There’s no such thing as the perfect draft. But I’m not in the room, so I get to pontificate.
Let’s start with a few core principles:
- The Patriots need more bites at the apple. More players to compete in camp, build your program, and develop your future. That’s priority one.
- Flexibility > forcing a pick. If someone wants to come up, especially for a skill position, listen.
- Build a bully and invest in the Franchise, Drake Maye. This draft is about setting the team up for who you want to be to take back the AFC East and starting to put the pieces around their quarterback.
If the Patriots get stuck at 4, I think the best pick is RB Ashton Jeanty. That almost feels weird to type, because I don’t normally advocate for taking a running back early. Especially in a class like this, and especially when there’s such a cliff at offensive tackle.
It would feel like a luxury pick and a risky one at that.
But let me frame it the other way. I was listening to Greg’s most recent pod (make sure you subscribe), and he said he’d favor Will Campbell over Jeanty. The argument being Campbell is a plug-and-play starter with a high floor, even if his long-term ceiling might be limited. Campbell may eventually need to move inside, but he’s safe. A tone-setter. A program guy.
Greg’s thoughts on Jeanty? He might be a more explosive Emmitt Smith. Now, he caveated that with Emmitt playing behind one of the best offensive lines in NFL history, which Jeanty won’t have here. That’s a very fair point.
But let’s say the Patriots feel Jeanty really is that level of talent. You’re talking All-Pro potential versus a long-term starter. Those are dramatically different outcomes.
Add in Jeanty’s off-field makeup - reportedly clean, mature, and a program builder - and it’s a tempting bet.
All that said: if they stay at 4 and draft Campbell, no one should be upset. I won’t be. Because it’s a need, and it’s an investment in your franchise quarterback.
What I Want Most
• Invest along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. You’ll see I picked 7 of their 10 picks with prospects that play on or just off the line.
• I want someone else to want Jeanty and offer a trade.
• The draft really starts at pick #3. The big question for Patriots fans is: Who wants Jeanty the most?
My Ideal Draft
TRADE — New England Patriots deal Pick #4 to the Las Vegas Raiders
Return: 1st (#6) and 3rd (#68)
Round 1, Pick 6: OT Will Campbell, LSU (6-6, 319)
Feel better about this pick after picking up more capital. Campbell fills the biggest need. He’s tough, tested, and has the chance to be a franchise LT. This is about protecting and building around Drake Maye. We start here.
Round 2, Pick 38: DT T.J. Sanders, South Carolina (6-4, 297)
I like him more than most. Quick off the line, good motor, and pass rush upside. Plays with leverage and effort. Good production and can hold up in the run game. A building block along the line of scrimmage. Add him to the defensive line rotation and start to see the fruits in ’26.
Round 3, Pick 68: OT Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College (6-8, 316)
Something Greg and I have talked about. Double dipping. Hope is that have your bookends for the next decade.
Trapilo has the frame and intelligence that NFL teams love. Technically sound, mirrors well, and stays square in pass sets. Didn’t allow a sack in 2023 and was First-Team All-ACC in 2024. Coached by Doug Marrone and reportedly liked by Bill O’Brien, plenty of trusted voices. Needs more strength and refinement, but has the floor of a swing tackle with starter upside.
Round 3, Pick 69: EDGE Ashton Gillotte, Louisville (6-3, 264)
We’re adding to the Edge. They’re in a better position now but limited long-term answers. Ashton was First-Team All-ACC in 2023, Second-Team in 2024. Raw power, plays with leverage and violence, and is developing pass-rush counters. Former BC Coach, Jeff Hafley said he was one of the toughest prep opponents they faced. Good motor, good run defense, and the right makeup. Could be a Day 2 steal.
Round 3, Pick 77: S Jonas Sanker, Virginia (6-1, 206)
He’s just a good football player. Two-time First-Team All-ACC and well-regarded inside the program. Above-average speed, strong tackler, and has positional versatility. Needs to clean up some angles, but he’ll contribute immediately on special teams and develop into a starting safety.
Round 4, Pick 106: TE Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame (6-5, 258)
If they don’t go TE early, this is the guy I want. Injuries dropped him (foot in 2022, ACL in 2023), but he was breaking out before that. Physical route runner, strong hands, and led Notre Dame in receptions two straight years. Competitive blocker. If healthy, he’s one of the best Day 3 values and a potential Y starter.
Round 5, Pick 144: LB Cody Simon, Ohio State (6-2, 232)
Future captain. Belichick didn’t draft many Buckeyes, but this is the kind of off-ball linebacker they need. Played well in the '23 bowl game and had a strong '24 as a first-year full-time starter. Third-Team All-Big Ten, Rose Bowl MVP. Should contribute on ST and develop into a rotational starter.
Round 5, Pick 171: NT Jay Toia, UCLA (6-2, 342)
We’re not letting people run on us. Maybe the best true 0 technique in the draft. Plays hard and holds his ground. He won’t flash on tape, but he’s an interior plug who does the dirty work. UCLA coaches raved about him. Good rotational depth for a team that needs it.
Round 7, Pick 220: RB Woody Marks, USC (5-10, 207)
Here’s our new 3rd down back for the McDaniels offense. Over 30 starts in the SEC before transferring to the Trojans. Excellent hands, natural receiving ability, and capable in blitz pickup. Doesn’t break tackles consistently or run away from people, but he’s reliable. Good value.
Round 7, Pick 238: CB Justin Walley, Minnesota (5-10, 190)
Smart, tough, and productive (lots of PBUs). Played man coverage on the outside but can handle zone assignments, competes in the run game, and his experience (44 starts) will help with a transition inside to slot. Second-Team All-Big Ten in 2024. He’s a depth corner who will contribute on ST.