The 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl is set to begin, as hundreds of NFL decision-makers get set to ascend upon Mobile for an up close look-see at some of the premier prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft.
After a 4-13 campaign, it’s shaping up to be another franchise-altering offseason for the New England Patriots. Vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf remains, while a new front office lieutenant was added in Ryan Cowden who was brought in under the recommendation of new head coach Mike Vrabel. There are plenty of needs to be addressed and the Senior Bowl provides an opportunity to evaluate pro prospects who can fill some voids.
Last year, the Patriots plucked several players from the Senior Bowl all-star showcase, including quarterback Joe Milton II, wideout Javon Baker and offensive guard Layden Robinson. The NFL has announced the draft order through the first three rounds. Thus far, we know New England will hold the No.4 overall pick in round one, the No.38th pick in round two, along with the 69th overall selection and 77th overall selection (acquired from the Falcons) in round three.
There are numerous prospects who could be under consideration for the Patriots with their draft selections. While the fourth overall pick is unlikely to hail from the group in Mobile, there’s a strong chance that New England could utilize their Day 2 and Day 3 draft choices on Senior Bowl players. We examine some potential candidates below.
Since New England holds a top-five overall selection for the second consecutive year, they must stay true to their board and take the best available talent at number four. Once round two rolls around, the possibilities could include an offensive tackle, a playmaker for franchise quarterback Drake Maye, or help in the secondary. Some of the players participating in Mobile this week who could fit what New England needs in round two with the No.38th overall pick are as follows:
Anthony Belton, OT, North Carolina State, 6-6, 348, 5.00e
It’s no secret that New England needs major reinforcement along the offensive line and tackle is expected to be a position they target early on in the draft. The fundamentally sound Belton owns crisp technique, along with strong hands, excellent placement and great mirror ability. His quick feet and mammoth size should provide him an opportunity to play left tackle at the next level.
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford, 6-2, 210, 4.42e
As mentioned, the Patriots must provide Maye with more ammo, even if they address the need via free agency. Watch out for Ayomanor, a native of Canada, who might be the most exciting player in Mobile. The lengthy, vertical wideout displays superb body control, along with the ability to go up and snag 50/50 jump balls with the best of them. He demonstrates developed route running and playmaking ability, which could land him just outside round one.
Harold Fannin, TE, Bowling Green, 6-3, 231, 4.70e
Should team brass explore other ways to get creative on offense, Fannin could serve as an optimum weapon for Maye as an underneath security blanket in the passing attack. The ultimate H-back, Fannin has lined up inline, in the slot, in the backfield and out wide. The Canton native set new FBS single-season records with the most catches (117) and receiving yards (1,555) by a tight end in NCAA history this past year.
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky, 6-1, 180, 4.50e
Blessed with a great combination of size, instincts and athleticism, Hairston is a sticky cover man with a proven resume, having stacked up well against numerous top wideouts in the SEC during his career. Nicknamed ‘Mad Max,’ the defensive playmaker owns three career interception returns for a touchdown and isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the dirt to help out in the run game.
The Patriots have the good fortune of owning two selections in the third round, including their own selection at No.69 overall and the 77th pick from the Matthew Judon trade with the Falcons. The odds of seeing a player chosen from this year’s Senior Bowl class are high, as there is a solid pool of offensive linemen, plus needs at edge rusher and in the secondary. Here are some potential fits:
Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State, 6-7, 320, 5.00e
The nimble Travis is a dancing bear with excellent footwork and lateral movement. He originally began his collegiate career at Princeton, where he was a multiple All-Ivy League selection and would be an excellent piece for New England to add. The size, athleticism and smarts make Travis a polished prospect. He could very well see his stock rise with a strong performance in Mobile.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, ER, Boston College, 6023, 236, 4.70e
Finding help on the edge is another top priority and the local product Ezeiruaku would be a welcomed boost to the roster. A consensus All-American and team captain, Ezeiruaku totaled 80 tackles this past season and led the FBS with 16.5 sacks, plus 15 quarterback hurries. While his lack of size and length could be a concern, the New Jersey native compensates with explosive burst and great bend.
Dante Trader, S, Maryland, 6-0, 190, 4.50e
A three-year starter who can play either safety spot, Trader demonstrates fluid athleticism, along with the adaptability to play in the box, or freelance as a centerfielder. A member of the Terrapins lacrosse team early in his collegiate career, Trader possesses physicality and aggressiveness that consistently shows up on film. In addition, he has been praised by coaches for his leadership both on and off the field.
Any great front office earns their weight in salt on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. New England has been seen working diligently along the all-star trails, as senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith was sent to scout the East-West Shrine Bowl in Dallas this past week and personnel coordinator Brian Smith was spotted at the Caribe Royale Hula Bowl. Along with the Senior Bowl, a large portion of Day 3 players will consist from these events. Below are some Day 3 prospects in Mobile that New England could target.
Chase Lundt, OT, UConn, 6-8, 305, 5.05e
Should New England look for value in the later rounds, they don’t need to search too far with Lundt, who starred just a few miles south at Storrs. The four-year starter at right tackle is one of the taller prospects in this year’s draft but Lundt possesses incredible athleticism and bend for his size. Huskies head coach Jim Mora raves about his accountability, leadership and toughness (he missed just one game during his Huskies career).
Chimere Dike, WR, Florida, 6-0, 189, 4.44e
One of the standouts from the Hula Bowl two weeks ago, Dike earned a call-up to Mobile after an impressive week in which he consistently left defenders in the dust during one-on-one drills. The Gators wideout brings excellent length, along with sudden twitchiness and exceptional change of direction skills. The Senior Bowl will be a great test against the step-up in competition, plus he brings vast special teams experience as one of the best punt returners in the draft.
Keondre Jackson, CB, Illinois State
Another player who created a buzz for himself at the Hula Bowl, Jackson is one name worth monitoring, as the small school product turned heads with his innate athleticism and ball skills. In fact, Jackson made what was arguably the play of the week with an interception grab that showcased his high-point ability. The lengthy, hard-hitting defensive back was a well-accomplished wrestler in high school and could be viewed as a corner, or safety at the next level.
With 167 accepted invites confirmed on the Reese’s Senior Bowl website as of press time, there are sure to be more players who pop onto the Patriots draft radar. Keep it locked to Boston Sports Journal for exclusive on location Senior Bowl coverage throughout the week!
