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What to know about the Patriots' 2025 NFL draft pick — and why there's a debate around arm length
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
Congrats to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who is getting an honorary degree next month from New England Conservatory for her leadership and impressive piano-playing abilities.
Now, let's move past this opening allegro to the news:
An arms length away: The New England Patriots have a high pick in tonight's 2025 NFL draft, again. After another 4-13 season, the team will be selecting fourth. But there's some uncertainty about who they'll choose — or more specifically, who will be available after the Cleveland Browns (No. 2) and New York Giants (No. 3) get to pick. Here's what to know ahead of tonight's draft:
- Predictions: The Patriots already have their starting quarterback in 22-year-old Drake Maye, who they drafted last year, so they're likely to turn their attention to other positions. This year's draft features two highly coveted talents: wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and edge rusher Abdul Carter. But they would really only be available if the Browns or Giants go for a quarterback or do something
stupidunexpected. If both of those prospects are off the board, the more likely scenario is that the Pats look to fill another pressing need and take the draft's best offensive lineman, LSU left tackle Will Campbell, to protect Maye. (Wildcard: There's also always the possibility of a trade.) - What's the deal with Campbell (and his arms)? There's a riveting debate over whether Campbell's arms are too short for a pro tackle. They reportedly measured 32⅝ inches at the scouting combine and 33 inches at his pro day. Most coaches and scouts consider the minimum arm length for NFL tackles as 33 inches, ideally 34, sports analyst Khari Thompson told WBUR's Morning Edition host Tiziana Dearing. (His wingspan is also historically short for an offensive lineman.)
- Why does arm length matter? "You have to stop angry, 300-pound people from crushing your quarterback, or you want to push that guy to clear a hole for your running back," Thompson said. "It's hard to do that when you can't get your hands on the guy if he's got longer arms than you." But it hasn't affected Campbell so far. "You could count the number of times that he let his quarterback get taken down to the ground on one hand," Thompson said, citing Campbell's three years at LSU. "The guy does his job." Still, the NFL cares less about college performances and more about how these rookies may stack up against those in the big league, so it will be interesting to see if the Pats decide to take the leap into Campbell's arms tonight. Learn more about this debate and how arm measurements can vary in the full Morning Edition conversation here.
- When and where to watch? The excitement starts at 8 p.m. on ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network.
A Lowell nonprofit is the latest to feel the Trump administration's federal budget cuts. The United Teen Equity Center is losing about $2 million, the organization said. As WBUR's John Bender reports, those funds from the Department of Justice were meant for programs to reduce gun violence and get young people into jobs in the Merrimack Valley. CEO Gregg Croteau told John the programs serve about 400 youth in the region and he thinks it's working. "The one thing we can say is the data is incredibly clear, not just in our region. Not just even in the state of Massachusetts," Croteau said. The nonprofit said it plans to appeal the decision.
Harvard is having some money troubles. The university is borrowing $750 million while federal pressure on the school's finances grows. WBUR's Rob Lane spoke with the former treasurer of MIT, Allan Bufferd, who said even universities with deep-pocketed alumni can struggle to weather tough financial times.
- Why can't schools rely on major donors? Bufferd said big donations to universities are usually made for a specific purpose, like providing a certain kind of scholarship. That means the money can't be used to plug unexpected financial holes, like the Trump administration freezing billions in grants. The administration is also pushing the IRS to strip the school's tax exemption. Harvard has sued the administration, saying the funding freeze is an unlawful effort to "coerce and control Harvard" and dictate its academic direction, according to court filings.
P.S.— Today is the third annual Right Whale Day in Massachusetts. The New England Aquarium is hosting free activities with local scientists on its Central Wharf Plaza and inside the Simons Theatre from noon to 3 p.m. to spread awareness about this endangered species. While you're there, you could also grab a picture with Calvin, a 42-foot-long inflatable right whale.
