5 Best Prospects Still on the Board for the Patriots on Day 2 of the NFL Draft
By Ryan Bunton
Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft will kick off tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET. New England selected UNC quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in Thursday night's first round, tabbing the signal caller as their next franchise quarterback.
The Patriots hold the 34th overall pick, meaning that they will be second on the clock on Friday night. Their divisional rival, Buffalo Bills, hold the 33rd overall selection after twice trading back on Thursday night.
After a historically offensive first round in which 23 of the 32 selections were used on offensive players, there are still highly-ranked defensive players still on the board. The first 14 players taken were all on the offensive side of the ball, also a draft record.
The most likely direction for the Patriots on Day 2 appears to be either wide receiver or cornerback. Receiver was a primary need heading into the draft, and putting Maye in a position to succeed (especially in light of the Mac Jones disaster), should be a point of emphasis. Corner wasn't a likely second round consideration entering the draft, but based upon how the first round unfolded, there are some high-caliber DB's still on the board.
Heading into the second night of the NFL draft, here are the five best prospects still on the board for the Patriots.
5. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Despite a record seven wide receivers taken in the first round on Thursday night, there are still some intriguing receiver prospects on the board for the Patriots. It wouldn't be surprising if the Buffalo Bills snagged a WR at 33, one spot before New England, but the Patriots are still in a prime position.
At 6'3", 213 pounds, Coleman was ESPN's 10th-ranked wide receiver prospect and 37th-overall prospect heading into the draft. He projects as a X receiver that will work outside of the numbers, a prototype that New England currently desperately lacks in their offense.
Coleman has been compared to Allen Robinson and Drake London. In his lone season with the Seminoles after transferring from Michigan State, Coleman caught 50 passes for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Coleman fits a receiver profile that the Patriots don't already have, at a position that they desparately need talent. He will be in strong consideration at 34.