Since the Patriots hold the fourth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, there are numerous players they could select to improve their roster immediately. They’re in a great position because they don’t need a quarterback, which is not something the three teams ahead of them can claim, creating a significant opportunity to select the best non-quarterback prospect of the class.

For the most part, they have been consistently connected to the top non-QB names since it was known they would have a top-5 pick, including EDGE Abdul Carter and CB/WR Travis Hunter. That remains the case just weeks before the draft, except now they’re also being favored to take LSU left tackle Will Campbell, in case the others are already off the board.

All of those players would be excellent additions to the team and boost what Mike Vrabel and Co. are hoping to accomplish in 2025 and beyond, especially since they are said to be changing their draft philosophy this year.

They have stated on numerous occasions that the plan is to prioritize taking the best player available, rather than drafting for need, which GM Eliot Wolf believes was their biggest issue last year.

If that’s going to be their plan, then it makes sense why another name has been thrown into the mix and is getting even more excitement in New England due to his new connection to veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne.

Kendrick Bourne makes it known who he wants to see be the Patriots first round draft pick

Over the past few days, Bourne has been incredibly active on social media, and as a result, has sparked a lot of attention for who he has been spending time with.

The veteran receiver posted multiple photos and videos showing he was hanging out with top running back prospect Ashton Jeanty of the incoming class, who could very well be the best player available for the Patriots at No. 4 if Carter and Hunter are off the board.

#Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne met RB Ashton Jeanty last night. He posted on his Instagram:

“Jeanty to the Patriots? 👀”

(IG: @BournePoly11) pic.twitter.com/jqy4lYxnEu

— New England Sports Fellow (@NESportsFellow) March 28, 2025

His post prompted a lot of discussion about taking a running back in the first round, especially at such a high spot like No. 4, and whether that would be a good move for a team in the Patriots’ position. It seems that Bourne is capable of making that move if given the opportunity, and it might not be a bad idea for a team in need of dominant offensive weapons to have Maye work with.

The 21-year-old Boise State alum is considered the best at the position of the 2025 class and set unbelievable records during his final college season last year. He recorded 274 carries for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, numbers that are never seen in the NFL.

He is considered a tough, wrecking ball kind of runner who will immediately elevate any offense to a new level, which is exactly what the Patriots need, making him an even more compelling option in the first round, perhaps even in a trade-down scenario.

That’s something that Bourne appears to be on board with, even more so since another video of the pair together was posted on social media on Sunday afternoon.

#Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne and Ashton Jeanty make a great duo 🕺

(via _bigdeuce.2x TikTok) pic.twitter.com/9oekCYthKx

— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 30, 2025

Although running back is not a dire need for the Patriots this offseason since they have Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson already in the backfield, a talent like Jeanty doesn’t come very often, even if a running back class is considered as deep as this year.

He has the potential to be the x factor the Patriots are hoping to add to the offense, and considering Vrabel’s success in the past with the likes of Derrick Henry, the sky is the limit by picking Jeanty in the first round.

We saw how important a good running back room can be for a team to be successful, as evidenced by the Eagles’ run to become Super Bowl Champions this year. This makes it more difficult to completely shut down the idea of adding a talent like Jeanty to the roster.

It wouldn’t be a popular pick by any means, and Patriots fans have already made that well known, but given his production and potential in the NFL, it doesn’t seem like it would take long for the doubters to be proven wrong.