NFL Mock Draft: Patriots Land Highly-Touted Offensive Lineman
After going 8-9 in 2022, the New England Patriots will look to revamp their roster in Thursday's 2023 NFL draft. Analysts including ESPN's Matt Miller are releasing last-minute mock drafts.
It is unclear who the Patriots will select in Round 1, but many of the mocks point to an offensive lineman. ESPN predicts the team will take Northwestern's Peter Skoronski with the 14th overall pick.
Reasons ESPN:
There are questions about arm length (32¼ inches), but there is no questioning Skoronski's dominance in the run game. Some scouts said he is best suited to play guard in the pros, but the Patriots have a history of going their own way in offensive line evaluations. Skoronski is poised and powerful, and he has fantastic pass-protection technique that helps cover up for his short arms.
The Patriots' offensive line has many question marks beyond the 2023 season. Offensive guard Michael Onwenu and offensive tackle Trent Brown are set to enter free agency after the season. The team is also starting 34-year-old Riley Reiff, who posted a meager 64.3 overall grade on Pro Football Focus last season with the Chicago Bears.
According to Miller's latest mock, it is anticipated that the Patriots will address their offensive line early in the draft.
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