New England Patriots fans across the country are buzzing because the 2025 NFL draft is finally here. The Patriots have arrived in Green Bay, WI, with nine 2025 draft picks at their disposal, including four within the top 80, highlighted by this year's fourth overall selection.
As great as it is to boast early selections, the best players aren't always found with a Day 1 or 2 pick. Several current Patriots were found on Day 3, after all, including wideouts DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, as well as offensive lineman Michael Onwenu.
With a whopping five Day 3 selections at their disposal again this week, the Patriots likely have an idea of who they want in the later rounds — including an under-the-radar cornerback who'd add some much-needed secondary depth.
Patriots Eyeing UCF CB Mac McWilliams as Potential Day 3 Draft Pick
When it comes to potential Day 3 selections, Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan won't be surprised if UCF cornerback Mac McWilliams joins the Patriots between the fourth and seventh rounds.
"The Patriots’ interest in McWilliams dates back to the Senior Bowl and combine. He plays with the demeanor Vrabel seeks in all of his players, relentless and physical," Callahan wrote. "McWilliams projects as a fourth- or fifth-round pick who should play nickelback at the next level."
What the #Patriots will do tonight, a Day 2 surprise to watch, Day 3 predictions and more thoughts on the Pats' draft ahead.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) April 24, 2025
Column: https://t.co/JKnJ1jRKUl pic.twitter.com/KrldkPncdr
Even though the Patriots replaced the departing Jonathan Jones with former Detroit Lions CB Carleton Davis, there's always room to bolster the secondary. That's especially true if it means adding a promising rookie ballhawk like the UCF product.
McWilliams, 23, spent four seasons at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before transferring to the University of Central Florida for the 2024 campaign. Joining the Knights paid off in spades for the Pensacola, FL native, who recorded 25 solo tackles (7 for lost yardage), two defended passes, a forced fumble, and a sack in 11 appearances.
That's without mentioning how McWilliams finished with a career-high 84.8 Pro Football Focus coverage grade after only allowing 21 completions on 38 targets (55.3%) for 133 yards, two touchdowns, and a 69.3 passer rating. For comparison, he allowed 633 yards, four TDs, and a 116.1 rating in his final year at UAB.
Mock drafts often have McWilliams being taken later in the event, with NFL analyst Lance Zierlein listing the CB prospect as a likely fifth-round pick.
Holding Picks No. 144 and 171 in Round 5, the Patriots should have an opportunity to draft the UCF defender. They can also package a pair of picks to move up if they don't think he'll be on the board when it's their turn on Day 3.
In other words, it won't be long before Patriots fans learn if McWilliams will be competing for a 53-man roster spot this summer. Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft begins at noon ET on Saturday.