Perfect Picks 2023: New England Patriots
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Paris Johnson Jr (Offensive Tackle, Ohio State)
With ten picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Patriots used some of that capital to move up in round 1. On paper, they have a glaring need at right tackle and the general consensus is that offensive linemen will begin to come off the board in and around their selection. With Riley Reiff pencilled in as starter it’s reasonable to assume Bill Belichick will look for a long-term solution.
Paris Johnson Jr would be ideal. He has position versatility, having started on the interior before assuming the left tackle role at Ohio State last season. He is an excellent athlete and while he could improve his anchor, he has the traits and size that suggest he will be a long-term starter in the league. There is no need for the Patriots to do anything zany here. Go get arguably the best tackle in this class.
Round 2 - Tyrique Stevenson (Cornerback, Miami)
The Patriots have seen two high profile cornerbacks leave in recent offseasons. Losing Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson was difficult but somehow they have managed to ride it out. Jonathan Jones got the 2 year, $19 million contract he deserved and the Pats hit lucky on their fourth rounder Jack Jones, who despite his small stature held down one of the starting outside corner roles.
Jack Jones could be better suited moving inside in the long run so adding Miami’s Tyrique Stevenson in the second round would be a solid option. Stevenson started his career at Georgia playing slot snaps himself but more than proved himself on the outside in Miami. He earned a PFF coverage grade of 79.5 and has the requisite speed and movement skills to hold down a starting spot.
Mid Round Gem - Quindell Johnson (Safety, Memphis)
Devin McCourty retired this offseason but the Patriots have their starting safeties in Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips. At age 30, there should be a long-term plan for Phillips’ replacement. Re-signing Jalen Mills and converting him to safety will help out depth wise but, with multiple draft picks, bringing in another safety isn’t out of the question.
Memphis safety Quindell Johnson is an All-AAC selection who has exceptional versatility. At 6’1, 194lbs he has great size and shows off his athleticism regularly with five pass breakups and four interceptions in 2022. He is a solid hitter on run defense and will be an excellent backup, special teamer to begin his career.
Late Round Sleeper - Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Wide Receiver, West Virginia)
The Patriots replaced Jakobi Meyers with JuJu Smith-Schuster. The pair received near identical contracts even though it feels like a slight downgrade for New England. Smith-Schuster should play as a big slot and the addition of Mike Gesicki at tight end does give Mac Jones some fresh options. With both outside receivers, Kendrick Bourne and DeVante Parker entering contract years, expect some pass-catching additions.
West Virginia’s Bryce Ford-Wheaton blew up the NFL combine. He logged a RAS score of 10.00 with a ridiculous 4.39 40-yard dash time at 6’3, 225lbs. His size and speed combo is pretty rare and that will go some way to getting him drafted. Ford-Wheaton flew out of the traps last season with strong showings against Pitt and Kansas State but his form slowed as it went on. Drops will be the biggest concern but that athletic profile will enamor teams.
Draft In Full:
Round 1 – Paris Johnson Jr (Offensive Tackle, Ohio State)
Round 2 – Tyrique Stevenson (Cornerback, Miami)
Round 3 – A.T. Perry (Wide Receiver, Wake Forest)
Round 4 – K.J. Henry (Defensive End, Clemson)
Round 4 – Moro Ojomo (Defensive Tackle, Texas)
Round 4 – Quindell Johnson (Safety, Memphis)
Round 6 – Juice Scruggs (Offensive Guard, Penn State)
Round 6 – Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Wide Receiver, West Virginia)
Round 6 – Keaton Mitchell (Running Back, East Carolina)
Round 6 – Ochaun Mathis (Defensive End, Nebraska)
Round 7 – Terell Smith (Cornerback, Minnesota)
