NFL Insider gives insight into what's being said about top Patriots draft prospect
While there was a time it seemed possible the New England Patriots could land Colorado wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter, it now is unlikely he would even make it out of the top two picks. And if that's the case, the Patriots could look to address their biggest need on the roster. So, with […]
While there was a time it seemed possible the New England Patriots could land Colorado wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter, it now is unlikely he would even make it out of the top two picks. And if that's the case, the Patriots could look to address their biggest need on the roster.
So, with the No. 4 overall pick, all signs are pointing to the Patriots selecting LSU left tackle Will Campbell.
On Wednesday, NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler released a story where he spoke with numerous scouts and executives that talked about some of the top NFL Draft prospects. And on the list was Will Campbell.
"He's going to be awesome — All-Pro caliber guard, and if he's a tackle, he will be better than at least half the tackles in the NFL right off the bat," a high-ranking personnel evaluator with an NFC team told Fowler. "Captain, started every game, instinctive. Don't overthink it."
That's high praise, but the issue is the Patriots don't need a guard. They need a tackle.
That's where Campbell's arm length gets called into question. At the NFL Combine, Campbell's arms measured at 32 5/8 inches, which is just a bit shorter than the 33 inches that the NFL typically wants tackles to be at. But, when he was measured by NFL scouts at LSU’s pro day, Campbell’s arm length was 33 inches.
"It [Campbell's measurables] was a thing for a while, but I think people have gotten over it," an AFC executive also said.
"It's a concern that limits his ability in some way, and he gets beat on the inside edge a little bit. But he knows how to play. It's not like, 'Oh my gosh, I can't draft him because of arm length,'" an NFC personnel man explained.
Based on this, it seems there is a lot of confidence in Campbell. However, they need to establish quickly whether he is a tackle or a guard. That doesn't seem certain at the moment, and the Patriots need certainty as they look to get back on track.
