The New England Patriots are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft.
New England filled the majority of its needs throughout free agency, with Stefon Diggs joining a loaded class of veterans who are expected to make an immediate impact (Milton Williams, Harold Landry and Carlton Davis) on Friday.
What about that hole at left tackle, though?
LSU’s Will Campbell was once viewed as the clear-cut top tackle prospect in this class, but concern over his arm length has produced questions about whether or not he should be in consideration at No. 4. Colorado’s Travis Hunter and Penn State’s Abdul Carter might be available, after all, so why not just draft the generational prospect and figure out the blindside protector thing later?
We kind of love that idea, with perhaps this prospect being considered in the second round.
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OVERVIEW
Milum hasn’t allowed a sack since 2021.
Yes, that is a real statistic. No, we don’t know why people are still contending that he should be moved inside, because he’s done nothing but prove himself over the last several seasons in Morgantown, W.V.
Milum considered making the jump to the NFL in 2023, but wasn’t content with the feedback he received and decided to go back to school to work on the things that ultimately led to middling valuations. West Virginia was pleased with that decision, as he continued his stellar play by shutting down some of the best pass rushers in the Big 12 on his way to another perfect sack sheet in 2024.
Can you ask for much more than that?
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NFL SCOUTING COMBINE
Milum put together a fine performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, though he has little arm syndrome worse than guys who have been knocked down several pegs for it.
Height: 6-foot-6Weight: 313lbsHand: 10 1/4″Arm: 32 1/8″
40-Yard Dash: 5.27 secondsVertical Jump: 30″Broad Jump: 9′20-Yard Shuttle: 4.69 seconds
STRENGTHS
Milum looks and acts the part, which is literally the entire battle. You won’t find many tackle prospects who are built more proportionately, meaning he already has a maxed-out frame that will play well in the NFL.
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The Mountaineers ran the ball a lot, which allowed their veteran blindside protector to display his heavy hands and aggressiveness. If they chose to throw it, he was almost the opposite, patient in waiting for the right moment to strike, delivering Tyson-like blows to the chests of his opponents. Milum is quick to set, has a strong anchor and brings the fight to his opponents.
We mentioned the zero sacks thing, too, right?
WEAKNESSES
Do you remember all the stuff we said about Campbell?
Milum has all the same knocks, except he’s a bit worse of an athlete. We aren’t saying he’s a bad player, because he’s a very good player, but that ceiling is significantly lower than a lot of other prospects.
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WOULDN’T YOU JUST TAKE WILL CAMPBELL?
Yes, but only if Hunter and Carter are off the board.
We kind of laid this approach out earlier, but there needs to be an order of operations in place. Hunter should be the pick if he’s available, and if he’s not, you should be praying for Carter. Campbell is the third option, and although we don’t love that value, it makes sense because you’re really only one piece away from being competent — which we explored in our latest mock draft.
The Patriots should only really consider taking Milum if things line up perfectly.
Milum is the cherry on top in a situation where you select either Hunter or Carter, grabbing him in the back end of the first round or early portion of the second round to finally address that last need and put a bow on a great offseason. It’s a safe pick in that range… you know, considering he hasn’t given up a sack in three years!
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Did you get all that? Good.
If you’d like more individual profiles, check out my full series.