NFL Draft Grades - New England Patriots
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New England Patriots Upcoming 2023 Draft Picks (10)
2023
Pick 14. (R:1 P:14) -
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Grade: B
Mike Tomlin wanted to upgrade his secondary. The front office wanted to solidify the offensive line. The front office wins. Maybe. Broderick Jones has huge upside, but he has a much lower floor than the other three offensive linemen selected so far. This is a risky move, especially given the trade up, but I don't blame the Steelers for making the pick because Kenny Pickett needed better protection to take the next step.
Grade: B
Mike Tomlin wanted to upgrade his secondary. The front office wanted to solidify the offensive line. The front office wins. Maybe. Broderick Jones has huge upside, but he has a much lower floor than the other three offensive linemen selected so far. This is a risky move, especially given the trade up, but I don't blame the Steelers for making the pick because Kenny Pickett needed better protection to take the next step.
2023
Pick 46. (R:2 P:15) -
Keion White, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
Grade: A
The Patriots have numerous expiring contracts at defensive end in the next couple of years, so they had to find a pass rusher for the long haul. Keion White had a slight chance to be a first-round pick, so I think this is a great value pick for Bill Belichick, who is having a great draft thus far.
Grade: A
The Patriots have numerous expiring contracts at defensive end in the next couple of years, so they had to find a pass rusher for the long haul. Keion White had a slight chance to be a first-round pick, so I think this is a great value pick for Bill Belichick, who is having a great draft thus far.
2023
Pick 76. (R:3 P:13) - Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State
Grade: F
What is this, seriously? The Patriots could have moved down two rounds and drafted Marte Mapu. I didn't even have him as a definite pick in all seven rounds. Bill Belichick loves going off the board like he did last year with Cole Strange, and this is another instance of that.
Grade: F
What is this, seriously? The Patriots could have moved down two rounds and drafted Marte Mapu. I didn't even have him as a definite pick in all seven rounds. Bill Belichick loves going off the board like he did last year with Cole Strange, and this is another instance of that.
2023
Pick 107. (R:4 P:5) - Jake Andrews, C, Troy
Grade: C
Patriots fans can't be upset with the team drafting an offensive lineman, given how bad the blocking was last year. However, Bill Belichick is going off the board again, as Jake Andrews was a borderline draftable prospect. New England should have traded down.
Grade: C
Patriots fans can't be upset with the team drafting an offensive lineman, given how bad the blocking was last year. However, Bill Belichick is going off the board again, as Jake Andrews was a borderline draftable prospect. New England should have traded down.
2023
Pick 117. (R:4 P:15) - Sidy Sow, G,
Grade: D
Talk about going off the draft board. I never once considered putting Sidy Sow in the seventh round of my mock draft, so the Patriots are just beginning the UDFA segment early. At least they addressed the offensive line...
Grade: D
Talk about going off the draft board. I never once considered putting Sidy Sow in the seventh round of my mock draft, so the Patriots are just beginning the UDFA segment early. At least they addressed the offensive line...
2023
Pick 135. (R:4 P:33) - Aidan O'Connell, QB, Purdue
Grade: A-
Josh McDaniels said he wanted a quarerback for the long haul, so here he is. Aidan O'Connell has a good arm and really improved his accuracy last year. I like this pick, as I had O'Connell going 24 selections earlier.
Grade: A-
Josh McDaniels said he wanted a quarerback for the long haul, so here he is. Aidan O'Connell has a good arm and really improved his accuracy last year. I like this pick, as I had O'Connell going 24 selections earlier.
2023
Pick 184. (R:6 P:7) - Zaire Barnes, OLB,
Grade: C
I didn't have Zaire Barnes mocked in any of my updates. He's a solid tackler and blitzer, but is a limited athlete and not very instinctive as a linebacker, which is a problem.
Grade: C
I didn't have Zaire Barnes mocked in any of my updates. He's a solid tackler and blitzer, but is a limited athlete and not very instinctive as a linebacker, which is a problem.
2023
Pick 187. (R:6 P:10) -
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Grade: A
Kayshon Boutte was considered a first-round prospect this time last year. He then disappointed production-wise at LSU, and then proceeded to test very poorly at the combine. Still, he's well worth drafting at this point, especially given the Patriots' poor receiving room.
Grade: A
Kayshon Boutte was considered a first-round prospect this time last year. He then disappointed production-wise at LSU, and then proceeded to test very poorly at the combine. Still, he's well worth drafting at this point, especially given the Patriots' poor receiving room.
