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[New England Patriots]

#PostPulpit Mailbag: What to do if Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are gone?

Photo by CFP/Getty Images

The latest edition of our Patriots mailbag answers questions about the upcoming NFL draft.

We are almost there. The NFL Draft is officially less than two weeks away as the New England Patriots host their final 30 visits to and put together their draft boards.

So let’s talk all things draft and get right into this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag.

It looks like Ward, Hunter, and Carter will be drafted 1-2-3 leaving Shedeur Sanders available at #4. Do you see a robust trade market for that #4 pick should it line up that way? - coolbeanz

If both the Browns and Giants pass on Sanders, I’m not sure how other teams would feel about moving up for him. But it only takes one team to like the player. Both the Raiders (No. 6) and Saints (No. 9) held Sanders on pre-draft visits and have a long-term need at the position. As did the Steelers (No. 21), although falling that far back in the first round may rule them out.

I’d take a serious look at both Las Vegas and New Orleans if they’re interested — where you could pick up an extra Day 2 selection and a later pick swap or future selection next year. New England has held recent visits with players like Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart, who project to be fringe top-10 selections. They could be putting together their board in that range in case the opportunity to slide back presents itself.

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Two part question:

If Hunter’s gone before 1 (4) and no trade down materializes, do you see the Pats as a lock to go for OT and if not, who do you consider the viable alternatives? - wrw921

I would say OT — either Will Campbell or Armand Membou — is the heavy favorite with no Hunter or Carter available but would not lock them into that selection. If they go elsewhere, I’d look at Georgia’s Jalon Walker. It’s easy to see why there are fans of his in the building as he’s a versatile defender with plenty of juice and pass rush upside — who also is praised for his leadership abilities.

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If the Pats select Carter or Hunter at #4, do you believe they’ll be forced to trade back into R1 to select the best available OT? - DennyLemaster23

Assuming one of Hunter or Carter falls to No. 4 and are the pick, the expectation is New England would add an offensive tackle of Day 2. They would not be “forced” to trade back into Round 1 as the board could work in the favor — especially if a third and fourth quarterback slip into the back half of the first round.

But, they can not miss the run on tackles like they did last year which saw five come off the board within 15 selections before New England took Caedan Wallace atop the third round. If they need to be aggressive to assure they land a Josh Simmons, Josh Conerly Jr., or Aireontae Ersery in the late 20s or early 30s instead of at 38, they should absolutely do so.

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Bigger need for DL: OLB/speed rusher or DE/edge setter with pass rushing ability? - Spyponder90

Outside of Walker and Carter, New England’s meetings with players along the edge have been centered around prospects with more size. That included Shemar Stewart (267 pounds), Mykel Williams (267), Nic Scourton (257), and Femi Oladejo (261).

It’s also noteworthy that outside linebacker coach Mike Smith has a previous history of working with larger pass rushers — perhaps adding some more context as the type of player they ideally want along the edge.

“You look at the history of the guys that I have coached,” Smith said last week, “you think of the Rashawn Gary’s and the Zadarius Smith, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, and Danielle Hunter’s. I like big rushers. I like big athletic rushers.

When specifically asked about the 250-pound Carter later on, Smith did acknowledge that “these guys are starting to get smaller… It’s something you gotta adapt to.”

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Would you trade #4 and one of our 3rd RD picks for Joe Alt? He’d be the BPA and fill a need if he were in this year’s draft. Not sure the Bolts would go for it but it would be interesting to dangle the offer in front of them. - NewEnglandWhalers

I probably would. If Joe Alt was in this draft he’d be the easy pick at No. 4 overall. I’d give up one of the two third-round picks to make that happen and fill their biggest position of need with a prospect of his caliber.

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Outside of LT, are there any positions you would want to see targeted by the Patriots in this draft? - Sportzballer

Everything (except really quarterback and outside corner). But in this draft specifically, I hope they hit on running back, tight end, and defensive line. There’s a lot of good players at all those spots which should result in some good value.

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Isn’t Safety a sneaky need for Patriots? Xavier Watts seems like a perfect fit. - HB47

Safety feels like more of a long-term need rather than immediate. Jabrill Peppers remains on the roster. Marte Mapu, Dell Pettus, and Jaylin Hawkins return. Marcus Epps was added in free agency. And the team will hope a healthy Kyle Dugger can return to his old form as next offseason is when they can easily move off of his contract.

If they were to take a safety I would look more on Day 3 where Watts would probably be off the board. Texas’ Andrew Mukuba and Virginia’s Jonas Sanker could be fits based off the skillset they are looking for.

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Given the importance of TE on winning teams- think Kelsey, Kittle, Gronk, etc etc why don’t teams target TE in the top 5 of the draft? - PatriotsGlory

Outside of a rare prospect like Brock Bowers, the biggest thing with tight ends is that the position usually takes multiple years to develop in the NFL based on how different the usage is from the college game. Just look at the players taken at the position in the first round over the last 10-plus years: Eric Ebron (10th overall), O.J. Howard (19th), Evan Engram (23rd), David Njoku (29th), Hayden Hurst (25th), T.J. Hockenson (8th), Noah Want (20th), Kyle Pitts (4th), Dalton Kincaid (25th).

For the players who turned into contributors on this list, it took multiple years (and often a team change) to begin making a serious impact. There is the occasional Bower or Sam LaPorta (34th overall in 2023), but it is a risky position to target that high in the draft.

If New England was to take a chance early in this year’s class, I would prefer Colston Loveland (my TE1) in a potential trade up if he slides into the 20s.

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Which wide receiver in the draft, likely to be available in the 2nd or 3rd round, do you think has the most potential to be a chain mover? I’m looking for clutch hands, durable, gets open quickly, gets yards after the catch. I see so many articles fixating on long speed, but the receiver is wafer thin and often injured, or “contested catch ability” which seems like code for “cannot separate.”

Where is the guy you most want to go to on third-and-eight? - WannaBePatsGM

You are looking for Emeka Egbuka, my friend, although he should be a first-rounder and absolutely will be a top-40 pick. On Day 2, I’d nominate TCU’s Jack Bech. He’s quicker than fast, physical (a former tight end), will make the first man miss and had just four drops over his collegiate career. Bech did struggle with injuries at times, but he fits the bill of the qualities you’re searching for.

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I always liked LeGarrette Blount, 6’/247lbs. He’s not everyone’s favorite, but, it seems the Pats really miss that big back with explosion. Someone that can tire out a defense. At least used in tandem with a leaner partner.

The Pats currently have Jennings/217lbs, Stevenson/227lbs and Gibson/228lbs. Vrabel had Derrick Henry in Tenn, who is also a big back, 6’2”/247lbs. With RB a need and the success Henry had under Vrabel...if Mike was to lean towards a heavier back which ones may be a good fit for the Pats? - PatsHowYouDoIt

There aren’t many backs built like Blount or Henry these days. In fact, just four enter the draft weighing in over 240 pounds. If you’re looking for a more physical runner outside of Round 1, Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins is the top option with Miami’s Damien Martinez a personal favorite bruiser in the third or fourth round.

Ollie Gordon (Oklahoma St.) has an upright running style reminiscent of Henry but saw his stock drop after a disappointing season and Combine. Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter was also one of the most efficient runners inside the tackles and has a physical play style despite being 5’9”, 204 pounds.

When discussing the back that New England will draft, though, I can’t escape Robert Kraft’s comments at the league meetings about adding a “speed back.” Someone like Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson or Texas’ Jaydon Blue — both of whom had pre-draft contact with the team — in the third or fourth rounds make a lot more sense than a bruiser.

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So, if this is what they call the NFL silly season, where you can’t trust any of the rumors you hear, is there any chance that all the things the Pats are saying about Campbell’s arm length just don’t matter as he isn’t their preferred choice, but are making people think he is to drive up the price of a prospective trade back? - Loiosh

Absolutely could be part of their play here. I like to think back to Bill Belichick’s comments on The Pat McAfee Show last year where he noted that the true draft leaks do not start until about 12 hours before the first round; and that everything that is out in the press now is mostly from agents. Only two more weeks.

That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/11/24405564/patriots-mailbag-trade-rumors-first-round-nfl-draft

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft profile: Will Campbell is a top-tier prospect, short arms be damned

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

The LSU product is arguably the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft.

The New England Patriots had to use a variety of left tackles during the 2024 season, but none of them proved themselves worthy of being long-term options at what is a premium position in the game. While two of them — Vederian Lowe and Caedan Wallace — remain in the mix as of now, the team trying to upgrade early in the draft is expected to happen.

If so, LSU’s Will Campbell might be the player to watch. He is a polarizing prospect whose NFL position remains unclear at the moment, but there is no denying he would be an immediate upgrade over what the Patriots have available on the left side of their line.

