The Patriots did not select anyone on Day 1 of the NFL Draft, as they traded their first-round pick to the Chargers in exchange for a second and third-round selection.
New England now has five overall picks Friday, the most of any team in the league. Its first will come at No. 37 overall (from Chargers), which is the fifth pick of the second round. It seems very possible the team will be able to land a player that was originally projected to them at No. 23.
After that, the Patriots have four third-round picks, all from Nos. 71-100. Do not be surprised to see them potentially move up into the second round by using one or more of those selections.
With that in mind, here are 10 players to keep an eye on from a Patriots perspective on Day 2 (and not just players who could go early in Round 2).
S Xavier McKinney, Alabama — In a bit of a surprise, McKinney was not selected in the first round. The Alabama product has a very high football IQ and would seem to be a nice fit in the back-end of the Patriots defense. Given how old the Patriots are at the position, looking to the future is a top priority.
EDGE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa — Epenesa isn't as athletic as some may think given his numbers at Iowa (double-digit sacks the last two years), but he seems to be a solid, versatile option for New England, who was mocked by many to them at No. 23.
EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State — The Penn State product was one of the players to climb mock drafts over the last few weeks, including some believing he is the best pass rusher still left on the board. In his last two seasons, he totaled 34.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks.
EDGE Josh Uche, Michigan — Uche may not be worth taking with pick No. 37, but if they do not add a pass rusher there, he could be worth trading up for later in the second round. He's known as a 'tweener on the edge with proven pass rush ability and some power to play the run.
DT DaVon Hamilton, Ohio State — Like Uche, this is more for down the road on Day 2, but he feels like a nice fit in New England. He has solid hands and feet and could be a solid option up front for the team, as it is a spot that needs more depth.
LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming — Wilson could be one of the biggest steals in the draft, as he put up tremendous numbers at Wyoming — 105 tackles last fall, but maybe even more impressive were his 10 total interceptions in his college career. Not bad for a linebacker. Also a team captain, he seems like a great option in Round 3.
TE Cole Kmet, Notre Dame — The Patriots seem like a lock to select a tight end and with none selected in Round 1, they can really get their pick of who they like most. Kmet is considered the best by some, and may be the safest of the group, but the question becomes how much will the position continue to slip and how long can the Patriots afford to wait?
TE Adam Trautman, Dayton — Trautman is considered by some to be the best at the position, but there are some questions with him playing at a small school like Dayton. In his four years at the school, he totaled 178 receptions for 2,295 yards and 31 touchdowns.
QB Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma — Hurts has been a late-riser in this draft and many have said they do not expect him to make it out of Round 2. If that is the case, it doesn't seem likely the Patriots will get him, but if he slips into Round 3, do not be shocked to see them take a chance.
QB Jake Fromm, Georgia — Many feel Fromm is the perfect Patriot given his strengths are what they value the most — accuracy and decision-making. The Georgia product feels like someone who could be available with any of their four third-round selections.
