Patriots Prospect Preview: Five College Players To Watch In Week 2

Welcome to the Patriots Prospect Preview, our annual series where we talk about the club’s future picks before literally anyone else! It’s already time for Week 2.

The New England Patriots will play meaningful football against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, but we have some time to kill before then…

I won’t lie and tell you that there’s an interesting college football slate ahead — because quite frankly, it stinks. I will say that it’s still worth keeping an eye on, however, as there are draft prospects who will take part in some significant matchups just like last weekend.

It’s also more likely than not that if you clicked on this story you’ll be watching anyway, so let’s just dive into it:

Gennings Dunker (#67), OT, Iowa

Week 2: @ Iowa State (12 p.m. ET on FOX)

Will Campbell and Morgan Moses are anything but a long-term solution to the club’s persisting problems along the offensive line — at least as a duo.

Campbell could very well prove to be worthy of the fourth overall selection from this past draft, but questions remain about whether or not he fits best at left tackle. Moses is a true professional and might have one last run in him, but there remains a need for his replacement at right tackle.

I’ll be talking about offensive tackle prospects throughout the season because of it, and Gennings Dunker — yes, that is his real name — is perhaps my favorite.

Dunker is a three-year starter at right tackle and has experience playing inside, having led the way for a potent rushing attack that averaged 197.2 yards per game in 2024. Dunker is someone who could benefit greatly from a professional weight program — his diet is pretty insane — and some technique adjustments — he’s the definition of a mauler.

I’d still be surprised if he didn’t land on Day 2, though. New England, and the rest of the league for that matter, will love his ceiling.

Sammy Omosigho (#7), LB, Oklahoma

Week 2: vs. Michigan (7:30 p.m. ET on ABC)

Sammy Omosigho is an interesting prospect, for more than a few reasons.

Omosigho made a position change over the offseason, dropping his “cheetah” label — a hybrid between defensive back and linebacker — and taking over as the sole man in the middle of the defense.

Oklahoma has built something of a competent defense in recent seasons, seeing the unit improve from the 99th in 2022 to 29th in 2024. Omosigho could lead that unit to another improve finish this season, as his role will finally match his talent in 2025.

The Patriots are fine at linebacker, but there’s always plenty of turnover at that position and it can’t hurt finding some decent depth behind the likes of Robert Spillane, Jack Gibbens and Christian Elliss.

Jyaire Hill (#20), CB, Michigan

Week 2: @ Oklahoma (7:30 p.m. ET on ABC)

The Patriots don’t exactly have an issue at cornerback, but there are some future questions to be answered at the position.

Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, DJ James and Charles Woods will all hit free agency following the season, meaning there’s nothing guaranteed behind the likes of Carlton Davis III and Christian Gonzalez.

Jyaire Hill is an interesting option if the club finds itself in need of a versatile cornerback who might find himself available on Day 2. It’s always better to build depth at the position as early as you possibly can, and the club should focus on doing that even if they do retain the names previously mentioned.

Luke Hasz (#9), TE, Ole Miss

Week 2: @ Kentucky (3:30 p.m. ET on ABC)

New England has been oddly cavalier regarding the situation at tight end, but you can’t trust two veterans to remain healthy and effective without finding some young depth to learn behind them — at least not much longer. — Keagan Stiefel (Aug. 30, 2025)

I’ll write that every week if I need to, because it remains worrisome that the only dudes in the tight end room are Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.

Luke Hasz has a tremendous opportunity to shoot up draft boards this season — as does the remainder of his draft class — with everyone currently sitting somewhere in the same area with regard to draft position. Hasz falls into the receiver-first category, but has the size to stay competitive as a blocker and the explosivity to become a focal point in the passing game.

Jake Slaughter (#66), OL, Florida

Week 2: vs. South Florida (4:15 p.m. ET on SEC Network)

Jake Slaughter is the best interior offensive lineman in the country, though his lack of any significant traits might see him slip below less proven options like Auburn’s Connor Lew, Alabama’s Parker Brailsford and Iowa’s Logan Jones.

We also see career-long offensive tackles get shoved inside once they get drafted all the time…

The Patriots should make a point to bring in steady options along the offensive line, regardless of where they play. Garrett Bradbury also isn’t a long-term answer, so there will be spots open on the interior.

If you’d like to hear about any prospects in particular, leave us a comment or send a note @KeaganStiefel on X!