3 First-Round Draft Prospects That Could Fall to the Patriots at No. 34

2. LT Jordan Morgan, Arizona

With right tackle Mike Onwenu locked down for the next three seasons, the Patriots need to find a cornerstone for the left side. That's why they should consider adding Arizona left tackle Jordan Morgan if he's available at the 34th overall selection.

Morgan has spent five years with the Wildcats but his play didn't jump up to the next level until the last two seasons.

Since the beginning of the 2022 campaign, the 22-year-old blocker has only surrendered three sacks, three QB hits, and 25 hurries across 920 passing downs. He was heralded for his solid protection throughout the 2023 season, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors and an 87.3 pass-block grade from Pro Football Focus.

Some draft experts and scouts believe that Morgan must get stronger, but he has other qualities that make up for those shortcomings. He displays high levels of football IQ, knows how to change directions at the drop of a hat, and always has his hands where they need to be. If he can improve his strength, he could become a real problem for defenders.

Morgan's 2022 ACL tear might be one reason he falls to the second round, but all signs point to that injury being firmly in the rearview. His potential is too promising for the Patriots to pass on him if he's still available in Round 2.

3. WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

Assuming that the Patriots want to pair their next franchise QB with an elite WR, Texas' Adonai Mitchell could be the solution to their problems.

After two uneventful years at Georgia, the 21-year-old playmaker opted to transfer to Texas for the 2023 college football season. The change wound up working in his favor as Mitchell set new career highs in receptions (55), yards (845), and touchdowns (11) across 14 games with the Longhorns.

For comparison, he posted a 38-560-7 stat line across two seasons (21 games) with Bulldogs.

The Patriots' current WR room lacks athleticism and that's exactly what Mitchell brings to the table. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wideout ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash with a 39.5-inch vertical jump at the NFL Draft Combine. His estimated 91 athleticism score ranks third-best among this year's WR class.

Mitchell's fluctuating intensity is one reason why he might fall, but the Patriots shouldn't be worried. The Missouri City, TX native recently told the NFL Network that he's heading into the league with an open mindset and is willing to learn, meaning the New England coaching staff can likely get rid of any bad habits with some hard work.

Like Franklin, Mitchell is exactly the type of future No. 1 WR that the Patriots' offense needs going forward.

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