Hard facts​

Name: Will Campbell

Position: Offensive tackle

School: LSU

Opening day age: 21 (1/6/2004)

Measurements: 6’5 7/8”, 319 lbs, 77 3/8” wingspan, 32 5/8” arm length, 9 1/2” hand size, 4.98s 40-yard dash, 32” vertical jump, 9’5” broad jump, 9.91 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

Colleges: LSU (2022-24)

Career statistics: 38 games (38 starts) | 2,553 offensive snaps, 222 special teams snaps | 49 pressures surrendered (4 sacks, 13 hits, 32 hurries) | 15 penalties

Accolades: Consensus All-American (2024), Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2024), First-team All-SEC (2023, 2024), Second-team All-SEC (2022), Freshman All-American (2022), Freshman All-SEC (2022)

As a freshman at Neville High School in his hometown of Monroe, LA, Campbell already played on the varsity team and never looked back. He led the school to four straight district titles and was an All-America selection as a senior. As a four-star recruit, he decided to stay close to home and joined LSU over offers from several powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Georgia and Texas.

Campbell immediately was inserted into the Tigers’ starting lineup and over the next three years started all 38 games he appeared in. Before opting out of LSU’s bowl game to cap off his junior season and college career, he missed only one game due to an illness. He received All-SEC recognition in each of his three seasons in Baton Rouge and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy honoring the SEC’s best lineman in 2024.

Campbell decided to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the draft. He participated in the NFL Scouting Combine and had a 30 visit with the Patriots.

Draft profile​

Expected round: 1 (top 10) | Consensus big board: No. 6 | Patriots meeting: 30 visit

Strengths: Except for one much-discussed red flag — more on that in a second — Campbell has everything you are looking for in an offensive tackle and top 10 draft pick. He has the proper height and weight to make the transition to the NFL, and combines it with an outstanding athletic skillset. While usually not a descriptor used for players at his position, his movements on the field are nothing short of graceful for an offensive tackle.

LT Will Campbell in pass pro vs Shemar Stewart pic.twitter.com/m7oQvz58Hu

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 25, 2025​

His agility and body control allow him to stay balanced and in control both as a pull blocker in the run game or when going against pass rushers; there are no wasted movements in his kick slide. He combines those moving skills with a sharp processor, and reacts properly and quickly to line games while also being able to identify targets and take correct angles in the run game. He also plays the game with the proper power and has a nasty finish as a run blocker; his grip strength is impressive and he generally places his hands quickly and effectively to get the literal upper hand in 1-on-1 situations.

LT Will Campbell in pass pro vs Kyle Kennard pic.twitter.com/FWxOZNovHd

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 25, 2025​

Besides his on-field abilities, Campbell also managed to quickly establish himself as a team leader at LSU. By only his second season he was named a team captain, an honor he held in Year 3 as well, and he became the first lineman in school history to be awarded the No. 7 given to the best playmaker on the team from the state of Louisiana (he wore it as a badge rather than his jersey number to comply with SEC number rules).

LT Will Campbell blocking downhill pic.twitter.com/xCbRO5NRrc

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) March 25, 2025​

Weaknesses: We have to start with the elephant in the room: Campbell’s size, specifically his lack of arm length and wingspan. There is no sugarcoating it, either; he is a complete outlier when it comes to tackle prospects in those two categories. Using the Mockdraftable database, which goes back to 1999, he ranks in the 7 percentile for offensive tackle prospects in arm length and in the 0 percentile in wingspan.

He managed to work around those shortcomings in the SEC, but the NFL is a different beast with defenders better suited to exploit them. His margin of error at the pro level will therefore be slimmer than for other OT prospects, and his technique, anchor, footwork and pad level will need to be on point in order for him to live up to his expected draft status. That was not always the case even in college, though: at times, Campbell came a bit high out of his stance, found himself out-leveraged, or gave too much space on his inside shoulder.

Another problem with Campbell is his tendency to be penalized. After getting flagged once as a freshman and five times as a sophomore, he was responsible for nine penalties during his 2024 junior campaign. Most of those were mental lapses — seven of his nine in 2024 were for false starts — but he needs to clean up this area of his game at the next level.

Patriots preview​

What would be his role? That is the $43.7 million (i.e. what the fourth overall pick’s contract will be worth) question. The Patriots are, in a way, in a good position when it comes to looking for an answer, though: neither their left tackle nor their left guard spot currently appear to be set, which means that they could just add Campbell to the mix and see where he fits best based on the other pieces around him. He projects as a Day 1 starter at both tackle and guard.

What is his growth potential? Still only 21 years old, Campbell has plenty of room for growth despite already offering a high floor. Once he gets used to NFL play strength and shores up the inconsistencies in his technique, he has the potential to become one of the best linemen in the league regardless of position. His ceiling might be higher at guard than tackle, but he could become a Pro Bowl-caliber option at either spot.

Does he have positional versatility? Of his 2,553 offensive snaps at LSU, all but three came at the left tackle position. His versatility therefore is limited, and yet Campbell could be a candidate to kick inside and move from tackle to guard at the next level. That transition is not uncommon; four-time Super Bowl champion and ex-Patriot Joe Thuney made the same move upon entering the league in 2016 and quickly became one of the best guards in the NFL. Campbell does offer some added versatility as far as his work on the field goal and extra point protection units are concerned.

Why the Patriots? The general uncertainty on the left side of their offensive line is the obvious reason why the Patriots might be interested in Campbell early in the first round of the draft. He is arguably the top lineman available and would instantly upgrade the entire unit no matter where he ends up playing. In addition, he is an A-plus locker room presence and potential future team captain who could serve as a leader along the O-line for years to come.

Why not the Patriots? The questions about Campbell’s length and NFL position might be legitimate concerns and potential deal-breakers for New England. Spending the fourth overall pick in him might therefore be too rich an investment for the franchise.

One-sentence verdict: Campbell is a bit of a “love him or hate him” prospect at the moment, but make no mistake: he is a top-tier prospect worthy of being drafted early on Day 1.

What do you think about Will Campbell as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...get-will-campbell-lsu-profile-scouting-report

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft rumors tracker: News, reports, whispers, gossip, and more

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The NFL Draft is fast approaching, and here is a collection of what is being talked about.

The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, which means that the rumor mill is also working overtime. While a lot of the chatter surrounding teams and prospects at this time of the year will turn out to be either a smokescreen or misinformation, it also can give us an early idea in which direction the draft might go.

The New England Patriots, who currently own the fourth overall selection, are right in the middle of this process. What will happen with the first three picks will directly impact their own, while they themselves have numerous directions they could go on Day 1.

With that said, we have set up this Patriots Draft Rumors Tracker so you do not get lost within the information, whispers, and gossip swirling around. As always, the newest entries are added at the top. Please make sure to bookmark and regularly revisit in order to stay up to date.

Patriots draft news and rumors tracker​

The Patriots “have been telling people [Will] Campbell is their guy, as he’s more of a pure left tackle.” | Source

Penn State standout edge and projected top 4 pick Abdul Carter will visit New England on Monday, April 14. | Source

Georgia edge Jalon Walker “has recently been a hot name” linked to the Patriots in the first round. | Source

The Patriots have done “a lot of work” on Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou. | Source

Speedy wide receiver prospect KeAndre Lambert-Smith out of Auburn is visiting Gillette Stadium. | Source

Georgia’s Mykel Williams, one of the top edges in this year’s draft, is taking a pre-draft visit with the Patriots. | Source

The signs are pointing toward the Browns going after WR/CB Travis Hunter with the second overall pick in the draft. | Source

Another Texas A&M edge, projected first-round pick Shemar Stewart, is taking a 30 visit with the Patriots. | Source

Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden was the Patriots’ lone representative at Travis Hunter’s workout at Colorado. | Source

Florida State interior defensive lineman Joshua Farmer is the latest player to visit Foxboro. | Source

Projected top 10 draft pick Mason Graham out of Michigan is taking a pre-draft visit to New England. | Source

Neither the Browns nor Giants are trending toward picking a quarterback at No. 2 and 3. | Source

Texas A&M edge and fringe first-rounder Nic Scourton is visiting New England. | Source

The Patriots are entering the month of April with nine reported players on their list of 30 visits. | Source

LSU offensive tackle and projected top 10 draft pick Will Campbell “has fans” within the Patriots organization. | Source

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...draft-rumors-tracker-news-whispers-gossip-nfl

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft profile: Jayden Higgins has the makings of a starting X-receiver

Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images

The Iowa State product projects as a second-round selection in this year’s draft.

The New England Patriots did spend some of their vast free agency resources at wide receiver, bringing in veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins to bolster a group that largely underperformed in 2024. They may not be done adding players to the mix, though.

With the draft coming up, the Patriots very much appear to be in the market for more receiver help. If that is indeed the case, there are several suitable players available including one of the most athletically-intriguing wideouts available: projected Day 2 pick Jayden Higgins out of Iowa State.

