It's all systems go for the New England Patriots as they gear up for the NFL Draft this Thursday evening. Recent insights from ESPN’s Field Yates reveal a fascinating landscape as the countdown to the first overall pick ticks down.

Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has just shared some crucial predictions, suggesting that the top four picks are already locked in. "Everything I’ve heard tells me the top four picks are pretty set," Kiper stated, adding that the real intrigue begins at No. 5 with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

While most draft experts have consistently predicted the first three picks—quarterback Cam Ward expected to go to the Titans, dual-threat Travis Hunter to the Cleveland Browns, and edge rusher Abdul Carter to the New York Giants—Kiper’s inclusion of the Patriots in this ‘set’ mix offers intriguing possibilities.

With this intel, Yates places offensive lineman Will Campbell as the Patriots’ choice at No. 4. As the team looks to bolster their lineup with pressing needs at offensive tackle and receiver, drafting Campbell would be a smart offseason move. Yates emphasized, "Campbell checks one box. He has outstanding footwork, yielding just two sacks over the past two seasons.”

Despite his 32-inch arm length, Campbell is projected as a starting left tackle in the NFL. Coaches who have faced Mike Vrabel-led teams have noted that Campbell embodies the qualities—toughness, dependability, and physicality—that resonate with the Patriots’ new coaching philosophy.

As the clock counts down, all eyes will be on the Patriots and how they navigate this draft. Could Campbell be the cornerstone piece to support quarterback Drake Maye in his second year? The anticipation is palpable, and the spotlight is shining bright on New England.