The New England Patriots find themselves picking in the top four for the second consecutive year, despite appearing to have found their franchise quarterback in 2024. The Patriots slumped to a 4-13 record, plagued by offensive-line problems and a lack of receiver talent that hindered their offense.
In the latest seven-round Mock Draft from PFSN’s Reese Decker, the team addresses its offensive line and pass rush early, before adding a receiver in round three.
4) Will Campbell, OT, LSU
After both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants pass on Shedeur Sanders with their opening picks, the Patriots miss out on both Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter. Regardless, they get a huge offensive talent in Will Campbell, who will likely be a cornerstone of the team’s rebuild under Mike Vrabel.
“His anchor is firm, and his lateral quickness, paired with sharp hand-fighting skills, makes him more than capable of neutralizing finesse rushers. If that’s not enough, his 9.89 RAS only reinforces the fact that he’s an athletic freak.
Teams that were high on Campbell before the NFL Combine aren’t likely to waver now. I’m sure they weren’t surprised or scared off by his arm measurement, especially considering his positional flexibility.”
38) Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
After transferring to Texas A&M following a breakout season at Purdue, Nic Scourton wasn’t hanging around in the Lone Star State either. Just one year later, Scourton is projected as a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. 15 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles in his final two years in college prove Scourton’s playmaking ability.
69) Jack Bech, WR, TCU
After flying under the radar for much of his college career, Bech broke out in 2024 with 62 receptions for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns. At 6’1″ tall and with fairly average speed, Bech’s intelligence and route running mean he’s often far more open than he should be. Bech stood out at the Senior Bowl, proving his late breakout had nothing to do with age.
77) Wyatt Milum, OT, West Virginia
A consensus All-American in 2024, Wyatt Milum would be a steal in the middle of round three. Milum will likely be a guard in the NFL, with arm length an issue during the Senior Bowl. But after taking Campbell in round one, adding Milum could mean the Patriots have two-fifths of their offensive line in the bag.
106) Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Only four players measured taller than Deone Walker at the NFL Combine, while just 11 measured heavier. In short, this is a large young man. While his 2024 season was less impressive, Walker’s 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and two passes defended in 2023 won’t be forgotten.
144) Caleb Ransaw, CB, Tulane
Tulane’s Caleb Ransaw put on an electric performance at the NFL Combine, posting a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical, and a 129-inch broad jump. Ransaw’s athleticism makes him an intriguing defensive chess piece, as does his knack for making plays in the opposition’s backfield.
171) Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
After spending his first two seasons at Notre Dame stuck behind now-Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, Mitchell Evans saw his junior year cut short by an ACL tear. Evans’s 43 receptions for 421 yards and three touchdowns are respectable, but there could be more to unlock, given that he was recovering from such a serious injury.
220) Connor Colby, OG, Iowa
Connor Colby became a pillar of the Iowa offense during his four years in the Big 10. After moving around the offensive line, Colby found his home at right tackle and aided an impressive rushing attack in 2024. Some impressive NFL Combine figures and recognition as a leader should serve him well as he looks to build a career in the NFL.
238) Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland
Dante Trader Jr.’s Combine scores won’t have teams fighting over him in late April, but his production should see him land on a team. Over his final three years at Maryland, Trader tallied 174 tackles (109 solo), five interceptions, 14 passes defended, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.