Draft Expert Has Patriots Addressing Biggest Need In NFL Mock Draft 1.0

Will Campbell likely will be linked to the New England Patriots quite a bit the next few months.

The Athletic’s NFL draft expert Dane Brugler on Wednesday published his Mock Draft 1.0 and predicted the Patriots will select Campbell with the fourth overall pick. New England would have the No. 4 pick if the draft was held after Week 13.

“Drake Maye has the quarterback position locked up, so the Patriots need to surround him with more help. And if the organization invests in a wide receiver via free agency (Tee Higgins?), its draft focus would shift to the offensive line,” Brugler wrote.

“Despite having average arm length, Campbell moves with fluidity and strength throughout his frame and projects as an immediate NFL starter at tackle, guard or even center.”

Brugler recently ranked the 6-foot-6, 319-pound Campbell as his 11th player in the draft class, but the top offensive lineman.

Campbell’s arm length has been mentioned as one of the biggest strikes against the LSU product. It could prevent Campbell from sticking as an offensive tackle at the next level even though he’s started 38 games at tackle during his tenure in Baton Rouge. Despite that critique, the reviews of Campbell have been glowing.

Should the Patriots select Campbell, they would add a much-needed piece to the offensive line.