New England Patriots Mock Draft Roundup 7.0
Throughout the year and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, we will update our New England Patriots Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the New England Patriots from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Patriots:
CBS Sports - Will Brinson (4/21)
14. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
This may seem shallow but if Bill Belichick can let his dog Nike select a hybrid defender from an obscure North Carolina school in the real draft, I can definitely abide by my new friend Justin's wishes and give the Pats an offensive lineman in the first round. (Riley Reiff can maybe kick inside and Wright gets downhill aggressively, which fits what Bill wants in his offense right now.)
The Ringer - Danny Kelly (4/19)
14. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Jones makes a ton of sense for the Patriots, who head into 2023 with bookend tackles both north of 30 in Trent Brown and Riley Reiff. Jones is relatively raw, but he is highly athletic, has great length, and moves well in both the run and pass games.
PFF - Michael Renner (4/19)
TRADE - 17. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Witherspoon was the most productive corner in man coverage across college football last season, which has been the Patriots' bread and butter under Bill Belichick. Witherspoon's addition allows the Patriots to get back to that.
NFL.com - Peter Schrager (4/18)
14. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Witherspoon is a top talent and could be off the board within the first eight overall picks. I have him remaining available here ... and the Patriots pouncing. New England could also go with a WR -- and in the scenario I'm sketching out with this mock, they're all still on the board, too.
L.A. Times - Team Reporters (4/18)
14. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
It's tempting to pick a receiver here for the Patriots, and they also need an offensive tackle for the future. But they also have a glaring need at cornerback and Porter Jr. gives them a big, physical presence on the outside that they haven't had since Stephon Gilmore left two years ago. — Ben Volin, Boston Globe
ESPN - Kiper/McShay (4/18)
14. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Man, I thought about tight end Dalton Kincaid here. Patriots coach Bill Belichick loves two-TE sets, and Kincaid would be great with Hunter Henry. But quarterback Mac Jones also needs protection after struggles under pressure last season, and Johnson has the size, power and awareness to hold down left tackle. (Johnson also is versatile enough to play elsewhere along the line while Trent Brown is still under contract.)
The Athletic - Dane Brugler (4/17)
14. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Jones has played the fewest number of snaps among draftable FBS tackles in this class, and there will be some bumps along the way as he develops. But two to three years from now, it wouldn't be surprising if he separates himself as the best tackle from this draft.
USA Today - MMS (4/17)
14. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
If the Patriots are serious about enhancing the level of support for Mac Jones, trotting out Riley Reiff, 35, as the first-team right tackle should be out of the question. Wright might have his early struggles with NFL pass rushers who can exploit his bad habits, but he's a far better long-term answer at a key position than any of New England's other options at this point.
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