2023
Pick 192. (R:6 P:15) - Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
Grade: B
I'm not going to bash a punter pick in the sixth round. Punters, like kickers, are abominations, but you can draft an abomination in the sixth round. This is much better than a kicker in the third round.
Grade: B
I'm not going to bash a punter pick in the sixth round. Punters, like kickers, are abominations, but you can draft an abomination in the sixth round. This is much better than a kicker in the third round.
2023
Pick 210. (R:6 P:33) - Demario Douglas, WR,
Grade: B
Demario Douglas is at his best when running after the catch. However, he's a smaller wideout at 5-8, 179. This caused him to fall, but I'm fine with the Patriots taking him here.
Grade: B
Demario Douglas is at his best when running after the catch. However, he's a smaller wideout at 5-8, 179. This caused him to fall, but I'm fine with the Patriots taking him here.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 6/6/2023 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Patriots have a huge hole at cornerback, and they may deem Christian Gonzalez to be the best player available.
Gonzalez is a talented cornerback, but some teams don't like him due to his lack of toughness. That said, I do not expect Gonzalez to fall too far because other teams are still big fans of him.
*** OTHER 2023 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***
1. Tyree Wilson, DE - Wilson could fall to No. 14. The Patriots hosted him, but that may have been a medical visit.
2. Quentin Johnson/Jordan Addison, WRs - All four of the receivers make sense for the Patriots, but I like these two as the best fits.
Round: 2
New England Patriots: Quan Martin, CB/S, Illinois
Bill Belichick loves his versatile defensive backs. He'll need safety help with Devin McCourty retiring.
Quan Martin is a smooth athlete who can play anywhere in the secondary.
Round: 3
New England Patriots: Nick Broeker, OT/G, Ole Miss
The Patriots have some major offensive line issues that must be addressed, so they could double up in this area.
Nick Broeker may have to switch to guard in the NFL.
Round: 4
New England Patriots: Tyler Scott, WR, Cincinnati
The Patriots signed JuJu Smith-Schuster, but still have a big need at wide receiver.
Tyler Scott is a small slot receiver, but he has major quickness.
Round: 4
New England Patriots: Habakkuk Baldonado, , Pittsburgh
The Patriots could double up on pass rushers, given how many they hosted during the pre-draft process.
Habakkuk Baldonado is a huge disruptor in the trenches.
Round: 4
New England Patriots: Jalen Redmond, DT, Oklahoma
Teams will never hesitate to add to their pass-rushing depth.
Jalen Redmond is a quality player, but is a bit undersized.
Round: 6
New England Patriots: Viliami Fehoko, DE, San Jose State
Teams will always be looking to add promising pass rushers in the final rounds.
Villami Fehoko made good improvements to his game throughout his career at San Jose State.
Round: 6
New England Patriots: J.L. Skinner, S, Boise State
Here's a typical box safety Bill Belichick loves to acquire.
J.L. Skinner may have to move to linebacker in the NFL.
Round: 6
New England Patriots: Cam Jones, LB, Indiana
The Patriots could stand to add a linebacker with upside.
Cam Jones wasn't as productive as talent evaluators believed he would be at Indiana.
Round: 6
New England Patriots: Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Virginia
The Patriots figure to double up on receivers, given their need at the position.
Dontayvion Wicks is a lengthy receiver who broke out during his '21 season.
Past Grades and Selections
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 14. (R:1 P:14) -
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
B Mike Tomlin wanted to upgrade his secondary. The front office wanted to solidify the offensive line. The front office wins. Maybe. Broderick Jones has huge upside, but he has a much lower floor than the other three offensive linemen selected so far. This is a risky move, especially given the trade up, but I don't blame the Steelers for making the pick because Kenny Pickett needed better protection to take the next step.
B Mike Tomlin wanted to upgrade his secondary. The front office wanted to solidify the offensive line. The front office wins. Maybe. Broderick Jones has huge upside, but he has a much lower floor than the other three offensive linemen selected so far. This is a risky move, especially given the trade up, but I don't blame the Steelers for making the pick because Kenny Pickett needed better protection to take the next step.
2023
Pick 46. (R:2 P:15) -
Keion White, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
A The Patriots have numerous expiring contracts at defensive end in the next couple of years, so they had to find a pass rusher for the long haul. Keion White had a slight chance to be a first-round pick, so I think this is a great value pick for Bill Belichick, who is having a great draft thus far.
A The Patriots have numerous expiring contracts at defensive end in the next couple of years, so they had to find a pass rusher for the long haul. Keion White had a slight chance to be a first-round pick, so I think this is a great value pick for Bill Belichick, who is having a great draft thus far.
