Based on mock drafts, the New England Patriots will likely select one of five players: Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, Will Campbell, Jalon Walker, or Tetairoa McMillan.
In Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock for NFL.com, Carter and Hunter are off the board before pick No. 4, leaving the Patriots to take Campbell, an offensive lineman from LSU.
However, if New England is set on addressing the receiver position in the first round, it may be able to recoup significant draft capital in a trade and still get its guy.
It also might make sense, in general, to trade down if Campbell is the pick they want, based on how Jeremiah describes the selection. "There are higher-rated players available here on my board, but the Pats need to upgrade their offensive line in a big way."
Every day more mocks are released, the more a trade down from pick No. 4 makes sense for the Patriots.
The Carolina Panthers selected Jalon Walker at pick No. 8. Surprisingly, McMillan, considered the top wide receiver in the draft besides Travis Hunter, focusing on the receivers, falls all the way to pick No. 19.
McMillan, at the start of the draft process, seemed like a lock to go in the top 10 given his combination of size, athleticism, and production at Arizona.
That makes seeing him down at No. 19 a bit jarring.
However, if New England are set on addressing the receiver position in the first round, it may be able to recoup significant draft capital in a trade down and still get its guy.
It also, in general, might make sense to trade down if Campbell is the guy they want, based on how Jeremiah describes the pick. "There are higher-rated players available here on my board, but the Pats need to upgrade their offensive line in a big way."
Every day more mocks are released, the more a trade down from pick No. 4 makes sense for the Patriots.
