The New England Patriots used the No. 4 overall pick to address the biggest need on the roster Thursday night, landing offensive tackle Will Campbell from LSU. Now, attention turns to Friday where they are currently set to have three selections — one atop the second round and two picks in round three.
Who might be on their radar? With some help from our very own Pats Pulpit Big Board and the Consensus Big Board compiled by our friend Arif Hasan, let’s take a look at the top-50 players still remaining for New England on day two of this year’s draft.
(*denotes players listed on the Pats Pulpit Big Board)
Running Back
Potential targets: TreVeyon Henderson* (Ohio State), Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
New England is looking for a speed back and Henderson provides a home-run threat with plenty of ability in the passing game. Some thought he’d come off the board in round one, making him a potential fit at No. 38 — especially with the Ohio State ties inside the building.
Wide Receiver
Potential targets: Luther Burden III* (Missouri), Jayden Higgins* (Iowa State), Jaylin Noel* (Iowa State), Tre Harris* (Ole Miss), Kyle Williams* (Washington State), Jack Bech* (TCU), Jalen Royals* (Utah State), Elic Ayomanor* (Stanford)
After using their first selection to protect Drake Maye, New England could provide their quarterback a new weapon on day two. The electric Luther Burden is the top option but a down 2024 season paired with some effort concerns could continue his slip. Iowa State’s talented duo could also be in play atop the second-round if New England wants speed (Noel) or size (Higgins).
Tight End
Potential targets: Mason Taylor* (LSU), Elijah Arroyo (Miami), Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green)
The Patriots could also look into the tight end market for pass catcher help, starting with Taylor who some thought could sneak into round one.
Offensive Tackle
Potential targets: Aireontae Ersery* (Minnesota), Charles Grant* (William & Mary), Ozzy Trapilo* (Boston College)
After selecting Campbell Thursday night, could New England look to double-dip at the tackle position on Friday? That path would likely unfold in round three, perhaps with the local Trapilo who worked with Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone at Boston College last season.
Interior Offensive Line
Potential targets: Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona), Marcus Mbow (Purdue), Tate Ratledge* (Georgia), Jared Wilson* (Georgia), Dylan Fairchild* (Georgia), Wyatt Milum (West Virginia)
Instead of double-dipping at tackle, New England could look to bolster the interior next to Campbell. Plenty of talent remains, including the entire Georgia Bulldog trio who impressed on the field and in the pre-draft process. Jared Wilson was the center of the group.
Defensive Line
Potential targets: Darius Alexander* (Toledo), T.J. Sanders (South Carolina), Alfred Collins* (Texas), Shemar Turner (Texas A&M), DT Ty Robinson (Nebraska)
If the Patriots are looking for more violence and pass rushing potential along the defensive line, look no further than Alexander. New England hosted him on a 30 visit, while Collins could also bring disruption and more size to the current group up front.
Defensive edge
Potential targets: Mike Green (Marshall), Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College), Nic Scourton* (Texas A&M), Landon Jackson (Arkansas), J.T. Tuimoloau (Ohio State), Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss), Bradyn Swinson (LSU), Oluwafemi Oladejo* (UCLA), ED Josaiah Stewart (Michigan)
Despite being a first-round talent on the field, Mike Green’s fall will likely continue past New England due to numerous sexual assault allegations. The edge is a spot New England could address on day two though, with Ezeiruaku, Scourton, and Oladejo being more likely options.
Linebacker
Potential targets: Carson Schwesinger* (UCLA), Demetrius Knight Jr. (South Carolina), LB Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon)
Linebacker may not be a major need for the Patriots early in the draft after remodeling the room in free agency, but Schwesinger remains as one of the top available talents on the board.
Cornerback
Potential targets: Will Johnson (Michigan), Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina), Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame), Azareye’h Thomas (Florida State), Darien Porter (Iowa State), CB Jacob Parrish (Kansas State)
After signing Carlton Davis to pair with Christian Gonzalez, cornerback is not a pressing need for New England. But, there is plenty of talent available which starts with Will Johnson — a once projected top-five pick who has fallen due to concerns of a knee injury. The Patriots could instead look to a player like Jacob Parrish with one of their later picks to bolster the nickel position.
Safety
Potential targets: Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina), Xavier Watts (Notre Dame), Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State), Andrew Mukuba* (Texas)
A freakish athlete, Emmanwori was a surprise slip to some as one of the best safeties in this class. He primarily aligned in the box, which could opt for New England to look at a different skillset such as Mukuba or Winston, who could provide strong future value coming off a torn ACL.
