10 potential Patriots targets on Day 2 of NFL Draft

Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and it was a memorable one for so many reasons. Almost 300,000 fans showed up for night one in Detroit, and they got quite a show, seeing six quarterbacks go – not just in the first round, but in the first 12 picks! A wild development beyond any pre-draft expectations.

Meanwhile, on the local front for Patriots fans, Round 1 will be memorable as it represented a definitive reboot for the offense, and the organization, with the selection of North Carolina QB Drake Maye at third overall. If Maye can learn the pro game, use his size to his advantage and turn his charm and energy into on-field results, then he might be a real one. But questions remain, like…who’s he going to throw to? Who’s going to block for him? And can his defense hold the fort while he grows and learns the position?

Fortunately for Maye, and the Patriots, there’s a veritable first round’s worth of talent available on Day 2 of the draft. The second and third rounds will see a number of players go off the board who in many other years would be first-round selections, many of whom could be ideal fits for the Patriots and their many needs. Here are 10 that would find an immediate home, and possible playing time, in Foxboro.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia - McConkey is fast, sure-handed and uses his precise route-running and quickness to get open in a hurry. A two-time national champion with the Georgia Bulldogs, McConkey would address the need of a third-down target and reliable security blanket for Maye in a hurry.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas - Perhaps the most complete receiver still on the board, Mitchell is a prototypical outside receiver with size (6-foot-2), speed and great hands. Nicknamed “AD,” Mitchell transferred from Georgia in 2023 and had his best season with the Longhorns. He’s believed to have just scratched the surface of his ability, which makes him an even more tantalizing prospect for a team that needs a true No. 1 wideout.

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa - A sturdy and tough corner from a team that made its name on defense, DeJean is a playmaker not afraid to make big hits at the line of scrimmage or break up a big pass downfield. DeJean also lends special teams value as a punt returner and can rush the passer. While the Pats need more help on offense than defense, DeJean is a player Jerod Mayo and DeMarcus Covington would likely find a number of uses for.

Jackson Powers-Johnson, C/G, Oregon - While tackle remains the priority along the offensive line for the Patriots, seeing a player of Powers-Johnson’s strength and style still available could make him too tempting to pass over. Strong, nasty and versatile, Powers-Johnson is a center by trade but has experience along all three interior offensive line spots. The Pats have veteran David Andrews at center and spent picks at guard the past two drafts, but they have a new QB to protect and will likely rely heavily on the run for some time.

Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky - From the same school that delivered Bailey Zappe to New England, Corley is a big, strong, physical wideout that could potentially be a later day Deebo Samuel-type playmaker for a team desperate to find game-changing talent on the outside. What he may lack in route-running and high-end speed he makes up for in toughness and production.

Braden Fiske, DL, Florida State - A versatile defensive lineman who plays with strength and an edge, Fiske transferred from Western Michigan to a higher level of competition in 2023 at FSU and thrived. He’s quick, has one of those highly-coveted nonstop motors and is good in both run stoppage and pass rushing. While D-line isn't a pressing need for New England like O-line and wide receiver are, a defensive-minded coach like Jerod Mayo might find someone as relentless and aggressive as Fiske too good to pass on.

Blake Corum, RB, Michigan - If productivity, championship experience, versatility and strength are what a team is looking for in a back, then look no further than Corum, who’s coming off a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines. Corum totaled 45 total TDs the last two seasons, and also benched 225 pounds as many times (27) as Joe Alt, the top overall offensive tackle in the draft.

Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington - A member of Washington’s highly productive receiver trio the past two seasons, alongside Jalen McMillan and Rome Odunze, Polk uses his body size, control and hands to make big catches and win at the point of attack. While his speed (4.52) may not blow people away, his numbers (69 catches, 1153 yards, 9 TDs in 2023) didn’t happen with Michael Penix by accident.

Kingsley Suamataia, OL, BYU - The Patriots might have missed out on the first tier of offensive tackles, but there’s still developmental talent available, like Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher and BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia, a giant of a human (6-foot-5, 330 pounds) who is sturdy and quicker than most men his size (a 5.04 in the 40-yard dash).

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama - A first-team AP All-American, Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry is a consistent and steady defender who will rarely be out of position or away from the play. McKinstry covers better than he makes flashy plays, and also has all the skills to quickly disrupt pass plays and more when needed. While the Pats might say safety is a greater need than corner, especially after investing a first-round selection last year in Christian Gonzalez, McKinstry has the talent to improve any secondary he joins instantly.