The New England Patriots potential first round selection has been the subject of debate recently. But who are some of the top prospects they could target at the top of the second round? Maybe New England could even trade up from their second round pick, to make multiple first round picks. Overall, they should be willing to move all over the Draft board, and their pick at number four will have a huge impact on their next pick. So let’s take a look at some of my favorite prospects the Patriots should take a good look at.
Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
One of my favorite prospects in the entire NFL Draft is Missouri wide receiver, Luther Burden III. Burden is the definition of a separator at the receiver position. His burst and athleticism allows him to be a true playmaker, wherever he lines up on the field. Burden was considered one of the best players in the country in 2023, but had a very down year in 2024. This has caused him to fly down Draft boards, and some Draft experts even have him falling to the second round. If the Patriots can get him with their second round pick, or even trade up into the twenties to make sure they get him, then Burden could have a huge impact immediately. With the coaching and guidance of Mike Vrabel, as well as current Patriots receiver, Stefon Diggs dictating coverage, we could see Burden thrive in Foxborough.
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
If the Patriots get lucky enough to land a player like Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter with their first pick, then Josh Conerly Jr. may be the best option at left tackle for their next selection. Conerly anchored the Oregon offensive line during a very successful year, and showed that he has what it takes to be a good player at the NFL level. Conerly could very well be a late first round pick, so this is another player that the Patriots may need to trade up for. He will need good coaching to continue his development, and will have a good chance to be Drake Maye’s blind side protector as a rookie.
Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
One of the more underrated prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, is Ole Miss edge rusher, Princely Umanmielen. Umanmielen has all the tools to be a top tier pass rusher in the NFL. His speed and size prove to be a deadly combo against opposing offensive linemen. With the defensive line expertise of Head Coach Mike Vrabel, Umanmielen could be the perfect fit in New England. The Patriots have some great pieces on the defense, and Umanmielen could be the elite pass rusher, that puts the final touch on an already talented defensive unit.
Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Patriots need to come away from the Draft with a starting left tackle. Aireontae Ersery could be their best option if they use their first round pick on a weapon or a defensive player. Ersery is a massive individual, standing at six-feet-six inches, three-hundred-thirty pounds. He is very difficult to get by, and once he gets his hands on a defender, it’s game over. His incredible strength and size make him a true anchor of the offensive line, and with good coaching and further development, the Patriots may be comfortable with Ersery as a franchise left tackle for the foreseeable future.
How could the Patriots approach their second pick?
The Patriots first round selection will have a massive impact on their second pick of the Draft. If they decide to take LSU offensive tackle, Will Campbell in the first round, they may be more willing to take a chance on the upside of a player like Luther Burden. However, if they land either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter at the fourth overall pick, then they may be very aggressive in trying to get a left tackle like Conerly or Ersery with their next selection. Regardless of how the Draft board falls, New England’s number one priority should be getting good football players in the door, and each player on this list is exactly that.
