NFL draft analysts seem locked in on the idea of the Patriots drafting Will Campbell, but the offensive tackle isn’t the only option for Mike Vrabel’s side.
New England needs a left tackle, and Campbell fits that need. However, questions around his arm length cloud his NFL projection, and there is historical precedent that warrants concern.
NESN’s George Balekji and Keagan Stiefel weighed the pros and cons of Campbell on the latest episode of “Foxboro Rush.” They agreed that the LSU product has a stronger floor than someone like Armand Membou.
However, they also agreed Jalon Walker would be the stronger pick at No. 4.
“I have him ranked higher than Will Campbell. I have him ranked higher than Armand Membou, a lot higher than a Kelvin Banks,” Stiefel said. “I think he would be the best player/team fit here, but you look at the one thing they need, the one thing they can’t live without right now is an offensive tackle. So in my mind, it’s between Will Campbell and Jalon Walker.”
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The Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer floated the idea of the Patriots drafting Walker. They’re among the most plugged-in New England reporters, so the idea isn’t out of nowhere. According to Giardi, Walker has “a lot of fans” in the Patriots organization.
Balekji noted Walker has a Swiss-Army-knife skillset that would make him valuable for the Patriots’ defense. He also noted that the value of drafting a Georgia pass rusher is legit and deserves consideration.
Stiefel and Balekji addressed the Patriots’ offensive line needs in Round 2, so it’s not like New England wouldn’t be helping out Drake Maye in the draft. But if the Patriots are trying to draft the best player available, Walker might be their guy.
You can listen to more of “Foxboro Rush” for Stiefel and Balekji’s full seven-round mock draft on Spotify and YouTube.
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