The NFL’s scouting combine kicks off at the end of this month, and with it commences the unofficial start of the NFL Draft season.

Just like last year, when they landed Drake Maye with the third overall selection, the New England Patriots have a top-five pick. But this draft offers a bit more intrigue. A year ago, it was widely expected they would take whichever of the top three quarterbacks slipped to them. This year, they have options.

A trade back could be on the table. They could draft for need, potentially reaching on an offensive lineman or wide receiver. Or they could spurn their most obvious needs and target, say, a cornerback or defensive tackle.

So to get set for the draft, here’s our first Patriots big board looking at some top options for their first three picks.

Round 1

Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

At this point, Carter or Travis Hunter falling to the Patriots at No. 4 is probably the dream scenario. But the odds of that happening look slim, especially with the news that Cleveland Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett wants a trade. Perhaps that would entice the Browns to replace him by drafting Carter, who shined in the college football playoffs while playing through injury, with the second pick.

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has been a can’t-miss prospect since he was the No. 1 overall recruit in the high school class of 2022. That doesn’t change now. Even though he isn’t a fit for the Patriots’ biggest needs, they need talent anywhere. Hunter would provide that more than anyone else, potentially mixing in some wide receiver snaps to his work at cornerback.

Travis Hunter interception 🕺@TravisHunterJr x #GoBuffs

📺: CBS
pic.twitter.com/OSqIvjAlyY

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) September 15, 2024

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The interior of the defensive line isn’t New England’s biggest need, but coach Mike Vrabel wants to build his team through the trenches, and Graham could help there. If Christian Barmore recovers and can play at a high level after his blood clots, then you’ve got a great duo with him and Graham. If not, Graham could take over some of Barmore’s old role.

Will Campbell, OL, LSU

At this point, Campbell seems like the player most frequently linked to the Patriots in mock drafts. If he had longer arms, he’d probably be a no-brainer. His on-field toughness and off-field mentality seem like perfect fits for Vrabel. But his shorter-than-you’d-like arms might mean Campbell becomes a guard in the NFL — and not the left tackle the Patriots so badly need.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

He’s a big-bodied receiver great at contested catches, which could make life easier for Maye. The Patriots might get better value here if they trade back in the top 10 and grab McMillan then, but he’s certainly on their radar as the best wide receiver in this draft class.

GO DEEPER

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Round 2

Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

Williams played 29 games over three seasons for the Longhorns but was mostly at right tackle. Still, the Patriots need help at both tackle spots, so Williams should be an option if they don’t address the O-line in Round 1.

Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State

Everything about Sawyer feels like the type of player Vrabel would love. He excelled at Vrabel’s beloved alma mater, was the emotional backbone of that national championship defense and fits a need as a pass rusher on this Patriots team as Vrabel looks to build from the trenches.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

He’s a different kind of receiver than McMillan, so it could depend on what the Pats want from their next receiver. McMillan is a big, contested-catch kind of player, while Golden would bring more speed and separation.

4th and 13… pic.twitter.com/Wb9PNc857j

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 3, 2025

Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas

If the Patriots go offensive line or wide receiver in the first round, they’ll probably look to add to the defensive line on Day 2. Jackson looks the part of a modern edge rusher with great size and length.

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Uncertainty around Barmore makes defensive tackle another need for the Patriots. Even if Barmore recovers and returns to his previous level of play, they could still use someone to pair with him.

Round 3

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

An injury ended Morrison’s season early, which hurt his draft stock, but he still has the size and skill to be an outside cornerback with upside. That’s something the Patriots could use opposite Christian Gonzalez.

Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon

He’s a fast, shifty receiver who put up gaudy numbers in 2023. But his size will be a concern to some teams, especially if he weighs below 170 pounds at the combine.

PUNT RETURN TD FOR TEZ JOHNSON 🔥@oregonfootball takes the lead 🦆 pic.twitter.com/gi0pjUwU8w

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 8, 2024

Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College

Vrabel remains close with BC coach Bill O’Brien, so perhaps he leans on that connection here. Trapilo is a Norwell, Mass., native who went to BC High and was BC’s starting right tackle for the last three seasons.

Ashton Gillotte, Edge, Louisville

He has good length for a pass rusher and put up 11 sacks in 2023 before that number dipped to four last season.

Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M

The former five-star recruit played every position on the defensive line in college and could bring versatility up front.

(Photo of Will Campbell: Maria Lysaker / Imagn Images)