The New York Jets‘ draft needs and concerns have suffered in previous years thanks to their arch-rival, the New England Patriots.
Whether it was trading back with the Pittsburgh Steelers to spurn the Jets from taking offensive tackle Broderick Jones or other times throughout their history, New England has always found ways to get one over on the Jets on draft night.
The 2025 draft may be, for the first time, a chance for the Patriots to actually help New York moving forward.
Patriots Carry Interest In Will Campbell
Much like the Jets, the Patriots have plenty of needs on the roster, from the offensive line, receiver, and even along the defensive line. With so many needs of concern, it’s obvious that the team won’t be able to solve all their problems on the first night of the draft in a few weeks.
New England has many roster needs at similar positions to the Jets, which has concerned some Gang Green fans simply because that is what always happens.
A source close to the Patriots organization, though, made it clear to Jets X-Factor that if the team’s draft plans work out, it would actually be great for the Jets.
The source in question maintained the clear report that both Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter are “can’t miss” prospects, and either would be the pick if they fell to New England with the fourth overall pick. If both players are taken – as many mocks currently predict – the organization could turn their focus to LSU right tackle Will Campbell over Missouri’s Armand Membou.
As things stand, it looks like New England would prefer Campbell.
Campbell’s consistency and experience in college, coupled with the team’s need for several offensive line roles, would make him a better fit for Mike Vrabel and his staff. Membou may have a higher ceiling, but he also has a lower floor, and that alone could push New England to take the versatile lineman from LSU.
If both Carter and Hunter are taken before the Patriots, the organization could also look to trade back with quarterback-needy teams looking to select Shedeur Sanders, the quarterback from Colorado.
The main thing Jets fans should be focusing on?
New England would prefer Campbell over Membou at this stage of the draft process.
What Does This Have To Do With Jets?
Great question!
As things stand right now, the Jets could look to draft tight end Tyler Warren or the offensive lineman in Membou.
The debate between Membou and Warren has been intense among fans, but the Jets do truly have a major need at right tackle. Instead of being hopped for a team ahead of them, all roads lead to the Jets eventually being able to select Membou with the seventh overall pick.
That would add another first-round talent in Membou to a young but experienced offensive line with Alijah Vera-Tucker, Joe Tippmann, and last year’s first-round pick Olu Fashanu.
After years of struggling to field a quality offensive line at all five positions, the Jets would complete what could be one of the better lines built in team history – and one that can grow with each other over the years.
As with any draft report, things can always change, but the Patriots may be giving New York a chance to get a top player who has been of interest to them throughout the process – for the first time in a while.
