NFL
By: Steve Atkinson
The NFL Draft is a week from today and the Patriots pick at number 14. They do have a lot of needs going into the 2023 season. They need an offensive lineman, cornerback, and wide receiver. I asked Brock Vierra and Dan Polykoff who they think the Patriots will draft at those positions. You can follow Brock on Twitter @MNSToday, you can find all his draft coverage on Team NBS Media – Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Podcast Company. You can follow Dan on Twitter @daniel_polykof
Offensive Lineman
1. Darrell Wright Tennesse
Wright in 2019 played in 11 games and played a total of 360 snaps. He only allowed three quarterback hits and two sacks in his freshman season. As a sophomore, he played in 10 games and a total of 569 snaps. He allowed five quarterback hits and five sacks. As a junior, he played in 13 games and had 922 snaps. He only gave up one quarterback hit in his junior season. Last year he played in 12 games having 829 snaps. He only allowed two quarterback hits last year and gave up no sacks.
2. Cody Mauch North Dakota State
Cody as a sophomore played in 15 games with a total of 128 snaps. He gave up no quarterback hits or sacks that year. In his junior year, he played in nine games and had 542 snaps. He gave up three quarterback hits and no sacks. He played in 15 games his senior year and 12 games as a fifth-year senior. He only allowed one sack each of those two seasons.
3. Jarrett Patterson Notre Dame
As a sophomore, Patterson played in 13 games with a total of 854 snaps. While playing center he allowed no sacks and only two quarterback hits. He played in 853 snaps in junior year and allowed one quarterback hit and no sacks. Patterson played in 918 snaps his senior year and 748 snaps his fifth-senior year. He allowed zero sacks in both of those years.
Out of all the linebackers the one I think the Patriots pick is Darrell Wright because he seems to be the most well-rounded. He also takes place of Isaiah Wynn.
Wide Receiver
1. Jaxon Smith-Njiba Ohio State
Jaxon led Ohio State with 95 receptions He also had nine touchdowns that year. In 2022 he only played in three games and was dealing with a hamstring injury for the majority of the season. Despite that bad 2022 season, you can take positives from his 2021 season. He had a 141 QB rating when targeted in 2021 and has great straight-line speed. He also takes advantage of open areas on the field so the quarterback can find him.
2. Zay Flowers Boston College
Zay Flowers had an impressive junior season where he had 46 catches for 746 yards. He averaged 17.0 yards per catch that season. He had five touchdowns and a QB rating of 84.7 when targeted. Last year as a senior he had 78 catches for 1077 yards. Flowers averaged 13 yards per catch, with 12 touchdowns, and a QB rating of 106.
3. Charlie Jones Purdue
As a junior for Iowa Jones had 21 catches for 323 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 15.4 yards per catch and a QB Rating of 110 when targeted. He then would transfer to Purdue for his senior year and did well. He played in 13 games his senior year having 110 catches for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns.
I think the receiver the Patriots get is Jaxon-Smith Njiba and Charlie Jones. With Kendrick Bourne on the last year of his contract, I think the Patriots will draft two receivers and try and elevate Thorton depending on how he does in 2023.
Cornerback
1. Joey Porter Jr. Penn State
Joey Porter Jr. Son of Joey Porter Sr could be an elite cornerback in the NFL. The Patriots desperately need a cornerback to help them succeed. In his junior year, he played in 14 games and had 46 tackles. In the secondary, he forced three pass breakups and one interception. In his senior year, he played in 10 games and had 24 tackles. When he was targeted last year the QB rating was 63.6.
2. Christian Gonzalez Oregon
Christian didn’t transfer to Oregon until his junior year. He played in 12 games and was in 718 snaps. He had 45 tackles. In the secondary, he forced six pass breakups and four interceptions. Gonzalez had a 74.7 QB rating when targeted. His strength is Christian is a speedy corner who is quick on his feet. He does a good job at reading routes and quarterbacks.
3. Garrett Williams Syracuse
Williams as a junior last year played in 7 games for a total of 285 snaps. He had 27 tackles and six assists. Williams had a QB rating of 84.1 when targeted. He shows great speed and explosion. He can also read a quarterback well and read coverage. If he gets an interception Williams will take it the other way for a touchdown.
When the Patriots do pick a corner, I think it’s Joey Porter Jr. or Garrett Williams.
Linebacker
Tyree Wilson Texas Tech
Wilson as a senior played in 10 games and a total of 538 snaps. He also had 37 tackles. As a pass rusher, Wilson had 50 total pressures with 10 quarterback hits and eight sacks last season.
The Patriots’ defense is pretty good up front, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they had a linebacker. With Hunter Henry on the last year of his deal, it is possible they might go tight end. Possibly Dalton Kincaid, or Luke Schoonmaker
