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Here are the Patriots’ draft grades from NFL analysts after Round 1
New England earned positive grades for adding a player at a position of need.
Patriots draft grades: The Patriots made a straightforward pick at fourth overall in Thursday’s first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting offensive tackle Will Campbell from LSU.
Campbell, 21, has been touted as the top prospect at the crucial offensive tackle position by some analysts, but has also drawn concerns about his arm length (a pre-draft measurable that has a range of relevance according to NFL scouts).
But given that he started as a true freshman in what is arguably college football’s toughest conference, and played multiple seasons at a high level, NFL analysts largely gave the Patriots solid marks in the team’s first draft grades.
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Here’s a quick overview of the draft grades the Patriots got after picking Campbell:
The 33rd Team: B
Ian Valentino described the Patriots’ position as holding “the fourth pick in a three-player draft.” He noted that New England made the correct decision in the circumstances, selecting a “solid” player with the choice.
“That’s not worth an overly premium value in most drafts, but it’s more acceptable this year. Drake Maye will be happy and protected.”
The Athletic: A
Nick Baumgardner praised the decision to select Campbell, emphasizing the LSU player’s technique and intangibles.
“The former LSU star’s hands and feet are as efficient as you’ll see from a three-year college player and Campbell’s work ethic and football character are off the charts,” he wrote. “A very safe pick for that fills a need for a team trying to rebuild around its young QB. Great news for Drake Maye.”
The Boston Globe, B+/B-
Christopher Price, Nicole Yang, and Chad Finn all gave the Patriots a B+ grade, while Ben Volin gave the pick a B-, noting that “the arm length and wingspan concerns are real.”
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“Campbell is the best offensive lineman in the draft,” Price added in Campbell’s favor, “and is going to a team desperately in need of OL help.”
USA Today: A
Robert Zeglinski emphasized the importance of Campbell’s character as well as his talent.
“Campbell can handle dynamic edge rushers one-on-one,” Zeglinski said. “He’s an absolute road grater in the running game. And, perhaps most importantly, he’s a culture changer. Campbell will likely walk into the Patriots’ building on Day 1 and establish himself as a preeminent leader by example.”
Yahoo: B+
Yahoo analyst Charles McDonald offered direct analysis of the pick.
“The Patriots needed a left tackle and they got arguably the best guy in this class,” McDonald wrote. “The Patriots offense has their quarterback in Drake Maye, but they still needed offensive tackle help which they can get here in a hurry with Campbell.”
Trivia: What other player have the Patriots selected out of the SEC fourth overall in the draft in the team’s history?
(Answer at the bottom.)
Hint: He was drafted out of Alabama and was also an offensive lineman.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox lost to the Mariners 4-3 on Thursday. Boston begins a new three-game series against the Guardians in Cleveland this evening at 7:10 p.m.
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Tonight, the Celtics face the Magic in Orlando in Game 3 of the first-round playoff series at 7 p.m. Boston leads the series 2-0.
On Saturday, the Boston Fleet return from the World Championship break to host the Toronto Sceptres at the Tsongas Center at 2 p.m.
Also on Saturday, the Revolution travel to play Charlotte FC at 7:30 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- Patriots select Will Campbell with No. 4 pick in 2025 NFL Draft
- 5 things to know about new Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell
- What Mike Vrabel said about the Patriots’ decision to draft Will Campbell
- Will Campbell: ‘I’m going to fight and die to protect’ Drake Maye
- Bryan Woo shuts down Red Sox, helps Mariners close road trip with 4-3 win
- PWHL’s Boston Fleet return from World Championship break battered and bruised but ready for the final playoff push
- Meet the Red Sox fan who crochets every time Garrett Crochet pitches
- Joe Mazzulla details Jayson Tatum’s status heading into Celtics-Magic Game 3
- 2025 NFL Draft: Here’s a list of the Patriots’ picks
Roman Anthony keeps on hitting: The Red Sox prospect homered in Triple-A for the fifth time so far in 2025 on Thursday.
“He has that look. He’s got the complete package.”
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 24, 2025
Roman Anthony (@RedSox) hammers his 5th homer of the year, upping his Triple-A @WooSox slash line to .316/.454/.605: pic.twitter.com/OJDGnoeNJe
Draft day soundbites: The Patriots offered some behind-the-scenes footage from the first night of the 2025 NFL Draft.
On this day: In 1993, the Patriots changed the course of the team’s history, selecting Drew Bledsoe first overall in the NFL Draft. Newly appointed head coach Bill Parcells held the entire league — including Bledsoe and fellow projected top quarterback Rick Mirer — in suspense, finally revealing his decision with the announcement of New England’s pick.
Daily highlight: The U.S. routed Switzerland 9-0 in a U-18 Men’s Hockey World Championship preliminary round game on Thursday, with L.J. Mooney scoring after showing some dazzling skill.
Shades of Patrick Kane, Mooney hits the spin move for goal 7. 🌪️#U18MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/kNO7rGJOfc
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) April 25, 2025
Trivia answer: John Hannah
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