From approximately one hundred thirty 2023 NFL draft prospects to fifty-five was not easy to get down to. Of course there are some bigger names left off the list but this list is about where I see priority. With exception to Jalen Carter who I now believe could fall.
Six Defensive Tackle Prospects
Acquiring another player with Barmore's skill set could allow for scheme versatility but honestly, I haven't been happy with the defensive tackles since Danny Shelton left and would like to see a nose that can disrupte the line.
PFF Rank: 2
A prototype starter with room for development and some risk due to prior MCL injury. Currently dealing with off field legal issues that could see him potentially fall drastically.
Draft Network Rank: 104
CBS Rank: 52
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 50
PFF Rank: 63
A run stopping, pocket disrupting, two down starter that needs development with his pass rush. Comes in with some questions due to how he was used.
Gervon Dexter, Florida
Draft Network Rank: 81
CBS Rank: 76
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 65
PFF Rank: 111
Potential starter that is considered raw with athleticism. Can be disruptive but needs to be developed. Has a similar skill set to Christian Barmore, which should make Patriots fans happy.
Draft Network Rank: 62
CBS Rank: 136
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 59
PFF Rank: 55
A smart traditional nose tackle that has three down potential, that plays with inconsistency. There are questions on if he can play in a 4-3 and he needs some polishing.
SI, NDB, Draft Buzz
Draft Network Rank: 229
CBS Rank: 232
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 418
PFF Rank: 255
A rotational athletic nose tackle that needs to work on his pass rush and block shedding all around. Should be a valuable depth piece.
J-Min Pelley, Calgary
Draft Network Rank: NA
CBS Rank: NA
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: NA
PFF Rank: NA
Click the link it's all I found on him.
Two Quarterback Prospects
At one point the Patriots were down to just Bailey Zappe. These two guys could sit and develop. Both have the same abilities as the quarterbacks on the roster. And share an NFL comp of Bailey Zappe. If the Patriots don't wanna wait to bring in Will Rogers next season, these two guys will do.
Jake Haener, Fresno State
Draft Network Rank: 164
CBS Rank: 192
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 199
PFF Rank: 167
Intelligent but weak armed quarterback that does have the running back ability so he makes up for it with passing skills. At the worst, he's a quality backup who's a bottom tier development starter.
Clayton Tune, Houston
Draft Network Rank: 188
CBS Rank: 246
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 214
PFF Rank: 168
Needs more development than Haener but everything I wrote about Haener can be said about Tune. He's a classic Patriots cerebral pocket passer.
Seven Cornerbacks
They need a starting quality man corner on the outside. It's all they really lacked last season on the secondary.
Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
Draft Network Rank: 5
CBS Rank: 17
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 6
PFF Rank: 11
Prototypical shutdown corner that should start day one and only get better with experience.
Joey Porter Jr, Penn State
Draft Network Rank: 11
CBS Rank: 16
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 13
PFF Rank: 18
A true man corner. I look at him entering the league like I looked at J.C. Jackson when he hit free agency. He's an elite number two but unlike J.C. Jackson, Porter could be developed into a true number one.
Cam Smith, South Carolina
Draft Network Rank: 18
CBS Rank: 12
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 68
PFF Rank: 39
Should be at least a number two corner and a starter. Has potential to be a good shutdown number one. With how the Patriots develop corners, he's worth a flyer.
Draft Network Rank: 38
CBS Rank: 59
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 34
PFF Rank: 31
Developmental starter that can play man or zone outside. Like Tyquan Thorton, he needs to put on some mass but if he's not at least a number two in the league, he went to the wrong team.
Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford
Draft Network Rank: 42
CBS Rank: 145
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 77
PFF Rank: 136
A developmental outside man corner with high upside. He should start as a rotational guy in his rookie season and be ready to be a full-time starter in year two.
Draft Network Rank: 66
CBS Rank: 61
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 94
PFF Rank: 57
Outside corner that can play zone or man coverage but comes with past ACL issues. He has potential but will be a developmental depth guy to start his career.
Draft Network Rank: 90
CBS Rank: 131
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 56
PFF Rank: 46
Developmental defensive back that can be a rotational outside corner. His versatility could mean he could be moved around the secondary as needed.
Five Safeties
There is some position versatility here but they need to make sure McCourty gets replaced. It's bad enough they never replaced Harmon.
Draft Network Rank: 52
CBS Rank: 100
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 68
Intelligent versatile defensive back that's not a liability against the run. More of a free safety than a strong. And although he needs development, he should be a starter in the league.
Jordan Battle, Alabama
Draft Network Rank: 57
CBS Rank: 84
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 76
Development defensive back that is a true safety. He provides versatility, so even if he's not a starter, he'll be a valuable depth guy.
Draft Network Rank: 94
CBS Rank: 127
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 53
A versatile defensive back that can play either role. While not an immediate starter his value as a special teamer should earn him a roster spot.