Hard facts​

Name: Jayden Higgins

Position: Wide receiver

School: Iowa State

Opening day age: 22 (12/15/2002)

Measurements: 6’4 1/8”, 214 lbs, 80” wingspan, 33 1/8” arm length, 9 1/8” hand size, 4.47s 40-yard dash, 7.05s 3-cone drill, 4.28s short shuttle, 39” vertical jump, 10’8” broad jump, 16 bench press reps, 9.63 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

Colleges: Eastern Kentucky (2021-22), Iowa State (2023-24)

Career statistics: 48 games (41 starts) | 2,431 defensive snaps, 13 special teams snaps | 350 targets, 227 catches (64.9%), 3,317 receiving yards, 28 TDs | 7 drops (2%), 1 fumble

Accolades: Third-team All-American (2024), Second-team All-Big 12 (2024), Honorable mention All-Big 12 (2023), First-team All-ASUN (2022)

Playing both football and basketball during his high school career in the Miami metro area, Higgins generated little buzz as a two-star recruit. He ended up joining Eastern Kentucky, where he spent two seasons and caught 87 passes for 1,151 yards and 13 touchdowns in 22 games with 18 starts. His success with the Colonels prompted him to enter the transfer portal in hopes of finally getting some love from FBS schools.

That did indeed happen, and he ended up choosing Iowa State over other offers including Minnesota, Northwestern or Troy. Over his two years at the school, Higgins started 23 of his 26 games and was on the receiving end of 140 passes that he took for 2,166 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Draft profile​

Expected round: 2 | Consensus big board: No. 49 | Patriots meeting: Senior Bowl

Strengths: You look at Jayden Higgins, you see an NFL outside receiver. Standing at over 6-foot-4 (94 percentile) with an 80-inch wingspan (91 percentile), he has the size and length teams are looking for. He combines it with an intriguing skillset that should translate well to the next level.

Higgins may not be the most explosive player out of his stance, but his build-up speed, long stride and efficient movements allow him to cover vast stretches of the field in a hurry. He combines all that with active feet, which in turn enable him to run routes the way they are supposed to be run and to experiment with different releases and fakes to increase his chances of getting open; even if he does not create yards of separation, though, Higgins has shown he can bring in the ball no problem.

Jayden Higgins on vertical targets pic.twitter.com/SwwqpIICDd

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 1, 2025​

Higgins offers some impressive body control. This does not only show up in his routes, but also in his ability to win at the catch point. He turns around quickly and locates the ball well, and has the ability and physicality to make just about every catch an NFL-caliber wideout is expected to make: back-shoulder, jump ball, you name it — Higgins’ combination of size and catch radius, concentration and natural hands make for an attractive receiving option regardless of situation, call or coverage.

Jayden Higgins moving chains and scoring points pic.twitter.com/ZL2ZtmVR1n

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 1, 2025​

While mostly used as a perimeter target in college, Higgins also has some experience lining up in the slot. He additionally is a competitive blocker in the run game who offers the necessary tenacity to sustain blocks beyond initial contact.

Weaknesses: Higgins is not the most explosive player out of his stance and his 61-percentile 40 time suggests he will not be an every-down vertical field stretcher. His fairly average acceleration and quickness also mean that Higgins will not shake free from press-man cornerbacks easily, and has to rely on his still-developing release package to win. In general, there have been times he has been moved off his routes by physical coverage.

He also is not the most dangerous player with the ball in his hands, averaging only 4.5 yards after catch over the course of his college career. Some of it has to do with his work on the boundary, which eliminates one side to gain extra yards, but his short-area quickness also makes him not particularly well-suited to break tackles on the regular. He forced only 33 missed tackles on 227 career catches.

Patriots preview​

What would be his role? A big-bodied wide receiver with a proven track record of winning contested catches, Higgins has the makings of a starting X-receiver at the next level. He would play just that role in New England as well, competing with the likes of Mack Hollins and Javon Baker for top-level reps from early on in his career.

What is his growth potential? Higgins has some limitations, but he is still a player on the up who offers long-term potential as a perimeter receiver. Once he becomes more experienced in how to apply his physical skills to his advantage against pro-level competition, he can be a three-down presence on the outside of an offense.

Does he have positional versatility? As noted above, Higgins was mostly used as a perimeter target in college but also was moved to the slot on occasion (83-17 split). His usage in the NFL would likely be similar. The same is true for his special teams role, which was effectively non-existent at both Eastern Kentucky and Iowa State.

Why the Patriots? By now you probably know that the Patriots have room for improvement at the X-receiver spot. Higgins is one of several players in this year’s draft who could help out in that regard, but when it comes to overall body of work — skillset plus college usage plus production — he looks like a cleaner projection than the likes of fellow second-tier WR prospects such as Tre Harris, Elic Ayomanor or Dont’e Thornton Jr.

Why not the Patriots? Higgins’ lack of elite deep speed and YAC ability might not be what the Patriots are looking for within their new-look offense. Additionally, the board might fall in a way that will prevent him from coming to New England: the 38th overall pick might simply be spent on another position, with the three wideouts mentioned above — Harris, Ayomanor, Thornton Jr. — preferable targets later on Day 2 or early on Day 3.

One-sentence verdict: Given his sure hands, length, and ability to win contested catches, Higgins would be a quarterback-friendly addition to the Patriots’ offense.

What do you think about Jayden Higgins as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...en-higgins-iowa-state-profile-scouting-report

 

[New England Patriots]

Sunday Patriots Notes: Trading down from No. 4 easier said than done

Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Notes and thoughts on the Patriots’ draft position, their new O-line coach, offsesaon workouts, and more.

With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, the entire league is entering crunch time. Draft boards need to be finalized, targets identified, and trade talk intensified. Even though actual news are relatively sparse at this time in the league calendar, there is still a lot going on behind the scenes leading up to the big event.

Naturally, our focus this week has been on the draft first and foremost. To clean out the notebook from that and other stories that have emerged, please enjoy the latest edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.

Trading down from No. 4 easier said than done​

Owners of the fourth overall selection in the draft, the Patriots are in a good position to add some much-needed talent to their roster. With the chances of blue-chip prospects Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter falling to them not looking particularly good at the moment, however, they might actually be more interested in trading the pick rather than making a selection.

There are several factors playing into such a decision, starting first and foremost with the players on the board. Are Will Campbell, or Armand Membou, or Jalen Walker, or Mason Graham, or Tetairoa McMillan really worth pick No. 4? If the Patriots do not think so, a trade appears to be a realistic option.

“If somebody has an offer for us, I think we’d be willing to listen,” said head coach Mike Vrabel recently.

However, it takes two to tango. And while trading down from No. 4 might be a good idea in theory, the reality of such a move might not be quite as attractive. For starters, the obvious question becomes who to trade with. These are either teams very high on certain prospects and/or looking for an opportunity to jump a potential run on consensus QB2, Shedeur Sanders.

In the latter case, which is easier identifiable than the first, three potential trade partners stand out. The Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6, the New York Jets at No. 7, and the New Orleans Saints at No. 9. All three are in the market for QB help, and having the Patriots as willing sellers might prompt them to give up assets to move up the board.

What such a trade would look like is anybody’s guess, because there is not a lot of precedent to work from: since the introduction of the salary cap era in 1994, the pick has been involved in a draft day trade down only two times:

• 2003: Chicago Bears trade 1-4 to New York Jets for 1-13, 1-22, and 4-116
• 2014: Cleveland Browns trade 1-4 to Buffalo Bills for 1-9, 4-115, plus a 2015 1st

That second package seems like the best blueprint given that neither the Raiders, Jets nor Saints, nor any other team, currently owns more than one first-round pick in this year’s draft. For the Patriots, adding an extra first-rounder next year from teams set to play with a rookie quarterback might have some appeal: that pick very well could come early in 2026, increasing New England’s portfolio next year by quite a bit.

At the end of the day, though, it all comes back to the prospects and how teams evaluate them. If the Patriots think one of Campbell, Membou, Walker, Graham, McMillan, etc. is worth the fourth pick, they won’t move. Likewise, if the Raiders, Jets or Saints do not believe in Sanders being a player worth moving up for, they won’t move either.

What all of this shows is that there are plenty of factors involved in such a decision, and that willingness to trade might not necessarily result in a trade actually happening.

Patriots work out kicking prospect​

While 30 visits grab most of the headlines this close to the draft, there are other pre-draft meetings taking place as well. One of those happened recently involving a position that is a bit of an under-the-radar need relative to the big ones such as left tackle, wide receiver or defensive edge: place kicker.

According to an interview with the Draft Network, Florida State kicker Ryan Fitzgerald had a private workout with the Patriots.

“I’ve had a few team interviews. I just had my first private workout with the New England Patriots, and I have more of them in the works with the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens,” he said. “I’ve been excited to show these teams what I can do. We’ll see what comes of it.”

