Tom E. Curran, Phil Perry, and Albert Breer discuss the possibility of a Deebo Samuel trade after the 49ers drafted a wide receiver in the 1st round
One of the key storylines entering Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft is whether the New England Patriots will keep the No. 34 overall pick -- the second pick in the second round -- or trade it for an impact wide receiver.
Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi reported Friday afternoon that the Buffalo Bills and Patriots -- who own the No. 33 and No. 34 picks, respectively -- are among the teams with interest in San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
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Moving the No. 34 pick for a star wideout who can help new Patriots quarterback Drake Maye would make a lot of sense. The Patriots selected Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the first round Thursday. They need to surround Maye with as much talent as possible at the skill positions. New England's wide receiver depth chart still lacks a true No. 1 and a deep threat.
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But what if the Patriots decide to keep the No. 34 pick?
Wide receiver and offensive tackle are the team's two most glaring roster weaknesses that need to be upgraded. And luckily for the Patriots, many good prospects at these positions are still available entering the second round.
Here's a list of the best wideouts on the board:
- Adonai Mitchell, Texas
- Keon Coleman, Florida State
- Ladd McConkey, Georgia
- Roman Wilson, Michigan
- Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
- Troy Franklin, Oregon
- Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington
- Devontez Walker, North Carolina
- Jalen McMillan, Washington
- Luke McCaffrey, Rice
- Johnny Wilson, Florida State
Getting a left tackle to protect Maye is another strategy that makes sense going into Round 2. Several good tackles are still available.
- Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
- Patrick Paul, Houston
- Roger Rosengarten, Washington
- Brandon Coleman, TCU
- Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
- Kiran Amegadjie, Yale
Which players might the Patriots target in the second and third rounds? Here's a roundup of expert predictions from Day 2 mock drafts.
Phil Perry, NBC Sports Boston: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU at No. 34; Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky at No.68
Eric Froton, NBC Sports: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia at No. 34; Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State at No. 68
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia at No. 34; Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington at No. 68
Steve Muench, Scouts Inc. (via ESPN): Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas at No. 34
Lance Zierlein, NFL Network: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama at No. 34; Cole Bishop, S, Utah at No. 68
Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU at No. 34; Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky at No. 68
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas at No. 34; Michael Hall, DT, Ohio State at No. 68
Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia at No. 34; Christian Jones, OT, Texas at No. 68
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU at No. 34; Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon at No. 68
