Round 1, Pick 4: OT Will Campbell, LSU
The Patriots addressed the offensive line in part during free agency, signing Morgan Moses to play right tackle and Garrett Bradbury to replace the now released David Andrews. The last gaping hole to fill is left tackle, and Campbell is the man to do it. He wore the famous “No. 7” as a patch due to uniform restrictions during junior year and was a sophomore and junior captain. Arm length should not steer teams, particularly the Patriots, away, given three excellent seasons for a top SEC school: he allowed just four sacks during his career. The Patriots snag the best lineman the draft has to offer.
Round 2, Pick 38: ED Donovan Ezeiraku, Boston College
Vrabel and company certainly bolstered the edge play through the additions of Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson, but as a whole, the position could still use another addition. Ezeiraku’s 16.5 sacks and NFL frame should be more than enough for the Patriots to be clamoring for the pass rusher, who by many experts is projected to land at the end of the first round. Combined with Landry, Anfernee Jennings, Keion White and K’Lavon Chaisson, Ezeiraku would help form a respectable and deep unit.
Round 2, Pick 57: WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
Trade: Patriots send Round 3/Pick 69 and Round 4/Pick 105 to the Panthers for Round 2/Pick 57 and Round 7/Pick 230*
The addition of Stefon Diggs is big time: a legitimate wide out that can play on the outside and in the slot, something the team hasn’t had of his caliber since Josh Gordon’s 11 games with the club in 2018. While Jayden Higgins may not end up a No. 1, his big frame and 4.4 speed are attractive tools for OC Josh McDaniels to work with. The team has plenty of slot options, but adding a big body and deep threat on the outside is something they don’t have many of. Higgins should help the team take the next step towards solidifying the position.
Kansas State running back DJ Giddens runs the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State, Sept. 28, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riddle, File)
Round 3, Pick 77 (via ATL): RB D.J. Giddens, Kansas State
Acquired via Atlanta (Matt Judon Trade)
Rhamondre Stevenson was pretty disappointing for Patriot’s fans last season. Excluding his excellent week one outlier performance, he recorded 681 yards on the ground and just 3.7 yards per carry, all the while leading the league in fumbles. He’ll have the opportunity to bounce back next season, but not adding competition to the room would be irresponsible in my eyes. Giddens was very productive at K-State and tested well at the combine: he ranked seventh in the forty-yard dash, second in both the vertical and broad jump, and fourth in the 20-yard shuttle. Giddens would have the opportunity to work in as a rookie and potentially become the long term, starter.
Round 5, Pick 144: CB Zah Frazier, UTSA
Zah Frazier is the prototypical developmental cornerback: a 4.36 forty-yard dash ranked him fifth among cornerbacks at the combine, and his 6’3” frame makes him an asset in redzone coverage. The team does have similar developmental pieces, most notably Miles Battle, who performed very well in the final game of the season against Buffalo. The Patriots should be in the business of adding athletes, and if Frazier can follow in the footsteps of former UTSA corner Riq Woolen, this could be an excellent pick.
Round 7, Pick 217 (via TEN): OT Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M
Acquired via Tennessee (Nick Folk Trade)
Despite the addition of Campbell in round one, the team should continue to add depth across the line. Vinson is an excellent athlete, the 6-foot-7 tackle is thought to have some flexibility due to his athleticism, despite three years of starting on the left side. Offensive line coach Doug Marrone has plenty of experience in the league, and Vinson has all the physical traits to be a very solid lineman.
Round 7, Pick 220: K Caden Davis, Ole Miss
John Parker Romo is the only kicker on the roster after Joey Slye departed to the Titans last week, so adding some quality competition would make sense. Davis went 109/111 on extra points across his five years of college football, but had missed success from deep, just 4/9 from 50+ in his career, but still made a 57-yarder during his final season for the Rebels. Davis may be the answer for the kicker carousel we’ve seen since Nick Folk’s departure.
Round 7, Pick 230 (via CAR): DL Jared Harrison-Hunte, SMU
Acquired via Pick 57 (WR Jayden Higgins) Trade*
The Patriots snagged an extra day three pick from the trade with Carolina, and they use that to continue to bolster their defensive line. Daniel Ekuale’s departure will leave a void to be filled by Jeremiah Pharms, free agent signing Khyiris Tonga and now Harrison-Hunte. He managed 15.5 sacks during his four years with the Miami Hurricanes and final season with the Mustangs.
Round 7, Pick 238: OL Joe Huber, Wisconsin
Acquired via L.A. Chargers (J.C. Jackson Trade)
Huber was one of the most versatile linemen in college football over his career, playing at least 750 snaps at three different positions. The Patriots teams of old had versatile linemen that helped the line not miss a beat when someone went down, Ted Karras the most recent. Huber’s vast array of experience would do this roster well as a developmental backup.