A projected late-round pick, Fitzgerald made 94.1 percent of his field goals over the last two seasons. He also was a perfect 72-of-72 on extra points over that span. With New England expected to add some competition to a group currently consisting only of John Parker Romo, Fitzgerald looks like a potential target — one the team has shown some interest in.

Offseason workouts about establishing culture​

The Patriots returned to Gillette Stadium on Monday, kicking off the voluntary portion of their offseason workout program. The focus lies on strength and conditioning at this point in the process, but as free agency signing Garrett Bradbury pointed out there is more to be gained.

“A lot has been culture so far. It’s establishing a standard, an expectation. And we can take it a little slower. We’re not diving into the plays. We’re talking terminology, verbiage, expectations,” the veteran center said.

“We’ll get into the nitty-gritty details of it later, but right now it’s just trying to learn everything from the base up. We have plenty of meeting time over the next couple of months.”

For Bradbury, one important part of the offseason workouts — a though that was later also mentioned by tight end Hunter Henry — is building camaraderie with his teammates. After six years with the Minnesota Vikings, he knows only a handful of the players and coaches he will be working with in 2025.

“That’s what these months are for: it’s building camaraderie, building connections, being on the golf course, going bowling, going to a movie, getting dinner,” he explained. “That stuff actually goes a long way because it’s a long season, there’s ups and downs. If you feel like you’re in it by yourself, it’s going to be an even longer season.”

Garrett Bradbury already a fan of Doug Marrone​

Speaking of Bradbury, he also touched on his new position coaches during his media availability on Thursday. Doug Marrone, who was hired by new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel this offseason, will work with the offensive line this year alongside assistants Robert Kugler and Jason Houghtaling.

“I love former players as coaches. So, he played in this league for a while, he’s coached in this league forever,” Bradbury said. “From my perspective they have a different understanding. The coach speak, they can sometimes be, like, ‘Listen, I know I’m telling you to do this, but you have to get it done this way, this way or this way.’ He’s another guy where it’s a new system for him and he spent the last couple months learning it. He’s had a million systems. So, he can kind of understand how he wants to install it to us.

“He likes interactive meetings, which I love. There’s quizzes thrown out. There’s, ‘Hey, what do you have on this? What do you have on this?’ And, we have two assistants in the O-line room. That’s new to me, which is awesome because you have three guys that will know the system like the back of their hands if I have questions, anything I need to know, bounce ideas off them.”

Marcus Jones focused on defense first​

Cornerback/wide receiver hybrid Travis Hunter is one of the biggest names in football right now, and a unique prospect entering this year’s draft. However, the Patriots have their own version of Hunter on their roster already: 2022 third-round pick Marcus Jones, who has played in all three phases of the game as well.

Will more of that be in the cards for Jones in 2025? That remains to be seen, but as he said this week, his focus is first and foremost on defense.

“Same question every single time,” he said. “If it happens, it happens, but my main thing is to learn the new defense and then kind of go from there.”

Jones’ offensive usage has fluctuated over the course of his three-year NFL career so far: he played 18 snaps as a wide receiver/running back/decoy as a rookie, followed by one in 2023 and five in 2024. In total, he has touched the ball five times for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Recovering Patriots present for offseason workouts​

Marcus Jones was one of 12 Patriots players to end the 2024 season on an injury-related reserve list. Of those 12, eight remain with the team; of those eight, six are confirmed attendees at voluntary workouts: besides Jones that list includes defensive tackle Christian Barmore, center Ben Brown, wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and JaQuae Jackson and safety Jabrill Peppers.

The only players not spotted from that group are center Jake Andrews and defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy. That does not mean they are not present, though, only that said presence has yet to be confirmed. We are leaning toward “in” when it comes to them being part of the mix as well.

Hunter Henry happy to see Austin Hooper back​

Arguably the Patriots’ most important free agent this offseason, veteran tight end Austin Hooper was retained on a one-year, $5 million contract before free agency. The move allows the team to have some stability at the position heading into 2025, and to keep its starting duo intact — something the other half of it, Hunter Henry, is quite happy about.

“I love Hoop,” he said this week. “Really enjoyed my time in the room with him, on the field. We communicate really well and we’re from the same draft class, same age. We’ve known each other for so long, to actually play with each other last year was such a joy. Excited to be able to build upon that next year.”

Henry led the Patriots in receptions (66), receiving yards (674) and ranked fourth in touchdowns (2) a year ago. Hooper, meanwhile, was a vital part of the team’s passing attack as well, finishing his first season in New England with a 45-476-3 stat-line.

Lack of experience stands out in QB room​

Following their trade of Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, the Patriots are in the market for a late-round addition to bolster their quarterback room. While such a pick would help address the issue of depth, it would not address the issue of experience: even with veteran Joshua Dobbs signed in free agency, the Patriots’ current QB group ranks as the fourth-least experienced in terms of in-game pass attempts.

Only the Minnesota Vikings’ (168), Pittsburgh Steelers’ (824) and Denver Broncos’ (865) quarterbacks have thrown fewer passes in the league than Drake Maye’s and Joshua Dobbs’ 887, according to research by drafthistory.com.

Hall of Fame decision should be quite easy​

The Patriots announced their finalists for induction into the team Hall of Fame this week, with wide receiver Julian Edelman, guard Logan Mankins and kicker Adam Vinatieri fighting for fans’ votes until later this month. Time will tell who emerges as the victor, but from this perspective there should be one easy-to-spot favorite: Adam Vinatieri, who kicked game-winning field goals in the Patriots’ first two Super Bowl wins, and helped set up the dynasty with an improbable 45-yarder in the 2001 divisional round against the Raiders.

Vinatieri was denied first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year. The same should not happen with the Patriots’ version.

Setting up the week ahead​

In a way, it is the quiet before the storm. The final week before the NFL Draft will see the Patriots fine-tune their draft board and bring prospects in for visits. Among them is Penn State edge Abdul Carter, who will be in Foxborough on Monday.

Additionally, the players already on the team are entering the second week of voluntary offseason workouts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/13/24407129/sunday-patriots-notes-nfl-draft-trade

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft profile: Mason Graham has game-wrecker potential along the defensive line

Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Scouting report for the Michigan defensive lineman, who projects as a top 10 selection in this year’s draft.

Signing the likes of Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga as free agents, and keeping Jeremiah Pharms Jr. on a two-year contract extension, the New England Patriots invested heavily in their defensive tackle rotation this offseason. Those three plus Christian Barmore and Keion White form the core of the position, and a pretty solid one at that.

On paper, the need to spend high-end draft resources to add to the group is miniscule. That does not mean the Patriots won’t consider the top interior defensive lineman available once they are on the clock at No. 4 overall.

Hard facts​

Name: Mason Graham

Position: Defensive tackle/Interior defensive line

School: Michigan

Opening day age: 22 (9/2/2003)

Measurements: 6’3 1/2”, 296 lbs, 78 1/2” wingspan, 32” arm length, 9 1/8” hand size, 24 bench press reps, N/A Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

Colleges: Michigan (2022-24)

Career statistics: 39 games (27 starts) | 1,293 defensive snaps, 104 special teams snaps | 107 tackles, 8 missed tackles (7%), 17 TFLs, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery | 76 quarterback pressures (9 sacks, 20 hits, 47 hurries) | 1 special teams tackle, 1 field goal block

Accolades: Consensus All-American (2024), First-team All-Big Ten (2023, 2024), Rose Bowl Defensive MVP (2023), Second-team All-American (2023), Freshman All-American (2022)

A multi-sport athlete growing up, Graham played both defensive and offensive line during his time at Servite High School in Anaheim, CA. He generated some early buzz as a four-star recruit, and initially committed to Boise State in July 2021. However, interest really took off early in his senior campaign and he ended up receiving several Power 5 offers — including from the University of Michigan, who managed to flip him.

Graham started two games as a true freshman before becoming a fixture along Michigan’s defensive line in his sophomore season. A first-team All-Big Ten selection both of his seasons as a starter, he was arguably the most disruptive and important defender on the Wolverines’ 2023 National Championship squad.

He decided to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. Graham was invited to the Scouting Combine, where he met with the Patriots’ staff; he also visited Gillette Stadium later in the process.

Draft profile​

Expected round: 1 (top 10) | Consensus big board: No. 5 | Patriots meeting: Combine + 30 visit

Strengths: Despite not standing out from a size perspective, Graham was a menace along the Wolverines’ defensive line who showed steady improvement each of his three seasons in Ann Arbor. His compact build gives him a natural leverage advantage over offensive linemen, and he has shown the knows how to make the most out of it; Graham rarely gets squared up as a pass rusher and run defender, keeping his pad level low and his hands active to power through single blocks.

