At this point, it’s obvious what the Patriots biggest need is heading into next week’s 2025 NFL Draft.
In free agency, the Patriots added four projected defensive starters – edge rusher Harold Landry, defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebacker Robert Spillane, and cornerback Carlton Davis. On offense, they signed three projected starters in receiver Stefon Diggs, right tackle Morgan Moses, and center Garrett Bradbury.
Not identified on that list is a left tackle.
Last season the Patriots allowed 52 sacks. That was the highest total in New England since 1999 and the sixth most in franchise history. After signing Moses, the Patriots still lack a legitimate and proven left tackle. That’s why the position is the team’s top need heading into next week.
Does that mean the Patriots will draft a tackle at No. 4?
On Tuesday, Mike Vrabel was asked if there’s a tackle prospect in this class that’s worthy of the No. 4 pick.
“I think there’s some starting tackles that certainly will come in and start in the NFL, Vrabel said. “I think that’s really what you start to look for is impact players when you start picking that high – what they’re going to do for you, what’s the impact, what’s the position? You talk about premium position, so then that’s where you kind of weigh all the circumstances and end up making that pick. So, do I think that there’s starters in this draft at left tackle? Yes, I do.”
Although Vrabel didn’t necessarily answer the question, it’s noteworthy that the Patriots coach believes there are multiple starting left tackles in this draft class.
Let’s examine who Vrabel might be talking about:
Will Campbell, LSU
Campbell is considered the best offensive line prospect in this draft. He started at left tackle all three seasons at LSU, including as a true freshman. He’s been a left tackle since his sophomore year in high school. At 6-foot-6, 319 pounds, Campbell is an elite athlete with plus-character traits as a two-time captain. The drawback is his arm length or lack thereof. Some view him as a guard due to his shorter wingspan. Vrabel has been on record saying he views him as a left tackle. Campbell had a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.
Armand Membou, Missouri
Membou is one of the best tackle prospects in this draft. At 6-foot-4, he’s shorter than your average tackle. However, he also has elite athletic traits. The question here is if Vrabel views him as a left tackle. Membou played guard in high school, was recruited as a guard to Missouri, and then started at right tackle only in college. He’s never played left tackle. Could he make the switch? Matt Groah went to Membou’s Pro Day.
Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Banks is also considered one of the top offensive-line prospects in this draft. Although his success at college came at left tackle, many believe he’ll play inside in the NFL. He’s 6-foot-5, 315 pounds with 33.5-inch arms. Banks also played left tackle for the last three seasons for Texas. His technique and athletic profile make some believe he’ll be a guard in the NFL. Vrable was at his Pro Day.
Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
Conerly doesn’t have as much experience as some of the other tackle prospects in this class, but profiles as a starting left tackle. He has good size at 6-foot-5, 311 pounds with 33.5-inch arms. A two-year starter, Conerly is 21 years old and needs to refine his technique. The Patriots met with Conerly at the Senior Bowl, Combine, and Eliot Wolf went to his Pro Day.
Josh Simmons, Ohio State
At one point, Simmons was thought to be one of the best tackle prospects in this draft. A two-year starter at Ohio State, he suffered a non-contact knee injury (torn patellar tendon) last October. That has dropped his draft status a bit. Simmons started his career at right tackle (13 starts) before moving to left tackle (19 starts). He earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors last season despite missing 10 games.