Four First Round Patriots Prospects Fall Out Of Round One Of The 2025 NFL Draft

Four Patriots prospects slip out of the first round meaning the Patriots are almost but guaranteed to get almost anyone of them or a higher valued second round selection that may have been considered out of reach before round one started Thursday night. There is a method to my madness and being that I called Campbell months ago when everyone was on the Carter, Hunter, and Membou train, I think the Patriots have considered my madness, regardless if they follow it or not. Here are the four fallen...

• Will Johnson (Michigan)

A standout cornerback from Michigan, standing at 6'2" and 202 pounds, with the ideal size, length, and physicality for an NFL corner. A versatile defender, Johnson excels in both man and zone coverage, with a knack for ball production and a competitive, alpha mentality. His football IQ, pre-snap recognition, and ability to anticipate routes make him a scheme-transcendent talent. Johnson’s patient technique, fluid hips, and strong tackling ability in run support further enhance his profile. Despite a 2024 turf toe injury, his three-year durability prior and aggressive play style, including edge blitzing, mark him as a high-impact prospect. His NFL comps include Stephon Gilmore and Trevon Diggs, reflecting his potential as a future Pro Bowler.

Why is Will Johnson a Steal in the Second Round?

First Round Talent at a Discount: Once projected as a top-10 pick, concerns about his top-end speed (high-4.5s 40-yard dash estimates) and a 2024 turf toe injury may push him out of the first round. However, his rare combination of size, length, and instincts makes him a premium talent, offering first-round value in the second.

Scheme Versatility: Johnson thrives in multiple coverages, including press, off-man, and zone (Cover 3, 4, 6), making him a fit for diverse defensive schemes. His ability to play with vision to the quarterback maximizes his playmaking ability, ensuring he can start immediately.

High Ceiling and Fixable Flaws: While Johnson’s occasional gambling in coverage and inconsistent change of direction need refinement, these are coachable issues. His high football IQ and competitive fire suggest he can quickly address these weaknesses, unlocking Pro Bowl potential by year two.

Ball Production and Physicality: Johnson’s knack for disrupting passes and making plays on the ball, paired with his reliable tackling and blitzing ability, adds immediate impact. His physical tools allow him to match up with evolving NFL receiver archetypes, from big targets to shifty slot players.

Undervalued Due to Speed Concerns: The lack of a 40-yard dash time has created uncertainty, but Johnson’s tape shows functional speed in open-field pursuit and coverage. His size and technique compensate for any perceived recovery speed limitations, making him a low-risk, high-reward pick.

In a passing league desperate for lockdown corners, Johnson’s blend of size, instincts, and versatility makes him a potential franchise cornerstone. Snagging him in the second round would be a coup for any team, as he was projected as a day-one starter with the tools to become a top-tier NFL defender.


• Nic Scourton (Texas A&M)

A dynamic edge defender from Texas A&M, standing at 6'4" and weighing around 260 pounds after slimming down from 280 pounds during the 2024 season. A former Purdue standout, Scourton combines impressive size, strength, and athleticism, making him a versatile prospect capable of playing as a 4-3 defensive end or a stand-up rusher in a 3-4 or multiple defensive scheme. His collegiate career showcases significant production, with 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2023 at Purdue, leading the Big Ten, and 5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2024 at Texas A&M despite a schematic shift that emphasized run defense. Scourton’s signature spin move, active hands, and explosive first step highlight his pass-rush arsenal, while his ability to set the edge and pursue in run defense adds to his appeal. At just 20 years old, his technical refinement and high motor draw comparisons to NFL stars like Cameron Jordan and Keion White, positioning him as a high-upside prospect with Pro Bowl potential.

Why is Nic Scourton a Steal in the Second Round?

First Round Talent at a Bargain: Projected as a late first-round pick due to his elite physical tools and production, Scourton’s slide to the second round likely stems from a dip in sack numbers in 2024 (from 10 to 5) caused by Texas A&M’s scheme and added weight that hindered his explosiveness. His youth and proven ability against top Big Ten and SEC competition make him a premium talent at a reduced cost.

Versatile Scheme Fit: Scourton’s ability to play multiple roles, from a hand-in-the-ground 4-3 end to a stand-up 3-4 rusher, and even slide inside on passing downs, makes him a valuable asset for creative defensive coordinators. His experience in both pass-rushing and run-heavy roles ensures he can contribute immediately in various fronts.

High Ceiling with Coachable Flaws: Scourton’s occasional balance issues due to over-aggressiveness and lack of consistent counter moves are areas for improvement, but his technical prowess and work ethic suggest rapid growth. His spin move and speed-to-power conversion already provide third-down value, and added refinement could unlock an elite pass-rush arsenal.

Proven Production and Athleticism: Despite a scheme mismatch in 2024, Scourton maintained strong tackle-for-loss numbers and generated 78 pressures over two seasons. His athleticism for his size, including surprising agility and bend, allows him to win with both power and finesse, offering a rare blend that teams covet for long-term impact.

Undervalued Due to Scheme Misfit: The weight gain to 280 pounds for Texas A&M’s run-heavy scheme limited his pass-rush explosiveness, but his pre-draft weight loss to around 260 pounds signals a return to his Purdue form, where he dominated as a pass rusher. This temporary dip in production masks his true potential, making him a low-risk, high-reward selection.

In a league that prioritizes versatile edge rushers, Scourton’s combination of size, athleticism, and technical savvy makes him a potential three-down starter with a trajectory to become a top-tier defender. Grabbing him in the second round offers teams a chance to secure a player with first-round traits and the upside to transform their defensive front.

