The NFL Draft begins Thursday and the possibilities for the Patriots are endless.

In recent days, Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said the scouting department was getting prepared for anything since they weren’t sure when exactly they’d be picking. The Patriots don’t hold a first- or second-round pick, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team make a trade to move up a round or two.

With each roster move, their needs become a little clearer. On April 18, the team extended the contract of running back James White for three years ($12 million in base salary with $4.69 million guaranteed) and signed running back Mike Gillislee to a two-year offer sheet. If Gillislee ends up with the Patriots, it’s unlikely the team will draft another back.

The Patriots also have a major trade chip in Malcolm Butler. If they end up dealing the cornerback, they’d be wise to draft another defensive back. Although it’s nearly impossible to predict exactly what they’ll do, here’s a look at one road they could travel in our second mock draft.

Third round, pick 72: DeMarcus Walker, defensive end, Florida State

Walker (6-foot-4, 280 pounds) would offer versatility since he could play on the edge and inside. An All-American, he finished with 16 sacks last season. Walker had an official visit with the Patriots. The Pats also met with him at the NFL Combine and Bill Belichick was at his Pro Day.

Third round, pick 96: Will Holden, offensive tackle, Vanderbilt

With Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming entering free agency next offseason, Holden would give the Patriots a young option for the future. At 6-7, 311 pounds, he has great size. He played left tackle the last two years, but has experience at right tackle and guard. Belichick was at his Pro Day.

Fourth round, pick 131: Vince Biegel, linebacker, Wisconsin

Biegel (6-4, 245 pounds) would add depth to the linebacker position. A team leader and captain at Wisconsin, he finished with 131 tackles and 15 sacks in his college career. He was also a core special-teamer, which is a plus with the Pats. The Patriots were at his Pro Day.

Fifth round, pick 163: Fred Ross, wide receiver, Mississippi State

With Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola’s contracts ending after this season, Ross would give the Patriots another slot receiver. The 6-foot-1, 213-pounder caught 72 passes for 917 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He also returned punts over the last three seasons. Ross had an official visit and a private workout with the Patriots.

Fifth round, pick 183: Brandon Wilson, cornerback, Houston

Wilson is a jack-of-all-trades player. He contributed at cornerback, running back and as a returner at Houston. As a corner, he deflected 15 passes over the last two seasons. As a returner, he averaged 25.5 yards per return and scored two touchdowns. Wilson (5-foot-11) had a private workout with the Patriots.

Sixth round, pick 200: Nate Gerry, safety, Nebraska

A strong safety with great size (6-2, 218 pounds), Gerry would add depth behind Patrick Chung. He played both linebacker and safety for the Cornhuskers. He also contributed on special teams. He finished with 273 tackles and 13 interceptions in his collegiate career. Gerry met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl and at the combine.

Seventh round, pick 239: Michael Roberts, tight end, Toledo

With Roberts (6-4, 270 pounds), the Pats would add depth beyond Rob Gronkowski and Dwayne Allen. At Toledo, he was a standout blocking tight end before leading all tight ends in college football with 16 touchdowns as a senior. He also lined up in the slot. The Patriots were at his Pro Day.