As Brugler points out, Campbell has a chance to start immediately along the offensive line. The Patriots need help at the tackle, guard, and center spots, but the most obvious replacement will be right tackle Demontrey Jacobs.

Jacobs has started in nine games for the Patriots this season and currently ranks as the worst offensive tackle in the league, per PFF. He has allowed eight sacks and five QB hits while committing eight penalties, receiving a miserable 39.9 grade on PFF.

Regardless of what the offensive line looks like, having Campbell instead of Jacobs will go a long way in keeping Maye upright going forward.

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