Brett Davis-Imagn Images

New Patriots Report Hints at Curveball Selection at Fourth Overall

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The New England Patriots sit at fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and with that pick, have been rumored to go with a few different players. In a new report, the Patriots have been linked to a curveball selection at fourth overall.

According to NFL Insider Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Patriots "could pull a surprise and take an edge rusher with the fourth pick of the draft." The edge rusher that Pauline believes the Patriots could take is Jalon Walker from the Georgia Bulldogs.

Pauline reports that Walker's connection to New England has been relayed to him twice. Also, Pauline reports that the Patriots had a "decent-sized contingent in attendance at last Thursday's workout on the Georgia campus, which featured Walker and Mykel Williams. They later took Walker out for lunch."

The Patriots being as involved as they are in Walker is a strong indication of their interest in the Georgia edge rusher. Walker has had significant buzz throughout the draft process, but fourth overall would be the highest his ceiling has reached during the whole process.

Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter are the two best options for the Patriots at fourth overall, though both are unlikely to make it there.

LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell and Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou are the other two most likely selections. There has been some buzz surrounding running back Ashton Jeanty, but the Patriots haven't been especially connected to him during the draft process.

But this report from Pauline hints at the Patriots' strong interest in Walker. While it would be somewhat surprising considering the consensus has the Patriots going with Campbell at offensive tackle, Walker has had significant buzz.

Pauline reporting this just a few days before the draft indicates that not only are the Patriots interested in Walker, but they are seriously considering taking him at fourth overall.

With the Patriots' selection at fourth overall, there are multiple different paths that they could take. His selection would be a curveball on draft night, as the teams picking behind the Patriots have been linked to the dynamic edge rusher from Georgia.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: