The start to the 2025 NFL Draft couldn't have gone worse for the Patriots as far as their dream of landing at least one of CB/WR Travis Hunter or EDGE Abdul Carter. The Jaguars made the shocking trade up from pick No. 5 to secure their top prospect in Hunter by swapping picks with the Browns, while the Giants passed on taking a quarterback with their pick for Carter at No. 3.
Most fans were hoping the Patriots would avoid that scenario in round one, but because it became a reality, it inevitably led them to take LSU left tackle Will Campbell. Although he immediately fits a major need and checks nearly all the boxes of what a starter needs in the NFL, he wasn't who fans were hoping for.
That might have changed since the pick was made, though, because Campbell impressed with his first comments as the newest New England Patriot, seemingly winning over the concerned fans because of it.
With the offensive line dealt with first and their decision to pass on trading back into the first round, all signs point to the Patriots selecting a wide receiver with their next pick. They are on the clock at No. 38 in Round 2 on Friday evening, with a chance to trade up if they choose.
Regardless, it looks like their next pick will be one of the top remaining receivers, with Missouri's own Luther Burden III at the top of the list.
The Patriots have a solid opportunity to add an impressive receiver to their roster in Round 2
With a few intriguing names left on the board for the Patriots to choose from, the leading favorite remains Burden after seeing Emeka Egbuka taken late in Round 1.
The 21-year-old has had an up-and-down career with the Tigers over the last three seasons, initially getting on teams' radar as a freshman. Although he wasn't ultra-impressive that season, he flashed enough to show he had some good potential to grow into an explosive player, which he accomplished in 2023.
That season, Burden recorded 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, solidifying himself as a receiver to watch over the next year. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to replicate that kind of production in 2024, recording about half of what he did the year before. The lack of sufficient quarterback play was the underlying factor in his demise.
Because of his natural athleticism and versatility at the position, he remained a projected first-round prospect going into this year's draft. Fortunately for New England, he wasn't taken and could be available at pick No. 38.
Burden possesses all the traits that they need in another receiver for the offense, mainly because he has shown to have good vision of the field and is a YAC (yards after catch) machine. He feels like the best pass catcher of those available at the start of round two and would balance the receiving corps for the 2025 season, even more so with question marks still surrounding last year's draft picks of Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk.
Because of that, however, the Patriots could be forced to trade up to take Burden if they are set on him being their pick. The way the chips fell in the first round suggests receivers could be the main target in the second round, resulting in Burden potentially being taken far before No. 38.
Based on everything we know about him, it seems like it would be worth it for Vrabel and Co. to explore a trade-up if that is the best option. If prioritizing the team around Drake Maye is their priority, then they can't rule out the opportunity to add a player like Burden to the roster.