Mason Graham winning with power as a pass rusher pic.twitter.com/IQhGlmciDg

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) February 18, 2025​

Graham is a nimble athlete, who is lightning-quick out of his stance and capable to keep his feet driving through contact (and in turn dent the pocket up the middle). He also moves well laterally, which allows him to be a factor on line games and allows him to line up all over the defensive line; he is best suited as either a 3- or 4i-technique but also is comfortable aligning on the nose or as a 5-tech over the tackle’s outside shoulder.

Mason Graham pass rushing vs OTs pic.twitter.com/RrdSrqEH40

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) February 18, 2025​

Graham’s versatility as a pass rusher extends to the run game as well. He is an instant processor who is not easily fooled by misdirection concepts, as well as a capable stack-and-shed blocker. He has a stout anchor, but also offers the quickness to shoot gaps or exploit angles against zone schemes. Adding to that is a motor that seemingly never runs cold; Graham turns it on as soon as the ball is snapped and never turns it off until the final whistle even when playing a high number of snaps.

Mason Graham's natural leverage, stout anchor, and instant processing popping vs run pic.twitter.com/r8y5QezZXa

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) February 18, 2025​

Weaknesses: Graham knew how to work around it in college, but he does lack elite size at the defensive tackle position. His height falls into the 60 percentile for interior defensive linemen entering the draft since 1999, while all of his other metrics — weight (26), wingspan (25), arm length (12), hand size (7) — are well below average in the Mockdraftable database.

Besides his size, Graham has been up and down versus double blocks and at times caught not keeping his feet below him leading to balance issues. He also does not have the most proficient toolbox as a pass rusher, and could benefit from a better attack plan.

Patriots preview​

What would be his role? Graham projects as a starter-level interior defensive lineman, capable of playing multiple techniques up front against both the run and the pass. He spent most of his college career as a 3-technique, and has the skillset to become a three-down contributor early in his career.

What is his growth potential? Entering the NFL with only 1,293 defensive snaps on his college résumé, Graham should become even better at play recognition and a more nuanced pass rusher with more experience. His floor is already very high, but his ceiling is what makes him a likely top 10 pick in the draft: Graham has All-Pro potential and could be an anchor along the New England defensive line for years to come.

Does he have positional versatility? No matter how you look at it, Graham is a fairly versatile defender. He can be used against the run and the pass, play multiple techniques along the defensive line, and be a factor in the kicking game. There is not much more you can ask from a defensive tackle.

Why the Patriots? Adding Graham to a unit already featuring the likes of Christian Barmore, Milton Williams and Keion White would give New England one of the most disruptive interior defensive lines in the game. Opposing offenses trying to figure out who to block 1-on-1 among those four would be a sight to see, and in turn help make up for potential shortcoming elsewhere on defense.

Why not the Patriots? Adding Graham to a unit already featuring the likes of Christian Barmore, Milton Williams and Keion White would be a luxury. Sure, the game-wrecking potential is obvious but the needs at other positions such as left tackle or outside wide receiver loom large compared to the interior D-line.

One-sentence verdict: The idea of the Patriots rolling out a Graham-Barmore-Williams-White front is enticing, even though it would mean relying on the second tier of prospects to fill the left tackle need.

What do you think about Mason Graham as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...mason-graham-michigan-profile-scouting-report

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft profile: Jeffrey Bassa fits what New England wants to do on defense

Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Scouting report for the Oregon linebacker, who projects to be selected as early as Day 2.

Now being led by Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams, the New England Patriots are in the process of overhauling their defense. The off-ball linebacker group is a prominent part of that.

Besides releasing longtime captain Ja’Whaun Bentley and 2024 signing Sione Takitaki, the Patriots also added Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens in free agency. They might not be done either: the draft offers some intriguing options to add young talent to the room, with Oregon’s Jeffrey Bassa among the potential fits.

Hard facts​

Name: Jeffrey Bassa

Position: Off-the-ball linebacker

School: Oregon

Opening day age: 22 (9/20/2002)

Measurements: 6’1 1/8”, 232 lbs, 78 3/4” wingspan, 31 3/8” arm length, 9 1/4” hand size, 4.63s 40-yard dash, 7.34s 3-cone drill, 38 1/2” vertical jump, 9’10” broad jump, 21 bench press reps, 6.83 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

Colleges: Oregon (2021-24)

Career statistics: 55 games (43 starts) | 2,391 defensive snaps, 441 special teams snaps | 236 tackles, 37 missed tackles (13.6%), 14.5 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles | 62 quarterback pressures (4.5 sacks, 13 hits, 44 hurries) | 114 targets, 98 catches surrendered (86%), 958 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, 1 pick-six | 6 special teams tackles, 2 missed tackles (25%)

Accolades: Second-team All-Pac 12 (2023), Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP (2023), Honorable mention All-Big Ten (2024)

A two-year team captain, who played on both offense and defense during his time at Kearns High School in his Utah hometown, Bassa was a four-star recruit as a safety coming out. He picked up scholarship offers from multiple Power 5 schools before eventually deciding to take his college to Oregon. While he entered the school as a safety, he began moving to linebacker during his freshman season.

Bassa ended up starting 43 games during his four-year career with the Ducks and was named to two all-conference teams. He was invited to the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine after the conclusion of his college career, and met with the Patriots’ representatives at the Oregon pro day.

Draft profile​

Expected round: 3-4 | Consensus big board: No. 133 | Patriots meeting: Pro Day

Strengths: What he lacks in overall stature, Bassa makes up for in range, movement skills and mentality. A team leader at Oregon, where he as responsible for making on-field calls and handling pre-snap adjustments, he brought the proper amount of violence to his role as a starter-level off-ball linebacker. A feisty player willing to punch above his weight, his athleticism and background as a safety show up primarily in coverage.

LB Jeffrey Bassa in coverage vs Ohio State pic.twitter.com/btdYDD5bD6

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) February 22, 2025​

Bassa is at home operating in space and moves particularly well on a lateral plane. He does not look uncomfortable dropping into deep zones or following tight ends or running backs in 1-on-1 coverage. He plays with fluid hips and combines them with the buildup speed to track down ball carriers from the backside or exploit greases in wide zone concepts. He takes no prisoners when attacking downhill and has shown the ability to get home as a second-level blitzer.

LB Jeffrey Bassa in run defense vs Ohio State (regular season) pic.twitter.com/Pvk14dLNfR

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) February 22, 2025​

Bassa also is an experienced special teams performer. In his four seasons at Oregon, he saw action on five units (kickoff return and coverage, punt return and coverage, field goal/extra point block). While his contributions in the game’s third phase decreased after he took on a bigger defensive role for the Ducks, he should have no problem jumping right back in at the next level.

Weaknesses: Even though he has four years of experience under his belt, Bassa is still a developing player especially versus the run. His instincts and gap recognition are quite raw, while he sometimes comes in too hot and overshoots his targets. He is not particularly well-suited to stack and shed blockers due to his unremarkable build, and he finds himself lost in traffic at times.

LB Jeffrey Bassa in run defense vs Ashton Jeanty + a blitz rep pic.twitter.com/PJGVOq8YVI

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) February 22, 2025​

Despite his safety background, Bassa also needs to become more consistent and disciplined versus the pass. He sometimes stays too focused on reading the quarterback, losing track of his position relative to what the coverage dictates; he also is hit-or-miss when blitzing and his slack of size makes him an easier player to pick up.

Patriots preview​

What would be his role? Bassa projects as an off-ball linebacker in a similar mold as current Patriot Christian Elliss. He is best suited to work in the passing game and on special teams early on in his career, while continuing to develop his instincts as a run defender. In New England, he would compete against Elliss, Jack Gibbens and Monty Rice for package snaps behind starting LB Robert Spillane.

What is his growth potential? While he does have some physical limitations, Bassa also has some issues stemming from his lack of experience as a linebacker. As mentioned above, his run defense in particular leaves some to be desired. If he can better his play recognition and overall instincts, he offers definitive three-down value. He also has the makings of a future team captain.

Does he have positional versatility? Even though he moved up to the line and into the slot at times, Bassa is an off-ball linebacker through and through. Within that role, however, he has shown himself a versatile player capable of playing an extensive defensive role — with all the responsibilities that entails — and also helping out on special teams.

Why the Patriots? Bassa fits what New England’s new coaching staff is trying to do both on and off the field. He is a smaller player the the linebacker position and makes up for it by moving very well on the second level of the defense. Adding him to the mix would give the Patriots a promising player with four years of financially-manageable team control.

Why not the Patriots? After already signing the aforementioned Christian Elliss to a two-year contract extension, the Patriots might not want to add to their linebacker group until later in the draft or rookie free agency. In general, Bassa’s profile and projected use overlaps quite a bit with Elliss — making it even more clear he would be more of a luxury item than a clear need.

One-sentence verdict: Bassa is a fun player to watch at the heart of the Oregon defense, and despite his problems is trending in a direction the Patriots might feel positive about.

