Patriots Country 2023 Draft Report Card: Passing Grades Beyond Gonzalez?
FOXBORO — The New England Patriots are poised to welcome their largest NFL Draft class in over a decade.
For the first time since 2010, the Pats made 12 selections from April 27-29, highlighted by their acquisition of Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez in the first-round. Though the Pats earned rave reviews for their first selection of draft weekend, the remaining choices have all been subject to both question and ridicule among national analysts, Patriots media and the fan base.
In that vein, here is our pick-by-pick evaluation of the Patriots 2023 Draft class, along with an overall great for the efforts of coach/general manager Bill Belichick, director of player personnel Matt Groh and the rest of the Patriots draft weekend decision-makers.
Round 1, No. 17: CB Christian Gonzalez
Originally slated to pick at 14 overall, the Pats traded their initial first-rounder to the Pittsburgh Steelers for selection No. 17, as well as a fourth-rounder, No. 120 overall. Amazingly enough, New England still emerged from day one having procured arguably the top cornerback in the 2023 Draft class. Gonzalez projects as an athletic corner with the ability to immediately contribute on the perimeter. Gonzalez is a cover corner who flashes the ability to lock down his side of the field, and will get the chance to do so for the Pats opposite veteran Jonathan Jones or second-year ball hawk Jack Jones. In short, Gonzalez instantly and significantly upgrades New England’s secondary.
Grade: A+
Round 2, No. 46: EDGE Keion White
With a clear need at the edge, the Patriots filled it nicely with White, who projects as a future 5-technique defenisve end. At 6-4, 287 pounds, the ex-Yellow Jacket exhibits both physical size and athleticism, with the requisite versatility to move all over the defensive front. White is still considered a developmental talent as a pass-rush prospect. However, he can also be an immediate contributor against the run.
Grade: B+
Round 3, No. 76: S/LB Marte Mapu
The Patriots hosted Mapu on a visit earlier this month, is a versatile defensive option line up anywhere defensively; playing linebacker, cornerback and even getting some reps at the nickel corner over his six-year college tenure. Mapu received a 77.2 grade in pass coverage and 85.9 grade in run defense last season via Pro Football Focus. He logged 510 snaps in the slot and 249 snaps in the box. He also logged 56 snaps back deep and 49 snaps along the defensive line. Mapu’s versatility and upside would normally warrant
Grade: B+
Round 4, No. 107: C Jake Andrews
Andrews’ fit in New England’s system stems from his versatility. He played across all three interior positions and started at center in his senior season. He is at his best when restraining interior linemen from the side in power-run and outside-zone. He is effective when reaching the second level, sealing lanes for runners by taking good angles by knowing his limitations as an athlete. Andrews projects as a potential back-up to center and team captain David Andrews. However, he may also spend some time spelling interior linemen Cole Strange, James Ferentz and Kody Russey.
Grade: B
Round 4, No. 112: K Chad Ryland
While only the intentional contrarian would dispute Ryland’s ability to be an effective NFL kicker, the questioning of whether the Pats needed to use fourth-round draft capital to secure his services is a fair argument. Despite transferring to Maryland prior to the 2022 season, he is still the career leader in points scored at Eastern Michigan with 309. His abilities to kick in the clutch, perform well in inclement weather and handle kickoffs were key factors in his selection. A fourth-rounder is admittedly a steep price for Ryland — especially when considering New England’s other needs. However, if he performs to his capability, armchair GMs throughout Patriots fandom may be forced to re-evaluate this one.
Grade: C+
4-117: IOL Sidy Sow
Standing at 6-5 and 330 pounds, Sow played all 13 games for the Eagles last season en route to his First Team All-MAC nod in 2022. Sow is a big-framed guard, with a strong lower half. He plays with a great deal of strength and it was evident in the run game, where he put defenders in the dirt often. Sow is able to drive defenders backward when he plays low on man blocking concepts. An experienced player, Sow has very good football IQ. His ability to handle stunts and twists gives him the chance to make a strong push for a swing guard position, with the versatility to align at tackle, as well.
