Patriots picks, needs, best players available on Day 2 of NFL Draft
The New England Patriots filled an important need in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft in left tackle Will Campbell. But there is a lot more work to be done over the next two days.
Mike Vrabel sees Campbell as a "foundational piece" and a potential anchor for the offensive line for years to come. Now the Patriots will shift to the other needs up and down their roster, starting with an early pick n the second round Friday night.
Friday is seen as a real meaty part of the 2025 NFL Draft, with a number of talented and skilled players still available. Here's what the Patriots are working with, and who they might target on Day 2.
Patriots picks on Day 2 of 2025 NFL Draft
The Patriots have three selections on Friday, when the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft will be held. The picks will start coming off the board at 7 p.m.
Here's where the Patriots are scheduled to pick -- for now:
Round 2: 38th overall
Round 3: 69th overall
Round 3: 77th overall (From Atlanta via Matthew Judon trade in 2024)
Patriots remaining needs in 2025 NFL Draft
Getting a talented wide receiver for Drake Maye is the big need for the Patriots heading into Friday, but it's not the only one on offense. Tight end and running back (specifically the pass-catching variety of running back) are positions the team should address over the next two days.
Defensively, the team could use some help in the pass rush after finishing dead last in sacks last season. The Pats could also use another kicker for some camp competition, but that shouldn't be a Day 2 pick.
Best players still available for Patriots in NFL Draft
If the Patriots go edge rusher with their first pick on Friday, there are two very intriguing options still on the board. Marshall's Mike Green could be one of the first players taken Friday, after he led the FBS with 17 sacks in 2024. Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku is surprisingly still available after his 16.5-sack season for the Eagles in 2024. Neither may make it to No. 38, but either would be a great addition to the New England defense.
Texas A&M's Nic Scourton is another potential edge rusher for the Pats in the second round. He had five sacks for the Aggies in 2024 after he racked up 10 sacks for Purdue in 2023. If the Patriots wait until the third round to take an edge rusher, Ole Miss' Princely Umanmielen (10.5 sacks last season) could be an option.
Now let's get to the receivers. Only four were drafted Thursday, leaving a slew available for the taking on Friday.
Missouri's Luther Burden III saw his draft stock take a hit in 2024, but he finished his college career with 192 receptions and 21 touchdowns over three season. Iowa State's Jayden Higgins had 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, and will bring some incredible ball skills to the NFL. Both could be options for New England at No. 38.
Tre Harris of Ole Miss could be available in Round 3, and he's versatile enough to be a deep threat and an option in the slot. He had 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns last year, and did that in just seven games after his season ended early with a groin injury.
Utah State's Jalen Royals in another potential Round 3 receiver for the Patriots. He was also limited to seven games in 2024 due to an injury, but still had 55 catches and six touchdowns. He was a monster in 2023, when Royals had 71 receptions for 1,080 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Round 2 may be a little early for a running back, but Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson could be the pass-catching threat out of the backfield the Patriots have needed. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry as he racked up 1,016 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns for the Buckeyes last year, and added 27 receptions for 284 yards and a touchdown for the National Champs. If Henderson is not their guy, the Pats could go for his Ohio State teammate, Quinshon Judkins, who had 1,060 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Judkins rushed for 3,785 yards and 45 touchdowns over his three-year career between Ole Miss and Ohio State.