What do you think about Jeffrey Bassa as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...-jeffrey-bassa-oregon-profile-scouting-report

 

[New England Patriots]

New England Patriots links 4/15/25 - Prospect profiles and best fits at No. 4

Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images

Daily news and links for Tuesday.

TEAM TALK

• Patriots 2025 Mock Draft Tracker.
• Evan Lazar’s Analysis: Breaking down WR/CB Travis Hunter as a potential Patriots draft target.
• Mike Dussault reports former Patriots TE Don Hasselbeck has died at age 70, leaving a lasting legacy.
• Mike Dussault and Evan Lazar review the film and college careers of the top 50 prospects in their 2025 NFL Draft Big Boards. (11 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Chad Finn ranks the Pats’ potential first-round picks in order of preference.
• Doug Kyed thumbnails 10 potential Patriots tight end draft picks.
• Alex Barth’s Patriots Draft Preview 2025: Safeties
• Mark Daniels makes the case for the Patriots taking Michigan DT Mason Graham at No 4.
• Karen Guregian wonders if Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, an elite play-making prospect, might he be on the Patriots radar at No. 4.
• Keagan Stiefel’s Patriots Draft Profile: Matthew Golden is best wideout in class. ‘Yes, better than Tet McMillan.’
• Taylor Kyles shares his latest Patriots 7-round mock draft: The Jalon Walker scenario.
• Karen Guregian takes another stab at a 7-round Patriots mock draft. “Rumor has it, Abdul Carter’s draft stock is dropping. Or is it?” Pats pick LSU OT Will Campbell at No. 4.
• Adam London relays Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates projecting the Pats’ first four picks in a new mock draft that would address big needs in New England. Pats pick LSU OT Will Campbell at No. 4.
• Conor Roche considers 10 potential Day 2 picks that could make sense for Patriots. The Pats have three picks between Rounds 2 and 3.
• Nick O’Malley notes the Patriots hosted Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan on an official visit this weekend - a prospect who received criticism for once saying he doesn’t like to watch film — or football at all.
• Nick O’Malley notes how the Dolphins suddenly are trying to trade superstar CB Jalen Ramsey. Out of nowhere.
• Nick O’Malley mentions Bill Belichick’s girlfriend Jordon Hudson is entering the 2025 Miss Maine USA pageant.
• Pats Procrastination podcast: Clare and Chudders discuss their pre-draft arguments and Clare shares her tight endage homework. (38 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports) Patriots blew a shot at No. 1 overall pick, so what will they do at No. 4?
• Aaliyan Mohammed (Sporting News) Patriots predicted to acquire superstar RB in blockbuster trade with Saints.
• Albert Breer (SI) NFL Takeaways: Unlikely Shedeur Sanders goes No. 2 or 3 to the Browns or Giants; Plus, Kirk Cousins’s options after Joe Flacco signed in Cleveland, notes on Derek Carr, Aidan Hutchinson, a flawed draft class and more.
• Morgan Moriarty (Sporting News) When is the 2025 NFL Draft? Date, time, pick order, location, TV channels & updated mock drafts.
• Gilberto Manzano (SI) NFL draft dream scenarios for all 32 teams. Patriots dream scenario: Hunter falls to No. 4.
• Gilberto Manzano (SI) The best draft class for each NFL team. Patriots: 2000 - ‘Don’t overthink this one. It’s 2000 solely because of pick No. 199 in the sixth round.’
• Eric Edholm (NFL.com) Top 100 NFL draft prospects 2.0: Ranking the best players in the 2025 class.
• Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) NFL Draft 2025: Ranking the top prospects. Tight ends - Wide receivers.
• Grant Gordon (NFL.com) Giants, owners of No. 3 pick, to host Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders for private workout.
• Trevor Sikkema (PFF) 2025 NFL Draft Big Board: PFF’s top 345 prospects.
• Gennaro Filice (NFL.com) 2025 NFL mock draft 2.0: RB Ashton Jeanty goes top 5; Cowboys jump for Jalon Walker. Pats pick Michigan DT Mason Graham at No. 4.
• Jordan Plocher (PFF) 2025 NFL Mock Draft. Pats pick Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter at No. 4.
• Eric Edholm (NFL.com) Travis Hunter, Cam Ward among 17 prospects attending this year’s event.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...15-25-prospect-profiles-and-best-fits-at-no-4

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft profile: Willie Lampkin is a unique prospect along the offensive line

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Scouting report for the North Carolina lineman, who projects as a late-round selection in this year’s draft.

Even with some moves being made in free agency, the offensive line remains the biggest uncertainty on the New England Patriots’ roster. The most prominent problem is at left tackle, but the potential issues extend beyond that one gaping hole in the starting lineup: the Patriots also could benefit from increased competition elsewhere up front.

The draft will be a golden opportunity to add such competition, with several suitable targets available on all three days. Among them is one of the most unique linemen in recent memory, North Carolina’s Willie Lampkin.

Hard facts​

Name: Willie Lampkin

Position: Interior offensive line

School: North Carolina

Opening day age: 23 (1/22/2002)

Measurements: 5’10 6/8”, 279 lbs, 78 1/2” wingspan, 31 1/2” arm length, 10 1/8” hand size, 5.21s 40-yard dash, 4.7s short shuttle, 23 1/2” vertical jump, 8’8” broad jump, 18 bench press reps, 3.05 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

Colleges: Coastal Carolina (2020-22), North Carolina (2023-24)

Career statistics: 61 games (61 starts) | 4,122 offensive snaps, 2 special teams snaps | 43 pressures surrendered (3 sacks, 8 hits, 32 hurries) | 32 penalties

Accolades: Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2024), First-team All-ACC (2024), Third-team All-ACC (2023), First-team All-Sun Belt (2022), Second-team All-Sun Belt (2021, 2020) Freshman All-American (2020)

A two-way football player and state champion wrestler during his high school career, Lampkin was rated as a three-star offensive line recruit coming out of Lakeland. He decided to take his talents to Coastal Carolina over an offer from Appalachian State, and went on to start all 38 games he appeared in during three seasons with the Chanticleers.

Lampkin decided to enter the transfer portal following the 2022 season, moving one state north line to join the University of North Carolina. He picked up right where he left off, starting 23 games and being recognized as an All-ACC player in both of his seasons with the Tar Heels.

Draft profile​

Expected round: Day 3 | Consensus big board: No. 192 | Patriots meeting: N/A

Strengths: Despite measuring under 5-foot-11, Lampkin has proven himself a competitive blocker throughout his college career. How has he managed to do that? By maximizing his low center of gravity against taller opponents and using his natural leverage and wide base to drop a firm anchor. It also helps that he plays a technically proficient game that reflects his background in wrestling: he has good balance and a powerful initial punch as well as a strong grip.

Lampkin’s feet also deserve mention. He is quick out of his stance as both a guard and center — his versatility to play both spots is an added plus — and redirects well without using any wasted steps. Moving well laterally, he is able to mirror in pass protection, serve as a pull, reach or zone blocker, and react to stunts, twists or second-level blitzes. In addition, he offers tremendous experience and has been described as a leader at UNC.

Idc where he plays I just want Willie Lampkin on my team pic.twitter.com/cOqoeiOrC2

— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) March 18, 2025​

Weaknesses: We spoke about first-round prospect Will Campbell being an outlier based on some of his measurements, but Lampkin takes that conversation to another level. According to Mockdraftable, he is the shortest (5’10” 6/8) and fourth lightest (279 lbs) interior offensive lineman to enter the draft since 1999 and he also is well below average in terms of wingspan (78 1/2”) and arm length (31 1/2”).

All of that creates a razor-thin margin of error against NFL competition, which is better suited to exploit his shortcomings. He may be a technically sound prospect who moves well and plays with the right tenacity, but that can only take him so far if bigger or more powerful players are able to dictate their 1-on-1s due to his natural disadvantages.

Patriots preview​

What would be his role? Offering starter-level experience at all three interior positions, Lampkin should be able to play both center and guard in the NFL. His uptick in competition from the ACC to the NFL will be significant, though, which makes it likely that he will start his pro career as a backup who will have to work his way into the rotation. Given New England’s uncertainty at left guard and center in particular, however, he will have a chance to compete for starter reps as a rookie.

What is his growth potential? Assuming he starts his career as a backup, the next step up for him would be to enter the starting lineup. His build will make it difficult for him to get to that level, but he has shown an ability of beating the odds all throughout his career. In order to do that, he might have to add to his frame and make sure to maximize his time in the weight room to stand a chance against NFL competition. If he can do that, he could become a starter at some point.

Does he have positional versatility? Between his time at Coastal Carolina and UNC, Lampkin played 1,712 snaps at left guard, 1,473 at right guard, and 937 at center. Besides being able to line up everywhere along the interior O-line, he also might be a candidate to see snaps at fullback at the next level: he has the size and moving skills to make it work.

