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

2. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Nearly universally mocked to go in the first round, Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean is still on the board as we enter the second round on Friday night. ESPN has DeJean ranked as their third-best corner in the draft and 19th overall prospect.

DeJean was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022 and 2023, as well as a unanimous All-American in 2023. He also captured the Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year Award and Rodgers–Dwight Return Specialist of the Year.

DeJean is "one of the elitist athletes" in this year's draft, and Bleacher Report's Scouting Department has his pro comparison as Miami Dolphins' DB Jevon Holland.

Corner wasn't a position that the Patriots were expected to address in the top two rounds, but Eliot Wolf and co. must take a long and hard thought about taking DeJean, now knowing that he is still on the board. Pairing DeJean with second-year corner Christian Gonzalez is a real enticing possibility.

Another interesting wrinkle, with the new NFL kickoff rules, could DeJean's value as a returner be more emphasized than previously thought?

1. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Another wideout and potential target for new franchise quarterback Drake Maye, Texas' Adonai Mitchell is ESPN's 6th-ranked wideout and 29th-best prospect.

Mitchell began his collegiate career at Georgia, winning two national championships before transferring to Texas after his sophomore season. With the Longhorns, Mitchell hauled in 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games as Texas earned a College Football Playoff berth.

Mitchell projects as a vertical threat that New England's wide receiver room lacks. One pro comparison is Josh Reynolds. While Matt Harmon went as far as to offer an eye-popping comparison for Mitchell - prime DeAndre Hopkins. Harmon cites Mitchell's size and build and smooth route running for that comp.

Mitchell's Texas teammate, speedster Xavier Worthy, was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 28th overall pick after the two-time defending champs traded up.

There are some character concerns with Mitchell that might give New England pause. If they pass on Mitchell, that could likely be one of their top reasons.

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