2023
Pick 76. (R:3 P:13) - Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State
F What is this, seriously? The Patriots could have moved down two rounds and drafted Marte Mapu. I didn't even have him as a definite pick in all seven rounds. Bill Belichick loves going off the board like he did last year with Cole Strange, and this is another instance of that.
F What is this, seriously? The Patriots could have moved down two rounds and drafted Marte Mapu. I didn't even have him as a definite pick in all seven rounds. Bill Belichick loves going off the board like he did last year with Cole Strange, and this is another instance of that.
2023
Pick 107. (R:4 P:5) - Jake Andrews, C, Troy
C Patriots fans can't be upset with the team drafting an offensive lineman, given how bad the blocking was last year. However, Bill Belichick is going off the board again, as Jake Andrews was a borderline draftable prospect. New England should have traded down.
C Patriots fans can't be upset with the team drafting an offensive lineman, given how bad the blocking was last year. However, Bill Belichick is going off the board again, as Jake Andrews was a borderline draftable prospect. New England should have traded down.
2023
Pick 117. (R:4 P:15) - Sidy Sow, G,
D Talk about going off the draft board. I never once considered putting Sidy Sow in the seventh round of my mock draft, so the Patriots are just beginning the UDFA segment early. At least they addressed the offensive line...
D Talk about going off the draft board. I never once considered putting Sidy Sow in the seventh round of my mock draft, so the Patriots are just beginning the UDFA segment early. At least they addressed the offensive line...
2023
Pick 135. (R:4 P:33) - Aidan O'Connell, QB, Purdue
A- Josh McDaniels said he wanted a quarerback for the long haul, so here he is. Aidan O'Connell has a good arm and really improved his accuracy last year. I like this pick, as I had O'Connell going 24 selections earlier.
A- Josh McDaniels said he wanted a quarerback for the long haul, so here he is. Aidan O'Connell has a good arm and really improved his accuracy last year. I like this pick, as I had O'Connell going 24 selections earlier.
2023
Pick 184. (R:6 P:7) - Zaire Barnes, OLB,
C I didn't have Zaire Barnes mocked in any of my updates. He's a solid tackler and blitzer, but is a limited athlete and not very instinctive as a linebacker, which is a problem.
C I didn't have Zaire Barnes mocked in any of my updates. He's a solid tackler and blitzer, but is a limited athlete and not very instinctive as a linebacker, which is a problem.
2023
Pick 187. (R:6 P:10) -
Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
A Kayshon Boutte was considered a first-round prospect this time last year. He then disappointed production-wise at LSU, and then proceeded to test very poorly at the combine. Still, he's well worth drafting at this point, especially given the Patriots' poor receiving room.
A Kayshon Boutte was considered a first-round prospect this time last year. He then disappointed production-wise at LSU, and then proceeded to test very poorly at the combine. Still, he's well worth drafting at this point, especially given the Patriots' poor receiving room.
2023
Pick 192. (R:6 P:15) - Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
B I'm not going to bash a punter pick in the sixth round. Punters, like kickers, are abominations, but you can draft an abomination in the sixth round. This is much better than a kicker in the third round.
B I'm not going to bash a punter pick in the sixth round. Punters, like kickers, are abominations, but you can draft an abomination in the sixth round. This is much better than a kicker in the third round.
2023
Pick 210. (R:6 P:33) - Demario Douglas, WR,
B Demario Douglas is at his best when running after the catch. However, he's a smaller wideout at 5-8, 179. This caused him to fall, but I'm fine with the Patriots taking him here.
B Demario Douglas is at his best when running after the catch. However, he's a smaller wideout at 5-8, 179. This caused him to fall, but I'm fine with the Patriots taking him here.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 29. (R:1 P:29) - Cole Strange, G, Chattanooga
MILLEN Grade
Our first Millen grade of the 2022 NFL Draft is by ... the Patriots!? Wow! I don't get this at all. Bill Belichick easily could've made this selection in the second round, or maybe even the third. I had Cole Strange 144th in my mock draft. I looked around to see if I was just way off, and Charlie Campbell had Strange 115th. Going off-side, Dane Brugler had Strange 93rd. Did Belichick think we were in the third round? I don't understand this pick at all.
MILLEN Grade
Our first Millen grade of the 2022 NFL Draft is by ... the Patriots!? Wow! I don't get this at all. Bill Belichick easily could've made this selection in the second round, or maybe even the third. I had Cole Strange 144th in my mock draft. I looked around to see if I was just way off, and Charlie Campbell had Strange 115th. Going off-side, Dane Brugler had Strange 93rd. Did Belichick think we were in the third round? I don't understand this pick at all.
