The New England Patriots offensive line was a complete nightmare in 2024 and that might just be an understatement.
In taking over as head coach, one of the first issues Mike Vrabel will need to address is protecting Drake Maye. The Patriots rookie was able to extend time in the pocket or escape pressure with his athleticism, but that knocked him out of the game a couple of times.
What and how can the Patriots sure up their offensive line?
It does start with health. With center David Andrews out for most of the season, the Patriots lost their anchor in the middle and a leader who stabilized the line. At guard, Cole Strange did return towards the end of the season and him along with Sidney Sow, Mike Onwenu and 2024 draft pick Layden Robinson should take care the interior of the offensive line.
Onwenu is the key here since he’s the team’s best offensive lineman. He played right tackle but shifting him inside and allowing Caedan Wallace to grow into that role could benefit the Patriots. That leaves left tackle. Seeing how Vederian Lowe struggled all season at the position, the Patriots need to get top talent at that position and the 2025 NFL Draft will be filled with it.
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Daniel Jeremiah says drafting LSU star is a must
As one of the top tackles entering the 2025 NFL Draft, LSU’s Will Campbell is a sure top 10 pick. Ranked as the top tackle on most draft boards, the 6-foot-6, 323-pound offensive line had a pass block grade of 80.6 according to PFF metrics. In allowing just 2 sacks and 5 QB hits in 2024, Campbell is both a need and want for teams in need of the offensive line help. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah sees Campbell as a must for the Patriots.
In his first NFL Mock Draft, Jerimiah writes:
“The Patriots must help Drake Maye on the offensive line. I see Campbell as a safe, steady player who is still improving.”
NFL Mocks agrees, but its more the draft position that garners disagreement. At. No. 4, the Patriots could go after a generational talent like Penn State’s Abdul Carter or trade back with the pick and still be able to draft Campbell. With the depth in the draft at tackles, the Patriots could take their shot at the position on Day 2, especially if they gain an additional second or third round pick in a trade back from No. 4. A couple of Day 2 options that stand out are Texas tackle Cameron Williams, Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinea and West Virgina’s Wyatt Milum.
That could be an intriguing option for Vrabel and the Patriots as NFL Mocks sees them filling another need in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft to benefit Maye.
NFL Mocks has Patriots trading down and selecting Tetairoa McMillan
The Patriots could stay pat at No. 4 and select McMillan, but with how the 2025 NFL Draft board may play out, the top receiver may not go till around No. 8. In a potential trade with the Carolina Panthers, the Patriots gain additional draft capital and take care of a big need by adding McMillan to the mix.
With Josh McDaniels back as offensive coordinator, the Patriots will focus on getting playmakers around Maye. The first option will be to address the need in NFL free agency or trade, but the best and sure bet for the Patriots will be drafting a player they can mold and a player who could grow along with Maye. Campbell would be a solid pick, but McMillan would be the flashy pick who would bring excitement to the Patriots’ offense.