The 2022-23 NFL season is officially over. The Patriots are looking to get back on track after an underwhelming season. With a revamped offensive coaching staff, the Patriots aren’t far off. Free agency in March will likely change the Patriots’ approach in the draft but for now, we will go off the current roster.
With Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor heading into free agency, the expectation is the Patriots will add at least one quality veteran WR to the mix. For today, I am predicting that the Patriots will send their 2024 third-round pick to the Houston Texans for WR Brandin Cooks on a reworked contract. Cooks will bring a reliable presence to the offense and has direct experience with both Bill O’Brien and Bill Belichick. Now let’s jump into my first Patriots mock draft of the off-season.
Patriots Mock Draft 1.0
Trade! Patriots send #14 to the Los Angeles Chargers for #21 and #53.
21st Pick: Georgia OT Broderick Jones
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 315
The Patriots fill a major hole and weakness on the offensive line. As a 2022 AP All-SEC First Team, Broderick Jones was a dominant force for the Bulldogs. Jones is an elite run blocker and comes off the line with great speed and force. His length and arm strength allow Jones to overwhelm defenders. This selection for the Patriots would fill the left tackle position while allowing Trent Brown to kick back to right tackle, where he played in 2021. Plus, his last name is Jones, so he’ll fit right in.
Georgia LT Broderick Jones blocking in space and on the move is a mood. pic.twitter.com/G9N3lBJedG
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 3, 2023
Another trade! Patriots send #46, #107 & #192 to the Seahawks for #37 & #153.
37th Pick: Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 180
After moving back in round one, the Patriots are aggressive in round two. Moving up to get their guy. Emmanuel Forbes‘ 2022 season with Mississippi State was nothing short of elite. Forbes brings scheme versatility as he has experience in both man and zone coverage. His ball skills are among the best in the class and he excels at high pointing throws to force pass breakups. For the Patriots, Forbes would bring top-corner potential and even more youth to the CB room alongside 2022 draft picks Jack Jones and Marcus Jones.
#MissState CB Emmanuel Forbes is a ball hawk.
— Jared Tokarz (@JaredNFLDraft) February 7, 2023
6’ 180lbs
6 INTs for TDs in college. (Most ever)
6 ints in 2022 | 14 ints in 3 seasons
Excels in man coverage, active in run defense. He will not blow teams away with 40 time (4.5)
late 1st/early 2nd pic.twitter.com/i0KEp5iXxK
Patriots continue to move around. Patriots send #53 & #210 to the Panthers for #61 & #114, & Arizona’s 2024 sixth round pick
61st Pick: Auburn DE Derick Hall
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 252
Derick Hall is a lengthy, explosive pass rusher with a powerful frame. Hall brings great instincts and is a menace as a run defender. His ability to quickly locate the ball and shed tackles allows him to set the edge. An edge rusher isn’t a huge need going into 2023 for the Patriots but they have limited long-term depth at the position. Hall would be able to come in, learn and eventually take over a starting spot.
76th Pick: Florida DL Gervon Dexter Sr.
Gervon Dexter Sr. is a huge man who moves well and can provide pressure all along the line of scrimmage. His NFL-ready frame would allow him to possibly become an immediate contributor. The Patriots could look to bring some youth into the interior defensive line. Dexter was a bit inconsistent in college, but with the right development, he could create a lethal one-two punch coming up the middle next to Christian Barmore.
114th Pick: Florida S Trey Dean III
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 211
The Patriots double dip from the Florida Gators’ defense. As a Shrine Bowl participant, the Patriots spent a week with Dean already. He is a big and physical safety that also has the speed to close gaps quickly. As a fifth-year senior, Dean comes with plenty of experience and has found success in multiple roles on the Gators’ defense. Seems like an ideal fit for a Patriots team that loves versatility.
117th Pick: Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 207
Xavier Hutchinson’s strengths as a prospect come from his size and length. Measuring in at 6’3″, Hutchinson has great ball skills and often comes down with the difficult catch. His length and strength allow him to shed contact at the line of scrimmage and quickly get into his route. Hutchinson is far from a lock to be a star, but if he can maximize his strengths, the Patriots could finally hit on a WR in the draft.
Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson is one of the best route-runners in this class. Uses sudden, quick movements to consistently uncover and beat press coverage. Pretty rare fluidity for a WR listed at 6-3. pic.twitter.com/z4WcvKJxpb
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) January 23, 2023
135th Pick: Alabama OT Tyler Steen
- Height: 6’5″,
- Weight: 325
With the hiring of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator, the Patriots will have a step up on other teams for knowledge regarding Tyler Steen. The tackle spot for the Patriots is a need even if they selected Broderick Jones earlier in the draft. Trent Brown could be a cap casualty and even if he isn’t, he is not under contract beyond the 2023-24 season. If new Patriots offensive line coach Adrian Klemm can properly develop Steen, the Patriots could end up with a steal at this point in the draft.
One more Trade! Bill Belichick connects with old friends in Las Vegas. Sending #153, and #184 to the Raiders for #143, and #204.
143rd Pick: Tulane RB Tyjae Spears
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 204
The Patriots move up to 143 to jump RB-needy teams and select Tyjae Spears. As a senior in 2022, Spears tore up college football. He finished his final college season with 1,381 rushing yards on 214 carries for a whopping 6.5 YPC. He also caught 21 receptions for an impressive 237 yards. Though he is a bit undersized, Spears packs a punch as a ball carrier. Out of the backfield, Spears features soft hands and the ability to quickly transition upfield. The Patriots could use a reliable pass catcher to complement Stevenson.
The #Patriots could look to add another duel threat back in the draft. One guy I love is Tyjae Spears. Soft hands as a receiver and can quickly turn up field. Smaller back between the tackles but he can still pack a punch
— Matt Couture (@MattCouture5) February 14, 2023
pic.twitter.com/IGB1qx8lQS
187th Pick: Oregon C Alex Forsyth
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 312
The Patriots recently hired Adrian Klemm as their next offensive line coach. Klemm is coming from Oregon where he worked as the offensive line coach, run game coordinator, and Assistant Head Coach. The connection will be there as Klemm has spent multiple years with Forsyth and the Patriots will be looking for some interior offensive line depth. Alex Forysth has played center for the past two seasons. Though as a fifth-year senior, he has experience at both guard spots and right tackle from his early college years.
204th Pick: Michigan K Jake Moody
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- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 207
In his final two seasons as Michigan’s full-time kicker, Jake Moody was successful on 52 of his 60 field goal attempts. The Patriots were able to work with Moody up close at the Shrine Bowl as well. Moody went four for four on field goals during the game, including two from 51 yards. Patriots have K Nick Folk under contract for the 2023-24 season but it could be time to bring youth to the position.
258th Pick: Southern Mississippi CB Eric Scott Jr.
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 192
As a Shrine Bowl participant, the Patriots take advantage of the extending time with another prospect. Eric Scott Jr is a tall corner with quality ball skills and a high IQ in coverage. Belichick has a knack for finding hidden gems at CB and reports from the Shrine Bowl were that they were impressed by his comfort in multiple schemes. Maybe this will be the next hidden gem found by Belichick.
For more sports content, visit Belly Up Sports, and follow me on Twitter @MattCouture5. I will be publishing full round(s) NFL mocks and additional Patriots mocks as we get closer to the NFL draft.
