The New England Patriots are approaching a critical decision with the fourth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. While they are exploring multiple options, including the possibility of trading down, the general belief is that they are likely to target an offensive player. The key question is whether they’ll opt for a playmaker or focus on strengthening the offensive line.
One unexpected name has entered the conversation — Armand Membou from Missouri. While most early projections favored LSU’s Will Campbell as the top offensive lineman, Dane Brugler of The Athletic has highlighted Membou as a rising contender. Teams have taken notice of his strong game film and impressive athletic testing. Despite being just 20 years old and missing the Senior Bowl due to illness, his stock continues to climb. There’s growing talk that Membou could be the first offensive lineman selected in the draft, a surprising shift from initial predictions.
The idea of Membou being taken with the fourth overall pick by New England seemed unlikely just a short time ago, but recent developments have changed that perception. As the Patriots look to bolster their protection for quarterback Drake Maye, Membou has emerged as a serious candidate.
Several factors are contributing to this shift. The Rams re-signing Alaric Jackson and the Ravens likely keeping Ronnie Stanley have left the Patriots with fewer proven veteran options at offensive tackle. As a result, drafting a young, talented lineman like Membou has become an increasingly attractive option. With the draft approaching, the growing buzz around Membou and the Patriots’ evolving strategy continues to capture attention across the league.