The NFL Draft is all about connections. Teams connect with prospects, fans connect the dots, and sometimes, old teammates reconnect in the pros. That’s exactly what Omarion Hampton is hoping for. The North Carolina running back and top draft prospect made his pitch loud and clear—he’d love to reunite with his former QB, Drake Maye, in the NFL. Specifically? In New England.

Because let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to run behind a quarterback who already knows your every move?

Hampton, who bulldozed his way into UNC’s record books, isn’t just making wishful thinking public. He’s already had a meeting with the Patriots. And while he didn’t spill much—“It was straight. It was good”—the possibility is intriguing. Maye will be assuming a crucial role in Mike Vrabel‘s Patriots team in his sophomore year. So, having a familiar face in the backfield could make the transition smoother.

Think of it as a built-in chemistry boost, the kind of duo that doesn’t need extra reps to get on the same page.

“I mean, it’ll be an amazing experience,” Hampton said about the idea of playing with Maye again. “He always had me under his wing.” That bond was on full display at UNC, where the two spearheaded a top-20 offense in 2023. Hampton’s numbers? Just ridiculous—1,726 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns in 2023, then 2,033 yards and 17 scores in 2024. This dude is clearly a backfield weapon waiting to be unleashed.

Now, do the Patriots actually need a running back? Rhamondre Stevenson is solid. But depth never hurts, especially when you’re trying to build around a rookie quarterback. The Pats have the fourth overall pick, likely reserved to build Maye’s O-line, but that 38th pick in the second round? That’s where things get spicy. If Hampton is still on the board, does New England take the shot?

Drafting a solid OL is one thing. That’s saying, ‘Hey, we need to protect Maye at all costs.’ Building an offense around him is another. And nothing eases a young QB into the NFL quite like a reliable, hard-nosed running back who already knows his game. If the Patriots want to maximize their #10’s season, Hampton might just be the perfect piece to pair with him.

All about Drake Maye’s safety: Mike Vrabel has good news for Will Campbell

The Patriots’ biggest offseason priority? Keeping Drake Maye upright. And if you’re building around a franchise QB, the offensive line is non-negotiable. That’s why LSU’s Will Campbell has been linked to New England at No. 4. But there’s been one lingering question: Is his arm length enough to play tackle in the NFL?

If you’re side-eyeing the tape, you’re not alone. Some scouts believe Campbell’s arms fall just short of the 33-inch threshold teams love for tackles. The result? Questions about whether he’s better suited to kick inside at guard. But head coach Mike Vrabel isn’t buying the arm-length panic.

“I think that arm length is good only up until the point to where you use it,” Vrabel said at the Combine. “If guys are sitting there and they’re catching or clamping, they’re not as long as maybe they would be if you punched.” Translation: It’s about technique, not just measurements.

Vrabel isn’t just throwing out theories. He spent last season as a consultant with the Browns, working extensively with their offensive line. If anyone knows what it takes to neutralize elite pass rushers, it’s him. And from his perspective, Campbell’s tape tells a promising story—one of a lineman who knows how to maximize what he’s got. “So much technique changes now,” Vrabel added. “If you’re a long-armed player that uses the length, then great. But if you’re maybe an average-length player who doesn’t use it, that would be difficult.”

The tape backs it up. Campbell held his own in the SEC, allowing just four sacks in 38 career starts. His footwork is solid, though some scouts believe his recovery step could use work. And yes, while his reach isn’t ideal, he compensates with strength and hand placement. One exec summed it up: “His length gets him in trouble sometimes, but he’s a stud—just maybe not at tackle.”

So, does Campbell make sense for New England? That depends on how the board shakes out. But if the Patriots believe he can thrive outside, arm length won’t be a dealbreaker. And if they see him as a guard? They might still take him—just not at No. 4. Either way, Maye is getting protection, and that’s the only thing that really matters. After all, it’s just about getting the right pieces in place. What do you think?