Grade: B
5-144: IOL Atonio Mafi
Mafi projects as a swing option for New England, capable of playing both interior positions. Despite not being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Mafi’s athleticism is clearly visible on his game film. He plays with solid balance, which should help him at the pro level. However, his hand placement can be an issue in protection. Still, Mafi should impress with his height at 6-3, provided he can manage his 329-pound frame by removing some weight prior to the start of the season. Should he receive the proper development under offensive line coaches Adrian Klemm and Billy Yates, Mafi has the talent and skill set to develop into a productive guard in New England’s power-run sets.
Grade: C+
6-187: WR Kayshon Boutte
Though Boutte’s selection by the Pats may be their most controversial, it also has the potential to be their most productive — save for Gonzalez’s pick at No. 17. Boutte is an explosive big-play threat when he is on his game. The 5-11, 195-pounder is tough to bring down after the catch, and can be elusive when changing direction speed. His ability to adjust his body to make contested catches. He sat out the spring while recovering from a season-ending ankle injury, which eventually required a second surgery. Despite some off field issues, Boutte could be a top level talent, if he buys in. Keep an eye on this one. Although a lot would have to break New England’s way — especially regarding Boutte’s health and effort level — this could be a pick to remember if it does.
Grade: B
6-192: P Bryce Baringer
Baringer not only fills a position of need for New England, he also was secured via a low-risk selection in the sixth-round. In 2022, Baringer broke the Michigan State record for yards-per-punt (49.0) while also ranking first in Big Ten history in career punting average (46 yards). As one of the most decorated players at his position in NCAA history, it comes as no surprise to see Baringer become just the 52nd punter to be drafted since 1997. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Baringer should assume the starting duties at the outset of the season.
Grade: A
6-210: WR Demario Douglas
Douglas’ agility and athleticism was on full display during his stint at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January — reportedly impressing the Patriots coaching staff in the process. Despite his 5-8, 180-pound frame, the ex-Flame projects as a solid slot receiving prospect. His size and significant competition align the positional depth chart may make him a likey practice squad candidate.
Grade: C
6-214: CB Ameer Speed
Speed, a former member of the national championship-winning Georgia Bulldogs, transferred to Michigan State prior to the 2022 season. With his combination of height (6-3) and speed (4.33 40-yard dash), the ex-Spartan has the chance to earn a roster spot as a reserve cornerback — provided he has an outstanding training camp. Speed’s best chance seeing the field in his rookie season may come on special teams, where he was credited with taking over 500 snaps during his time at Georgia. Though he has potential, New England’s logjam at cornerback makes it fair to question whether they may have been best served by adding depth at their offensive skill positions.
Grade: C
7-245: CB Isaiah Bolden
Bolden projects as both a depth corner and a special teams contributor. The 6-1, 193-pound defensive back began his college career at Florida State. Though he decided to redshirt his first season, he played in all thirteen games as a freshman; earning nine tackles and one interception. He also contributed on special teams by serving as a kickoff returner. Bolden transferred to Jackson State University for his junior season, in which he played in 10 games, totaling eight tackles. He was a dominant kickoff returner, averaging 36.9 yards per return, two of which were returned for touchdowns. During his senior season, he played in 13 games, totaling 44 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. Bolden has a true shot at earning a 53-man roster spot. As a result, his selection at No. 245 makes him one of New England’s best-value selections in 2023.
Grade: B+
Overall
New England’s 2023 Draft haul has elicited its share of polarizing opinions. While some would argue that New England’s selection of a kicker in the fourth round, coupled with its stockpiling of guards along the offensive line, failed to adequately fulfill its needs. However, the Patriots clearly infused both speed and play-making ability into its defense, while adding potential starters to its offense using third-day draft capital. While an evaluation of their haul will hold little credibility until mid-season at the earliest, the projected prowess of the Pats 12 selections should be causing more excitement than uneasiness throughout their fanbase heading into the upcoming season.
2023 Draft Class: B+
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