FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots filled their biggest need on Thursday night when they drafted LSU tackle Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That’s a start, but the team still has a lot more work to do.
Over the next two days, Mike Vrabel’s team is scheduled to make eight more draft picks. That includes three picks tomorrow – one in the second round (pick 38) and two in the third round (picks 69 and 77).
If the Patriots are going to get this rebuild on a faster track then they need to hit on these Day 2 picks. Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have a prime opportunity to draft three prospects who could impact the franchise.
Among the Patriots biggest needs are left guard, defensive tackle, edge rusher, running back, wide receiver, and cornerback. Like every year, there will be players drafted in rounds two and three who perform better than some first-round picks.
Friday’s second round starts at 7 p.m. Here’s a look at the best available players left on the board.
Mike Green, edge rusher, Marshall
At 6-foot-3, 251 pounds, Green is a talented pass rusher. He’d help a Patriots defense that finished last in the NFL in sacks in 2024. Green is considered one of the best pass rushers in this class after finishing with 17 sacks last season.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, edge rusher, Boston College
At 6-foot-3, 248 pounds, Ezeiruaku fits the Vrabel mold for an outside linebacker. He’d create nice depth to go with Harold Landry, Anfernee Jennings and K’Lavon Chaisson. He finished with 16.5 sacks for Bill O’Brien and Boston College last fall.
Luther Burden III, receiver, Missouri
Burden is an explosive receiver, who is still refining his route running. He caught 61 passes for 676 yards with six touchdowns last season. Burden would give the Patriots a much-needed deep threat.
Elijah Arroyo, tight end, Miami
Arroyo is an outstanding athlete and profiles as an explosive move tight end in the NFL. Last year, he caught 35 passes for 590 yards and seven touchdowns. He’d give the Patriots a long-term option at tight end after Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.
Jaylin Noel, receiver, Iowa State
Noel is a 5-foot-10 receiver with the ability to play in the slot and outside the number. He caught 80 passes for 1,194 yards with eight touchdowns last season. Noel could develop into a go-to weapon for Drake Maye.
JT Tuimoloau, edge rusher, Ohio State
Tuimoloau is a 6-foot-4, 264-pound pass rusher with an exceptional motor. Last season, he finished with 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 21.5 tackles for loss. He’d reinforce a pass rush that finished last in the NFL in 2024.
Jayden Higgins, receiver, Iowa State
The Patriots could use an upgrade at X-receiver and Higgins would instantly give them that. A 6-foot-4 outside receiver, he caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards with nine touchdowns last season. Higgins would be a welcomed addition to the Patriots receiver room.
Landon Jackson, edge rusher, Arkansas
At 6-foot-6, 264 pounds, Jackson has great size for a budding NFL edge rusher. He’d bring raw power and strength to the edge of the Patriots defense. He finished with 6.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons.
Darius Alexander, defensive tackle, Toledo
At 6-foot-4, 309 pounds, Alexander is a pass-rushing defensive tackle. He’d fit in well with Williams and Barmore. He had 3.5 sacks, five pass breakups, and an interception last season. He was also a Senior Bowl standout.
Oluwafemi Oladejo, edge rusher, UCLA
Oladejo is a versatile defensive player who would be a chess piece in Vrabel’s defense. He started his career at California where he played inside linebacker. After transferring to UCLA, Oladejo moved to edge rusher. He finished with 3.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss last year.
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