Patriots Country 7-Round Final Mock Draft: OL Early?
FOXBORO – Will the New England Patriots opt for protection or panache in the 2023 NFL Draft?
As the Pats make their final preparations for this weekend’s three-day event, speculation continues to run rampant regarding the team’s potential plans. Some predict that the Pats will fill a major void along the offensive line with their first overall selection at No. 14, while others believe they will be best served by choosing either a cornerback or wide receiver.
Of course, there is also a chance that coach Bill Belichick adds to his total of 86 draft day trades – by far, the most in the NFL.
In that vein, here is my look into the Belichickian crystal ball at how the Patriots may manage their 11 selections when they hit the clock on Thursday night.
Round 1: No. 14 — Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
With a clear need at offensive tackle, Wright offers the Pats a blend of size (6-5, 333 pounds) and power which they did not possess at the tackle position in 2022. He also has the required functional strength to be a factor in both run blocking and pass protection. While he maintains his aggressiveness at the point of contact, the Tennessee product also demonstrates patience in anchoring himself when making his blocks. Perhaps Wright’s most appealing trait for the Patriots is the meticulous manner in which he prepares for his opponents – for which he provided some insight during the NFL Scouting Combine. Despite some limitations in his lateral reach, Wright projects as an opening day starter, with the versatility to play on the right or on the left.
Round 2: No. 46 — Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
In spite of the addition of Mike Gesicki via free agency, Washington’s skill as both a pass-catcher and a blocker may make him New England’s tight end of the future. At 6-7, 264 pounds, his size gives him the ability to create mismatches in the ground game, as well as when running routes off play-action. With over half of his yards having been gained off play-action, he should assimilate seamlessly into offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s style. Washington additionally demonstrates strength and tenacity in his blocking. In fact, his technique often resembles that of an offensive lineman. With a bit of added bulk, he could be an option in jumbo packages, as well.
Round 3: No. 76 – Garrett Williams, CB, Syracuse
Had he not suffered a season-ending ACL injury in October 2022, Williams might be receiving first-round consideration. The Syracuse product plays the perimeter with a physical, aggressive style. His tenacity allows him to push through contact, and follow through in his attempt to force incompletions. Though he is at his best in zone, he has shown some flashes of potential in press coverage. Williams also demonstrates the skill and field awareness to be an asset at the next level in run support for New England’s secondary.
TRADE
Patriots Send: Round 4: No. 107 and Round 7: No. 245 to Atlanta
Patriots Receive: Round 4: No. 110; Round 7: No. 225; 2024 6th Round Pick
In an attempt to secure their fourth-round target, the Falcons were willing to swap fourth and seventh-rounders with the Pats. In order to make the move worthwhile, New England was able to obtain a 2024 sixth-rounder, of which Atlanta has a handful.
Round 4: No. 110 — Christopher Smith II, S, Georgia
Despite moving down three spots, the Pats get their coveted safety target. Smith was a solid ‘jack-of-all-trades’ for the National Champions, aligning at free, as well as in the box and even at the nickel. In fact, he even blocked a field goal and took it back for a touchdown in the SEC Championship against LSU. Smith is primarily known for his high football IQ. His aptitude to understand coverage techniques, as well as communicating with teammates, already has him drawing comparisons to the recently-retired Devin McCourty.
Round 4: No. 117 — Michael Wilson, WR, Stanford
At 6-2, 213 pounds, Wilson provides an intriguing blend of size and strength to the pro-level table. He also possesses the necessary speed to make things happen after the catch. The former Cardinal has routines shown the ability to create separation from his defender by moving quickly and fluidly out of his breaks. For the Patriots, Wilson’s ability to 'sell' his vertical routes makes him a prototypical fit in O’Brien’s offense. In spite of his injury history, Wilson projects as a receiver capable of securing the ball quickly and in space – thus providing quarterback Mac Jones with a sizable and athletic pass-catching target.
Round 4: No. 135 — SirVocea Dennis, LB, Pittsburgh
The Patriots decided to add some agility to their stable of off-ball linebackers by selecting Dennis, His ability to quickly diagnose and process his opponents' formations should allow him to assimilate well into New England’s defensive system. Dennis plays with a pro-ready level of aggression yet is disciplined enough to remain unfooled by offensive disguises. Dennis’ speed is impressive for his position, having been clocked at running a 4.63 40-yard-dash.
Round 6: No. 184 —Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
While Rhamondre Stevenson is secure at the top of the Patriots running back depth chart, Hull possesses the skill set to be the type of backfield receiver the team has lacked since the retirement of James White prior to the 2022 season. During his final season at Northwestern, he caught 55 passes for 546 yards and two touchdowns last season while also averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
Round 6: No. 187 — Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama
Latu was a solid contributor within Bill O’Brien’s offense in Alabama, finishing his 2022 season with 30 catches, 377 yards, and four touchdowns. His versatility allows him to be effective as an in-line tight end, but also as a receiving option in the slot. Though he possesses a high ‘football IQ,’ his difficulty in creating separation may prevent him from being a vertical threat in the passing game. Still, Latu possesses a great deal of athleticism, and would fit nicely into O’Brien’s two tight end sets.
Round 6: No. 192 — Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon
The Pats add additional depth, with some potential with their selection of Forsyth. As a fifth-year senior for the Ducks, Forsyth played in 11 games, logging a total of 761 offensive snaps. Aligning at center, he allowed just one quarterback hurry, no quarterback hits, and no sacks. Also, Forsyth’s selection reunites him with his collegiate coach, Adrian Klemm.
Round 6: No. 210 – Robert Beal, EDGE, Georgia
Though it may be cliche, Beal embodies the description: “plays with a high motor.” The 6-4, 247-pound defender is a tenacious defender, with the athleticism to contain mobile quarterbacks. While he requires some work to reach his full potential as a pure pass rusher, Beal is at his best when aligning as a 3-4 outside linebacker/edge defender, making him a smart fit with New England.
Round 7: No. 225 — Michael Turk, P, Oklahoma
With Jake Bailey having taken his talents to Miami Gardens, the Patriots have a clear need at punter. Luckily, Turk more than meets their requirements. During his first season as a Sooner, he averaged 51.2 yards per punt, while watching eight of his 35 punts go for more than 60 yards. In 2022, he punted 63 times, yielding a 46.8-yard average. As a result, he has the potential to be New England’s solution at the position for the foreseeable future.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
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