NFL Mock Draft: Experts Predict Patriots’ Second-Round Pick

Thursday could go down as a pivotal day in the Mike Vrabel era of the Patriots, but there’s still a lot of work to be done, especially Friday night.

New England landed what it believes is a franchise cornerstone in LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. After exploring all their options, the Patriots stood pat and didn’t trade back into the first round, setting up a huge night Friday in Green Bay.

For now, the Patriots have three Day 2 picks. The Patriots own pick No. 38 in the second and selections Nos. 69 and 77 in the third. Assuming they stick and go to the podium in the second round, here’s what some of the NFL draft experts believe the Patriots could do at No. 38.

Matt Miller, ESPN: DE Mike Green (Marshall)
“Green has elite speed, pass-rush potential and is ideally suited to play in a 3-4 defense, where his lack of strength and bulk isn’t as much of an issue. The Patriots have the right scheme for him and a coach in Mike Vrabel who can take him under his wing.”

Chris Trapasso, CBS: DE Mike Green (Marshall)
“Mike Vrabel wants more pass-rushing threats on his defense. He gets that with Green, a bendy explosive rusher from Marshall.”

Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: WR Jaylin Noel (Iowa State)
“He is outstanding in the air and can contort his body to bad throws. He could be a great weapon for Drake Maye.”

Pro Football Focus: WR Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)
“Higgins is a reliable possession receiver who can run a diverse route tree from any alignment thanks to impressive foot quickness. He won’t be an athletic standout in the NFL, but he’ll often be in the right place at the right time.”

Dane Brugler, The Athletic: WR Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)
A grouping of Higgins-Stefon Diggs-DeMario Douglas across the formation would be a clear upgrade over what New England was trotting out last season.

Justin Melo, The Draft Network: WR Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)