• Landon Jackson (Ark)

A versatile edge defender from Arkansas, standing at 6'5" and weighing approximately 270 pounds, with exceptional arm length and a high-energy play style. His ability to align across the defensive line (1-technique to 6-technique) showcases his scheme flexibility, fitting as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 strong-side end. Jackson’s 2024 season at Arkansas saw him record 6.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles, building on a productive career with 23.5 career tackles for loss. His violent hand usage, relentless motor, and deep pass-rush move set, including spins and swipes, make him a disruptive force. As a run defender, he sets a strong edge and uses his length to control blockers, though his lower body strength and occasional processing inconsistencies limit him against double teams. At 22 years old, Jackson’s high floor as a run defender, paired with his developing pass-rush arsenal, draws comparisons to NFL players like Emmanuel Ogbah, Alex Highsmith, and Jaelan Phillips, marking him as a potential every-down starter.

Why is Landon Jackson a Steal in the Second Round?

First Round Talent at a Discount: Projected as a late first-round pick due to his size, versatility, and production, Jackson’s slide to the second round likely stems from concerns about his lower body strength, a 2024 neck injury, and inconsistent rush plan execution. His combination of length, power, and technical skill still offers first-round value at a lower draft cost.

Versatile Scheme Fit: Jackson’s ability to play in both even and odd fronts, as a 4-3 base end or 3-4 4i/5-technique, makes him a plug-and-play option for multiple defenses. His edge-setting prowess and pass-rush upside suit teams emphasizing line control and creative pressure packages, ensuring immediate contributions.

High Floor with Growth Potential: Jackson’s run-game dominance provides a day-one impact, while his pass-rush inconsistencies, such as underdeveloped counter moves, are coachable. His high motor and hand-fighting technique suggest he can refine his rush plan to become a more consistent quarterback disruptor by year two.

Disruptive Traits and Production: With 6.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2024, Jackson’s ability to generate pressure and create turnovers highlights his game-wrecking potential. His length and violent hands allow him to win around the edge, offering third-down value with room to grow into an every-down force.

Undervalued Due to Injury and Strength Concerns: A 2024 neck injury raises medical flags, but his return to form late in the season mitigates long-term concerns. His lower body strength caps his run-defense ceiling, but his length and technique compensate, making him a low-risk pick with a high ceiling as a pass rusher.

In a league valuing versatile defensive linemen who can impact both run and pass games, Jackson’s blend of size, length, and relentless effort makes him a potential cornerstone. Securing him in the second round offers teams a high-floor starter with the tools to develop into a quality NFL defender, capable of anchoring a front and disrupting quarterbacks.

• Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)

A polished quarterback from Colorado, standing at 6'2" and weighing 215 pounds, known for his NFL bloodlines as the son of Deion Sanders. Over two seasons at Colorado, he threw for 7,977 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, showcasing exceptional accuracy and poise in the pocket. Sanders excels in short and intermediate passing, leveraging anticipation and progression-reading skills to dissect defenses. Despite average arm strength, a longer release, and occasional pocket discipline issues, his confidence, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure stand out. His 2024 Alamo Bowl performance exposed struggles against complex defenses, but his overall tape reflects a high-floor quarterback with franchise potential. At 23 years old, Sanders draws comparisons to Geno Smith, Jacoby Brissett, Tyrod Taylor, and Andy Dalton, positioning him as a potential NFL starter with the right development.

Why is Shedeur Sanders a Steal in the Second Round?

First Round Talent at a Discount: Projected as a top-10 pick, Sanders’ drop to the second round likely results from concerns about his arm velocity, slower release, and decision to skip pre-draft testing at the Shrine Bowl and Combine. His proven production and NFL-ready skill set make him a premium talent at a reduced draft cost.

Scheme Fit for Timing-Based Offenses: Sanders thrives in quick-passing, rhythm-based systems like those of Mike McDaniel or Kyle Shanahan, where his accuracy and field vision shine. His ability to deliver on-time throws ensures he can contribute immediately as a starter or high-end backup.

High Floor with Developmental Upside: Sanders’ tendency to hold the ball too long and chase big plays is coachable, and his mental sharpness suggests rapid improvement. With refined footwork and pocket discipline, he could evolve into a franchise quarterback by year two or three.

Proven Production and Poise: With a 69.3% completion rate and 70 touchdowns, Sanders demonstrates precision and the ability to elevate an offense. His experience in the spotlight and clutch performance in key moments make him a reliable option for quarterback-needy teams.

Undervalued Due to Measurable Concerns: Limited arm talent and mobility, paired with his absence from pre-draft drills, have lowered his stock in a weaker 2025 quarterback class. However, his tape showcases a savvy passer who excels in structure, offering low-risk, high-reward value.

In a league where quarterback depth is critical, Sanders’ blend of accuracy, leadership, and scheme versatility makes him a potential cornerstone. Grabbing him in the second round is a coup for any team, as he projects as a day-one contributor with the upside to become a quality NFL starter.

For the Patriots, Sanders represents a luxury pick in the second round, addressing their need for a quality backup quarterback with the potential to develop into a starter. His accuracy, leadership, and fit in a quick-passing scheme make him a steal, offering immediate depth and future upside in a quarterback-needy league.

Final Thoughts:

While there are plenty of prospects available for the Patriots to start day two with as they pick at 38. These four are valuable prospects that could add value to their team and put them in competition for the seventh seed. Furthermore, I can already hear the comments about Sanders but can't nobody say he is not a Josh McDaniel's quarterback.