2022
Pick 50. (R:2 P:18) - Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
MILLEN Grade
I'm convinced Bill Belichick is on drugs. He spent a first-round pick on a third-round guard, and now he traded up for a fifth-round prospect in the second frame. Belichick could've traded down for Thornton and still acquired him! I don't understand what's happening, but if Belichick keeps making these horrible picks, I'm going to have to re-name MILLEN to BELICHICK.
MILLEN Grade
I'm convinced Bill Belichick is on drugs. He spent a first-round pick on a third-round guard, and now he traded up for a fifth-round prospect in the second frame. Belichick could've traded down for Thornton and still acquired him! I don't understand what's happening, but if Belichick keeps making these horrible picks, I'm going to have to re-name MILLEN to BELICHICK.
2022
Pick 85. (R:3 P:21) - Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
B Grade
I expected Bill Belichick to draft a 2024 UDFA at this rate, but he finally didn't reach. Marcus Jones is someone I always tried to move up in my mock draft. He makes sense in the third round, and he obviously fills a need after New England lost J.C. Jackson.
B Grade
I expected Bill Belichick to draft a 2024 UDFA at this rate, but he finally didn't reach. Marcus Jones is someone I always tried to move up in my mock draft. He makes sense in the third round, and he obviously fills a need after New England lost J.C. Jackson.
2022
Pick 121. (R:4 P:16) - Jack Jones, CB, Arizona State
C+ Grade
Surprise, surprise, the Patriots reached for a player! It's not as bad to do so on Day 3, but I had Jack Jones in the sixth or seventh round in some of my updates. He thrived at the combine, but he could have been chosen later than this. Still, it makes sense that New England would take a cornerback, and Bill Belichick knows a thing or two about players at that position.
C+ Grade
Surprise, surprise, the Patriots reached for a player! It's not as bad to do so on Day 3, but I had Jack Jones in the sixth or seventh round in some of my updates. He thrived at the combine, but he could have been chosen later than this. Still, it makes sense that New England would take a cornerback, and Bill Belichick knows a thing or two about players at that position.
2022
Pick 127. (R:4 P:22) - Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State
C- Grade
Bill Belichick might send me hate mail after this draft, but I don't like this pick either. Pierre Strong is a bit of a reach, and the Patriots have no need for a running back with so much talent at the position.
C- Grade
Bill Belichick might send me hate mail after this draft, but I don't like this pick either. Pierre Strong is a bit of a reach, and the Patriots have no need for a running back with so much talent at the position.
2022 New England Patriots - Prospect:TBD
2022 New England Patriots - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 201. (R:6 P:22) - Keontay Ingram, RB, USC
A- Grade
I had Keontay Ingram a round earlier than this, so I like the value. Ingram is a nice receiving back, which is crucial because Arizona lost Chase Edmonds this offseason.
A- Grade
I had Keontay Ingram a round earlier than this, so I like the value. Ingram is a nice receiving back, which is crucial because Arizona lost Chase Edmonds this offseason.
2022 New England Patriots - Prospect:TBD
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 15. (R:1 P:15) -
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
D Grade
Yuck. I can't fail the Patriots because they're getting "value" with a quarterback some thought would go third overall. That said, several teams we spoke to had Jones in the second round. One had him pegged as a third-day prospect! Jones is an Andy Dalton with DUIs. There's no upside with him. He'll need to be surrounded with an all-star cast to reach the playoffs consistently, which was the exact case with Dalton.
D Grade
Yuck. I can't fail the Patriots because they're getting "value" with a quarterback some thought would go third overall. That said, several teams we spoke to had Jones in the second round. One had him pegged as a third-day prospect! Jones is an Andy Dalton with DUIs. There's no upside with him. He'll need to be surrounded with an all-star cast to reach the playoffs consistently, which was the exact case with Dalton.
2021
Pick 46. (R:2 P:14) -
Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
A+ Grade
I love this pick. Back in February, some league sources told us that Jackson Carman could sneak into the opening round. He obviously didn't, so the Bengals are getting awesome value with Carman, especially when considering that they traded down eight spots. They had to improve their offensive line to protect Joe Burrow, and they did just that with Carman.
A+ Grade
I love this pick. Back in February, some league sources told us that Jackson Carman could sneak into the opening round. He obviously didn't, so the Bengals are getting awesome value with Carman, especially when considering that they traded down eight spots. They had to improve their offensive line to protect Joe Burrow, and they did just that with Carman.
