Patriots 3 biggest needs heading into Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft
Day 1 is officially over and the New England Patriots only selection came in the early minutes. With the fourth overall pick, they got their starting left tackle, selecting LSU's Will Campbell. But, there are still a lot of other needs for the Patriots heading into the next 2 days. So, here are three positions […]
Day 1 is officially over and the New England Patriots only selection came in the early minutes.
With the fourth overall pick, they got their starting left tackle, selecting LSU's Will Campbell.
But, there are still a lot of other needs for the Patriots heading into the next 2 days. So, here are three positions they should address on Friday.
1. Wide Receiver
While the Patriots have a lot of wide receivers on the roster right now, they need that one star that can truly make an impact from the start of the season. They were hoping that would be either Ja'Lynn Polk or Javon Baker last season, but neither were able to live up to expectations. So, it makes sense why New England would look to bring in another player who's college film speaks for itself.
2. Edge
The Patriots need help at pass rush. That much is clear from watching all the games last season. So, getting a talented edge in the second or third round should be at the top of the Patriots' priority list.
3. Offensive Tackle
Yes, they already drafted one offensive tackle, but that's not enough. Outside of Morgan Moses on the right side and now Will Campbell on the left, the Patriots don't have much depth at that position. There are a lot of talented tackle prospects and considering the way teams are targeting them, New England should look to snag one on Day 2.
Best remaining options
Including analysis from A to Z Sports Draft Experts
Marshall EDGE Mike Green
"Mike Green has the athleticism to be a game-wrecking pass rusher, with some unbelievable movement skills that pop on film. He's on the smaller side among edge rushers at just 248 pounds and with 32" arms, and his effort in run defense comes and goes. He dominated lower competition at the Sun Belt, but got shut down at times when he would face off against tougher competition. He's a raw swing for upside that requires banking on his explosiveness and ability to close on the quarterback quickly, but he brings a fair amount of risk as well," AJ Schulte writes.
Missouri WR Luther Burden III
"Luther Burden had an up-and-down career with the Missouri Tigers as far as production goes, but it was hardly his fault. Burden flashed as a true freshman catching 46 passes for about 400 yards and six touchdowns. It was clear he was immediately the best offensive weapon on the team, but the misses on his deep targets limited what could have been a special first year. Then as a sophomore Burden put it all together with over 1200 yards and nine touchdowns, looking like one of the best wide receivers in the country. Unfortunately, his final season was riddled with terrible quarterback play once again (as his QB tried to play through injury) and defenses honing in on stopping him and nothing else. He needs to refine his route running, but Burden's ability to make plays with the ball in his hands and to create opportunities for those around him should earn him early NFL Draft capital," Travis May writes.
Texas A&M Edge Nic Scourton
"A densely built athlete who can size up or lean out depending on his role, Nic Scourton immediately proved to be a difference-maker after enrolling at Purdue. His subsequent transfer to Texas A&M brought a less-inspiring effort and level of play, but the high-end flashes show why he was a quality four star recruit. A locked-in version of Scourton has one of the highest upsides in the class as both a run defender setting the edge and a potentially elite pass rusher," Ian Valentino writes.
Boston College Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku
"Donovan Ezeiruaku is one of the most gifted pass rushers in this class with arguably the best bend and elite quickness flying off the line of scrimmage. On top of that, he's got the deepest bag of pass rush moves in this class and a relentless motor. He's on the smaller side for pass rushers, showing up to the NFL Combine at just 6'2' and less than 250 pounds. That might cause him to drop slightly on draft day, but he makes up for that lack of size with his 34-inch arm length that he knows how to use well," AJ Schulte writes.
Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery
"Aireontae Ersery is the perfect cup of tea for any general manager and coaching staff that loves maulers at the tackle position. At 6'6" and more than 330 pounds, he is one of the larger humans in a sport with a ton of large humans. You can see that in his hand usage, where his hands might as well be meat hooks that he uses to steer and dump defenders that are unfortunate enough to give up their chest. If you can keep your chest clean from his reach, you're more than likely to win the rep as a pass rusher. That's because Ersery is as stiff as a board. When you're his size, it's tough to move laterally, bend your knees, and uncoil your hips with precision. And if defenders know that, they can turn you into a turnstile. Ersery needs to work on his agility and could benefit from kicking inside to guard as he develops his athleticism," Rob Gregson writes.
Ole Miss WR Tre Harris
"An analytics darling with great size and speed, Tre Harris obliterated efficiency metrics in Ole Miss' offense. He posted over five yards per route run on his wild 1000-yard run in just his first seven games last season. A former two-star prospect who leveled up to Ole Miss via Louisiana Tech, Harris has consistently won when betting on himself. He's a prototypical X receiver who can be counted on to make an immediate impact as he has in each of his destinations thus far," Ian Valentino writes.