Why the Patriots? Lampkin appears to be a fit for the team in several aspects that go beyond the aforementioned need along the offensive line. He would be a culture addition on and off the field, who also brings some intriguing positional flexibility and a technical foundation worth building on.

Why not the Patriots? Once again, it all comes back to his size. If the Patriots consider him too small for what they want to do on offense, they will not have Lampkin on their draft board.

One-sentence verdict: Lampkin is not your typical offensive line prospect, but given that all Day 3 picks are dart throws to a degree there is an argument to be made for picking him.

What do you think about Willie Lampkin as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...et-willie-lampkin-unc-profile-scouting-report

 

[New England Patriots]

New England Patriots links 4/16/25 - Vrabel projects Dad-like assurance the Patriots are BACK

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Daily news and links for Wednesday

TEAM TALK

• Evan Lazar’s Analysis: Breaking down OT Will Campbell as a potential Patriots draft target.
• Evan Lazar gives us five takeaways from Mike Vrabel’s pre-draft press conference. 1. Vrabel discusses evaluating top prospect Abdul Carter (Penn State).
• Press Conference: Mike Vrabel (20 min. video)
• Patriots Unfiltered: Marcus Jones joins the crew in-studio. (11 min. video)
• Patriots Unfiltered: Marcus Jones in-studio, Mike Vrabel pre-draft presser, draft buzz. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mark Daniels highlights Mike Vrabel discussing the big goals for his first Patriots draft class.
• Jerry Thornton sees Mike Vrabel’s Pre-Draft presser as putting the world on notice that the days of the Patriots being a joke are OVER.
• Ian Logue posts the transcript of Mike Vrabel’s Tuesday presser.
• Mark Morse lays out four potential 2025 Patriots draft scenarios.
• Chris Mason wonders if the Patriots know who they’ll draft at No. 4 if Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are gone.
• Karen Guregian makes the case for the Patriots to draft Missouri OL Armand Membou at No. 4.
• Ian Logue considers if Membou might be the ‘mauler’ the Patriots need as their answer at Tackle.
• Karen Guregian mentions the speculation that Abdul Carter could be dropping down the board based on some me-first over team-first “character” concerns. Mike Vrabel says that wouldn’t necessarily rule him out.
• Mark Daniels profiles 5 left tackle prospects the Patriots could target next week.
• Alex Barth notes Mike Vrabel says he sees multiple starting tackles in this year’s draft class.
• Andrew Callahan thumbnails 8 potential Patriots cornerback draft picks.
• Phil Perry identifies the best defensive tackle fits for the Patriots in 2025 NFL Draft class.
• Lauren Campbell reports potential Patriots draft target Travis Hunter says he would rather walk away from football than only play 1 position.
• Nick O’Malley looks at how the Patriots may be affected by a chaotic QB draft class.
• Ian Logue explains how the Patriots avoided a potential franchise-altering setback by taking Drake Maye in 2024.
• Chris Mason notes Mike Vrabel channels his inner Belichick with his Stefon Diggs response: “I think he’s doing everything — like everybody else — he’s working hard and I think he’s excited about being here and being a Patriot. He’s a motivated player. He’s a hungry player, just like everybody else that’s here and that’s working.”
• Karen Guregian relays Mike Vrabel on the Joe Milton III trade : “We felt like his reps were going to be decreased as we worked through the offseason. We felt like, just like every other decision, we were going to do what’s best for the team, and that’s the decision we ultimately made. I’m excited to move forward with Drake and Josh.”
• Matt Dolloff’s Patriots Mock Draft 2.0: Trading up for a tackle. Pats pick Michigan DT Mason Graham at No. 4.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Ryan Phillips (SI) What time is the NFL Draft? Start times for every round.
• Chad Reuter (NFL.com) Five pivotal slots in Round 1 that could change the direction of the draft. Patriots included.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Top five 2025 NFL Draft prospects by position: Travis Hunter ranks No. 1 at WR and CB.
• Nate Tice and Charles McDonald (Yahoo! Sports) Consensus big board has Cam Ward at 8, Shedeur Sanders sneaking into top 40 and more intrigue.
• Kevin Patra (NFL.com) Travis Hunter: I’d rather quit football than only play one position.
• Adam Rank (NFL.com) 2025 NFL mock draft ... with a twist! What every team SHOULD do in Round 1. Patriots ‘should’ pick Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter at No. 4.
• Kyle Crabbs (The33rdTeam) 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-round projections for every team. Pats pick LSU Will Campbell at No. 4.
• Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Better-Than Team for 2025 NFL Draft: Prospects Prisco likes more than scouts do.
• Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (USA Today) 2025 draft sleepers: Which players could be gems after early rounds?
• Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports) Buyer beware on Jahdae Barron, Colston Loveland and these other top prospects.
• Ian Valentino (The33rdTeam) 5 players who should get traded during the draft. Pats included as trade partners.
• Chris Bumbaca (USA Today) ‘A moving target’: NFL front offices adapting to transfer portal, NIL era.
• Ryan McGrady & Douglas Clawson (CBS Sports) Why history suggests this year’s QB class will likely be a bust.
• Matt Verderame (SI) Biggest 2024 NFL draft misses include several linemen. Plus, the Patriots are still in dire need of receiver help after their second-round selection struggled with only 12 receptions.
• Matt Verderame (SI) Ultimate NFL mock draft: Best pick ever at each slot No. 1 to No. 224. Patriots included.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...ects-dad-like-assurance-the-patriots-are-back

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots draft profile: Kyle Williams is a big-play threat with the ball in his hands

Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images

Williams has been a riser through the draft process.

Entering the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have plenty of room for improvement at the wide receiver position. While the addition of Stefon Diggs may not force the Patriots hand at the position atop the draft, the group lacks young, high-upside talent to develop alongside second-year quarterback Drake Maye. In order to find that talent, they could turn to day two of the draft.

One of the targets to keep an eye on in that range is Washington State’s Kyle Williams, who has been one of the biggest risers through the draft process.

Hard facts​

Name: Kyle Williams

Position: Wide receiver

School: Washington State

Opening day age: 22 (11/13/2002)

Measurements: 5’10”, 190 pounds, 8 3/4” hand size, 30 1/8” arm length, 73” wingspan, 4.40 40-yard dash, 36 1/2” vertical jump, 9’ 11” board jump, 6.35 Relative Athletic Score

Experience​

Schools: UNLV (2020-22), Washington State (2023-24)

Career statistics: 50 games (50 starts) | 2,880 offensive snaps | 248 receptions, 3,608 receiving yards (14.5 yards/catch), 29 TDs

Accolades: Mountain West Freshman of the Year (2020), Freshman All-American (2020)

Williams began his football career as a quarterback where he spent the first two years of high school as a backup. Not being on the field, Willians transferred his junior year and won the starting job before being convinced to transfer again his senior season to play under his trainers’ son, Anton Clarkson.

It was Clarkson who then recommended Williams make the position switch to wide receiver, where he went on to play his senior season and draw college interest as an athlete. Williams eventually committed to UNLV to play under head coach Marcus Arroyo.

Arriving on campus in 2020, Williams started all six games of UNLV’s Covid-shortened season. He made an immediate impact as well, leading the team with 35 receptions and 426 yards en route to earning Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year.

Over the next two seasons Williams started all 19 games he played in and accumulated 82 receptions for 1,142 yards. Williams drew interest from several teams in the transfer portal but did not enter until UNLV fired Arroyo following the season. He then transferred to Washington State.

In his first season with the Cougars, Williams posted career-highs with 61 receptions for 842 yards and six scores. His play earned him a spot on the Biletnikoff Award watchlist for the best college wide receiver heading into the 2024 season, where he stayed at Washington State to play under head coach Jim Dickert.

Using his final year of eligibility due to Covid, Williams became one of the top receivers in college football hauling in 70 receptions for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns. He then accepted his invitation to the Senior Bowl.

Draft profile​

Expected round: 3 | Consensus big board: No. 90 | Patriots meeting: Senior Bowl + 30 visit

Strengths: Starting at the line of scrimmage, Williams has an explosive get off and a strong release package to beat press coverage. He’s a twitchy athlete who creates natural separation at all levels both snapping off routes and winning vertically with his long speed (4.40-second 40-yard dash).

Working vertically, Williams shows a strong knack of tracking the ball and was one of the biggest threats in college football on plays 20-plus yards downfield — ranking top-12 in receptions (14), receiving yards (454) and touchdowns (6) on such targets.

With the ball in his hands, Williams is a problem for opposing defenses as he’s a threat to take underneath routes and screens the distance. Among qualified receivers last year, Williams ranked top-20 in both missed tackles forced and yards after catch per reception — specifically finishing seventh averaging 16.2 YAC/REC on targets behind the line of scrimmage. He finished fourth among all FBS receivers with 590 total yards after the catch.

“Every time he touches the ball in the short space, he makes something happen,” Dickert said last season.