2021
Pick 96. (R:3 P:32) -
Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma
B Grade
Ronnie Perkins figures to be a productive edge rusher in the NFL, but he'll have to be a situational player because he'll get killed in run support. Still, the pick makes sense because the Patriots are now chasing the Bills, so they need to pressure Josh Allen as much as possible. I'm a bit concerned with Perkins' off-the-field issues, but this is still a solid pick.
B Grade
Ronnie Perkins figures to be a productive edge rusher in the NFL, but he'll have to be a situational player because he'll get killed in run support. Still, the pick makes sense because the Patriots are now chasing the Bills, so they need to pressure Josh Allen as much as possible. I'm a bit concerned with Perkins' off-the-field issues, but this is still a solid pick.
2021
Pick 120. (R:4 P:15) -
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma
B Grade
The Patriots have addressed the backfield again, which isn't a big surprise because neither Damien Harris nor Sony Michel has been overly impressive. I've had Rhamondre Stevenson in this range, so this pick makes sense to me.
B Grade
The Patriots have addressed the backfield again, which isn't a big surprise because neither Damien Harris nor Sony Michel has been overly impressive. I've had Rhamondre Stevenson in this range, so this pick makes sense to me.
2021
Pick 122. (R:4 P:17) -
Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU
B+ Grade
I wonder if Joe Burrow demanded Tyler Shelvin as well. Shelvin is a monstrous nose tackle who can help stop the run. Remember, the Bengals haven't beaten Lamar Jackson yet, so this should help them stop Baltimore's rushing attack. This is the right range for Shelvin.
B+ Grade
I wonder if Joe Burrow demanded Tyler Shelvin as well. Shelvin is a monstrous nose tackle who can help stop the run. Remember, the Bengals haven't beaten Lamar Jackson yet, so this should help them stop Baltimore's rushing attack. This is the right range for Shelvin.
2021
Pick 139. (R:4 P:34) -
D'Ante Smith, OT, East Carolina
A Grade
It's no surprise that the Bengals are drafting another offensive lineman so that Joe Burrow, coming off a knee injury, is as well protected as possible. I've had D'Ante Smith pegged around the third frame, so the Bengals seem to be getting strong value with D'Ante Smith.
A Grade
It's no surprise that the Bengals are drafting another offensive lineman so that Joe Burrow, coming off a knee injury, is as well protected as possible. I've had D'Ante Smith pegged around the third frame, so the Bengals seem to be getting strong value with D'Ante Smith.
2021
Pick 177. (R:5 P:33) - Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
B Grade
The Patriots had severe issues at linebacker last year, so it's surprising that they waited this long to address the position. Cameron McGrone may have been slotted at the end of the fifth round of one of my updates, so the value is OK.
B Grade
The Patriots had severe issues at linebacker last year, so it's surprising that they waited this long to address the position. Cameron McGrone may have been slotted at the end of the fifth round of one of my updates, so the value is OK.
2021
Pick 188. (R:6 P:4) - Joshuah Bledsoe, S, Missouri
A- Grade
Joshuah Bledsoe was a solid tackler over his years in Missouri. I thought he would go in the third or fourth round, but he slipped to the Patriots in the sixth frame, so I consider this to be a great value pick. The Patriors needed young blood in the defensive backfield.
A- Grade
Joshuah Bledsoe was a solid tackler over his years in Missouri. I thought he would go in the third or fourth round, but he slipped to the Patriots in the sixth frame, so I consider this to be a great value pick. The Patriors needed young blood in the defensive backfield.
2021
Pick 197. (R:6 P:13) - William Sherman, G/OT, Colorado
C- Grade
Here's another player I never considered mocking. I had 500-plus players ranked, but William Sherman didn't make the cut. He likely could have been acquired as a UDFA.
C- Grade
Here's another player I never considered mocking. I had 500-plus players ranked, but William Sherman didn't make the cut. He likely could have been acquired as a UDFA.
2021
Pick 242. (R:7 P:14) - Tre Nixon, WR, Central Florida
B+ Grade
The Patriots' receiving corps is an abomination, so it's shocking that they waited this long to address the need. I had Tre Nixon in the final couple of rounds in some of my mock updates. He's a good athlete with some upside, so he could compete for some snaps.
B+ Grade
The Patriots' receiving corps is an abomination, so it's shocking that they waited this long to address the need. I had Tre Nixon in the final couple of rounds in some of my mock updates. He's a good athlete with some upside, so he could compete for some snaps.