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5 Best Prospects Still on the Board for the Patriots on Day 2 of the NFL Draft

Here are five prospects who are still on the board that could be targets for the New England Patriots.

By Ryan Bunton

Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) makes a
Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) makes a / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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4. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Kool-Aid McKinstry, a key member of college football's all-name team, is pretty dang good at football as well. At Alabama, he was a first-team All-American in 2023 and two-time first-team All-SEC in 2022 and 2023. Per ESPN, McKinstry is the 5th-ranked cornerback and 27th-best overall prospect.

Three cornerbacks went in the first round, including McKinstry's Alabama defensive back teammate Terrion Arnold, who was selected 24th overall to the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. McKinstry didn't hear his name called in Round 1, but he shouldn't have to wait long in Round 2.

With the unprecedented run on offensive players in the first round, high-caliber defensive players are still on the board at the top of the second round.

Last year's first-rounder, cornerback Christian Gonzalez, had a strong start to his pro career before a season-ending injury. Setting up New England's corner spots for years to come would put the Patriots in a tremendous spot on the defensive side of the ball.

3. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

Georgia's Ladd McConkey, another wide receiver on this list, is ranked as the 7th-best receiver and 31st overall. At 6'0", 185 pounds, McConkey's athleticism helps make up for his lack of size with his speed and abilities to change direction. One comparison for McConkey has been Antonio Brown (off-field antics aside).

Scouts believe that McConkey can be moved around the formation, both in the slot and outside, but he primarily projects as a shifty slot receiver. Given that DeMario Douglas stood out in last year's abysmal offense out of the slot, and the Patriots also inked K.J. Osborn to a contract this offseason. If the Patriots do go receiver at the top of Round 2, it would seem more likely that they pursue a bigger-bodied, vertical threat.

There is a strong chance that the Buffalo Bills could take a receiver at 33, so their divisional rival could help dictate who is still on the board for them at 34.

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