Kyle Williams is absolutely ELECTRIC

pic.twitter.com/uvgNMt5h8J

— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 28, 2024​

Weaknesses: Williams has just average size at the receiver position at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds which shows in his play strength as he can be rerouted at times due to physicality. He also missed five games over the 2021 and 2022 season due to injury and also hurt his hamstring at the NFL Combine.

Patriots preview​

What would be his role? Despite not bringing the size New England’s wide receiver room is missing, Williams brings the long speed and a threat with the ball in hands. That should allow him to factor into the equation quickly his rookie year where he’ll provide immediate big play ability and can be worked into the offense on designed touches.

What is his growth potential? While Williams was a five-year late breakout player in college, he still will be just 22 years old at the start of the year and has only played receiver since his senior year of high school. He has the upside to continue to grow into a legit secondary option in a passing attack.

Does he have positional versatility? Last season for the Cougars, Williams spent roughly 75 percent of his time as the X-receiver out wide. He should continued to be moved around the formation on offense and also saw nine rushing attempts last year for 57 yards. Williams did not, however, play special teams throughout his college tenure.

Why the Patriots? The Patriots continue to search for upgrades at wide receiver and Williams brings speed and an ability to make splash plays at numerous levels. His skillset projects to be used well by Josh McDaniels as he could become a strong pair with Drake Maye.

Why not the Patriots? New England could hunt for size early in the draft at the receiver position in hopes of finding a consistent option who can threaten outside the numbers. While Williams did primarily play outside in college, they could worry his average size and play strength issues will not allow that to continue. Additionally, Williams could come off the board early then expected leaving the Patriots without the option of selecting him.

One-sentence verdict: A competitive and athletic receiver, Williams’ big-play threat and potential in a passing attack make him a worthy day two selection.

What do you think about Kyle Williams as a potential Patriots target? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...iams-washington-state-profile-scouting-report

 

[New England Patriots]

James White set to announce Patriots’ Day 2 picks in NFL Draft

Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

The University of Wisconsin product will be on hand in Green Bay.

A three-time Super Bowl champion will be back in Wisconsin to lend a hand during the 2025 NFL draft.

Former New England Patriots running back James White is set to announce the organization’s Day 2 selections in Green Bay next Friday, April 25, the league announced.

White, 33, appeared in 105 games, including playoffs, during his Patriots tenure. He turned 355 carries into 1,424 yards and 440 catches into 3,784 yards dating back to his arrival in the fourth round of the 2014 class at No. 130 overall.

The franchise All-Decade selection amassed 44 touchdowns from scrimmage. He also became the first player in league history to find the end zone in overtime of a Super Bowl, accounting for 20 points altogether in the 28-3 comeback versus the Atlanta Falcons.

Over a stretch of six regular seasons, no running back around the NFL tallied more receptions, receiving yards or receiving touchdowns than White. The four-time Patriots captain retired in 2022 after suffering a right hip subluxation that required surgery. He was hired as the assistant running backs coach at the University of Illinois last month, marking a return to the Big Ten.

A total of 13 University of Wisconsin products are scheduled to announce picks for clubs on the second night of the NFL draft. Alongside White, the group of Badgers also includes his past backfield teammates in Melvin Gordon, who will be representing the Los Angeles Chargers, and Montee Ball, who will be representing the Denver Broncos.

Head coach Mike Vrabel’s Patriots war room currently holds the rights to a trio of selections on Day 2: No. 38 overall, No. 69 overall and No. 77 overall.

The process kicks off with the first round on Thursday, April 24, and concludes with the fourth round through the seventh round on Saturday, April 26.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...-announce-patriots-day-2-picks-2025-nfl-draft

 

[New England Patriots]

12 defensive line fits for the Patriots in the NFL Draft

Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Previewing this year’s defensive tackle and edge rusher classes ahead of the draft.

With only two weeks until the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots are in the process of putting the finishing touches on their board. What that board will look like is, of course, a closely-guarded secret. Based on the Patriots’ pre-draft interest, however, it seems likely that there are plenty of defensive linemen on it.

So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the tackle and edge prospects that might make sense for New England this year.

Patriots’ current defensive line situation​

The Patriots made some major investments along their defensive line this offseason. Before free agency even started, they signed Harold Landry to bolster an edge group that only returned three players — starter Anfernee Jennings as well as backups Titus Leo and Truman Jones — from the previous season. Former first-round draft pick K’Lavon Chaisson was later also added to the mix.

Along the interior, New England gave a monster deal to Milton Williams. Adding him to a depth chart also featuring a convalescent Christian Barmore and third-year man Keion White should immediately upgrade the Patriots’ pass rush.

In addition, Khyiris Tonga was signed in free agency as well while Jeremiah Pharms Jr. was re-signed on a two-year pact. Jaquelin Roy, Eric Johnson and Marcus Harris — depth options in 2024 — remain under contract as well. Meanwhile, former starters Davon Godchaux and Deatrich Wise Jr. left the organization via trade and free agency, respectively.

Entering the draft, the Patriots are in the market for more help particularly on the edge.

Patriots NFL Draft fits along the defensive line​

Abdul Carter (Penn State): The top edge in this year’s draft has all the makings of an immediate impact player and somebody who would have a transformative effect on New England’s edge group. The biggest question is whether or not he will be available at No. 4 overall; if he is, the Patriots might find themselves in a “run to the podium” situation — Carter is that good of a prospect. | Consensus big board: No. 3

Mason Graham (Michigan): Adding Graham to a unit already featuring the likes of Christian Barmore, Milton Williams and Keion White would be a luxury given the needs elsewhere on the roster. However, he has game-wrecker potential along the interior and could be an anchor along the New England defensive line for years to come. | Consensus big board: No. 4

Mykel Williams (Georgia): Williams is only just scratching the surface of his potential, but his foundation is already impressively solid. He would be an A-plus run defender from the get-go while offering a sky-high ceiling as a pass rusher as well. At only 20 years old, the future is looking bright for the Georgia product. | Consensus big board: No. 15

Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M): Stewart posted just 4.5 sacks in three seasons at Texas A&M, and yet he is one of the most exciting edge prospects this year. Why? Because he is an athletic freak who offers a rare blend of size, power and movement skills. He is not yet the sum of his parts, but his upside is obvious. | Consensus big board: No. 16

Nic Scourton (Texas A&M): One of the youngest prospects in this year’s draft, Scourton combines an intriguing skillset with developmental upside. Even though it might take some acclimation period for him to get used to playing against NFL competition, he offers three-down potential due to his expertise against both the run and the pass. | Consensus big board: No. 40

Landon Jackson (Arkansas): Built like an Ent — one of those walking trees in Lord of the Rings — Jackson is the complete package on the edge as well as a leadership candidate off the field. He may not be the flashiest athlete, but he is a well-rounded prospect capable of making positive contributions from early on in his career. | Consensus big board: No. 50

Darius Alexander (Toledo): Playing with his hair on fire, Alexander has drawn comparisons to Patriots lineman Keion White. He will need time for all his positive traits to develop into one offense-disrupting whole, but he has the skill to make a difference from Day 1. | Consensus big board: No. 52

Jack Sawyer (Ohio): Is Sawyer the most naturally gifted edge available in this year’s draft? No. Can he still be a productive player at the next level? You bet. A well-built energizer bunny and locker room leader in Columbus, he should be a factor as a rotational player as early as his rookie season. | Consensus big board: No. 62

Jordan Burch (Oregon): Burch won’t wow you with his measurables or athletic traits, but he does everything at a high level and could step into a prominent rotational role right away. Injuries are a concern, but he is as ready-made a lineman as they come. | Consensus big board: No. 71

Josiah Stewart (Michigan): What the 6-foot-1, 249-pound Stewart lacks in size, he makes up for with a non-stop motor and an ability to use his leverage to his advantage. He was one of the most disruptive pass rushers in college football in 2024, and should take on a similar role at the next level as well. | Consensus big board: No. 80

Omarr Norman-Lott (Tennessee): Norman-Lott was a rotational player in college and might lack the size for an every-down role at the next level. However, there is no denying his disruptive nature and does-not-run-cold motor. | Consensus big board: No. 84

Jared Ivey (Ole Miss): Ivey is a player fitting the Patriots’ vision for their defense. He is a disruptor through and through, can be used in several spots up front, and was a well-liked locker room presence in college. He is not the most natural of edges, but somebody who can add definitive value to the room. | Consensus big board: No. 112

Obviously, this is just a snapshot of potential defensive linemen the Patriots might target in this year’s draft. Others such as James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee), Oluwafemi Oladejo (UCLA) or Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss) would also make sense. What all of this goes to show, however, is that New England doing plenty of work at the position is no surprise for two reasons: the need at the position, and the tons of talent being available even beyond the likes of blue-chip prospects Abdul Carter and Mason Graham.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/1...ne-fits-2025-nfl-draft-carter-williams-graham