Like most New England Patriots fans, I lost interest in last Thursday night’s game against the New York Jets before halftime.
The Patriots need an elite offensive tackle before they start quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick. While it would be great to go after one of the top receivers in the first round such as Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, veteran starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett was sacked five times for 46 yards last week. According to Pro Football Reference, the Patriots were pressured on 30.2% of their drop backs. Only the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams have a higher percentage.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), New England’s offensive line ranks dead last in the NFL. That is why Maye isn’t under center on every play for the Patriots.
In this edition of Sam’s Section, I’ll go over the top prospects at offensive tackle and wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft. Maye will thank de facto general manager Eliot Wolf if he drafts an offensive tackle to protect him in the first round and follow up with an elite receiver in the second round.
Offensive tackles:
Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
Banks is coming off a phenomenal 2023 season at the University of Texas at Austin. He was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and a preseason first-team All-American by the Associated Press, CBS Sports, ESPN, Sporting News and The Athletic. He is the Longhorns’ starting left tackle, helping the No. 1 team in college football rack up 516 yards per game on average so far this season. According to CBS Sports, writer Ryan Wilson said, “he got the best of fellow top draft prospect Mason Graham.” Graham is arguably the best defensive lineman in college football, playing for the University of Michigan. That’s an impressive feat for Banks.
Will Campbell, LSU
Campbell was named to the coaches’ All-SEC First Team last season, resulting in his bio on the team’s website calling him “One of the top left tackles in all of college football entering the 2024 season.” Entering 2024, Campbell hadn’t allowed a sack in 15 straight games and had only allowed three in his career at Louisiana State University. Fox Sports NFL Draft Analyst Rob Rang raved about Campbell’s “critical but underrated role in Jayden Daniels’ run to the Heisman Trophy.” He continued to say Campbell showing off size, agility and strength warrants a top 10 selection in April. I would have included Emery Jones Jr., LSU’s other offensive tackle, but he is primarily a right tackle for the Tigers, a position that the Patriots don’t need. That position is occupied by Mike Onwenu, arguably the best offensive lineman on the team.
Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
Ersery was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team last season after starting all 13 games at left tackle, blocking for an offense that went for 1,864 passing yards and 2,264 rushing yards with 29 total touchdowns. To begin the 2024 season, the Kansas City, Mo. native protected the Golden Gophers’ offense to help contribute to five touchdowns against the University of Rhode Island. Rang talked about him possessing “the size and agility to warrant first-round consideration.”
Wide receivers:
Evan Stewart, Oregon
Stewart is in his first season at the University of Oregon after two seasons at Texas A&M University. Stewart is the Ducks’ top wide receiver after Troy Franklin’s phenomenal season, resulting in him being drafted in the fourth round of the past NFL Draft. Stewart currently has 11 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown. If he wants to stay in the first three rounds where he is projected to go, according to NFL Mock Draft Database, he needs to produce better numbers.
Isaiah Bond, Texas
Also with a new team is Bond, who transferred to Texas from the University of Alabama following legendary head coach Nick Saban’s retirement. Most college football fans know him as the receiver of the game-winning touchdown against Auburn University last season. So far this season, Bond has caught 15 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns. The Buford, Ga. native will thrive with either quarterback, whether it is Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning. According to Tankathon, his range has him as a surefire draft pick in the first two rounds.
Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Harris has been phenomenal so far in his second season with the Rebels. The former Louisiana Tech receiver has caught 38 passes for 628 yards and four touchdowns. The Lafayette, La. native is already over halfway to his season total last year. According to CBS Sports writer Mike Renner, Harris looks to be a late-first-round pick at best, with many other mock drafts selecting him in the second round. If quarterback Jaxson Dart continues to throw him the ball, Harris may skyrocket on the big boards.