Draft Network Rank: 50
CBS Rank: 41
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 36
A developmental strong safety that's not limited to playing in the box. Has shown potential to be a deep safety. One of his comps is Kyle Dugger.
Riley Moss, Iowa
Draft Network Rank: 230
CBS Rank: 214
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 106
PFF Rank: 105
While entering the league as a corner, his skill set suggest a move to free safety. Comes with special teams ability. His ability to be moved around gives him increased value.
Four Fullback / Hback
Three of the four can play tight end. So technically, the Patriots can bring in two tight ends but they run better with a fullback.
Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State
Draft Network Rank: 214
CBS Rank: 243
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 185
PFF Rank: 229
A true H-back for any team willing to use the position like it's meant to be. He still needs to further development but can provide special teams help which the Patriots covet.
Jack Colletto, Oregon State
Draft Network Rank: 323
CBS Rank: NA
Mock Draft Data Base Rank:334
PFF Rank: NA
Similar to Luepke but more of a gadget player. The Patriots will have to scheme his touches because limiting him to just blocking would be a mistake.
Josh Whyle, Cincinnati
Draft Network Rank: 277
CBS Rank: 151
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 140
PFF Rank: 186
Athletic and versatile enough to play the H-back role but can lineup as an inline blocker if the Patriots don't wanna designate a player to the fullback position.
Justin Pope, Davenport
Draft Network Rank: NA
CBS Rank: NA
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: NA
PFF Rank: NA
A camp body with potential to make the roster as a fullback or tight end. Most likely will be a UDFA being a D2 player but with New England, one never can be sure if he won't go on day 3.
Three Tight Ends
While I'd like to see Henry re-signed or extended, they have no tight ends locked up for 2024. These three should be able to do what they guys on the roster already do.
Draft Network Rank: 49
CBS Rank: 67
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 90
PFF Rank: 79
An athletic move tight end. His ability to play inline and to block have been questioned. Some think his inline ability is better than what's been reported. He just needs to be an average blocker.
Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion
Draft Network Rank: 200
CBS Rank: 249
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 230
PFF Rank: 150
His blocking is about as good as the tight end the Patriots acquired from the Dolphins. In fact he's probably closer to Gesicki skill set.
Four Running backs
Stevenson cannot continue to be used that much. Unless Strong is ready, they really need to replace White. And they still haven't replaced Bolden.
Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
Draft Network Rank: 73
CBS Rank: 105
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 57
PFF Rank: 60
Third down back with potential lead back upside.
Draft Network Rank: 146
CBS Rank: 66
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 66
PFF Rank: 71
Another third down back with the ability to be used on earlier downs.
Draft NetworkColletto83
CBS Rank: 214
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 178
PFF Rank: 199
Another third down back with a need for some development.
Toa Taua, Nevada
Draft Network Rank: NA
CBS Rank: NA
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: NA
PFF Rank: NA
Third down and commitee back.
Five Interior Linemen
Whoever they acquire here doesn't need to start immediately, so they could draft a developmental starter.
Draft Network Rank: 101
CBS Rank: 159
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 137
PFF Rank: 141
Potential starter that provides solid pass protection but should sit and learn to run block at an NFL level.
Nick Broeker, Ole Miss
Draft Network Rank: 156
CBS Rank: 113
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 139
PFF Rank: 215:
Developmental player with potential to start in the future. If he starters right away he could get someone hurt unless he gets really good coaching.
Juice Scruggs, Penn State
Draft Network Rank: 284
CBS Rank: 256
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 160
PFF Rank: 103
Development starter with position versatility. There were questions about his athleticism which may see him fall but that could make him a steal in the late rounds.
Brent Laing, Minnesota-Duluth
Draft Network Rank: NA
CBS Rank: 337
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 322
PFF Rank: 335
D2 lineman that can play every position. He's got decent ability but he's smaller than some might like and it might cause teams to wonder if can he handle playing against higher tier defenders?
Dalton Simpler, West Florida
Draft Network Rank: NA
CBS Rank: NA
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: NA
PFF Rank: NA
D2 all american interior lineman. He doesn't get beat often and should be a potential starter of teams aren't worried about his level of college competition.
Five Tackles
They need someone with starting potential. The rookie will probably sit year one but this is a position I don't know if they can wait to develop.
Draft Network Rank: 26
CBS Rank: 53
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 45
PFF Rank: 35
A big man that excels that should excel in the Patriots power run scheme. A developmental starter that draws his share of penalties. He's near William 'the fridge' Perry size and that might cause him to slip.
NFL, Draft Dive, GH
Draft Network Rank: 41
CBS Rank: 25
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 33
PFF Rank: 24
Swing tackle with potential starting ability. His run blocking and lack of attitude may cause him to sit and be developed but he could go in round one.
Draft Network Rank: 55
CBS Rank: 30
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 40
PFF Rank: 20
Stiffer swing wing tackle with potential starting ability. Shows inconsistencies with his attitude and with his commitment.
Jaelyn Duncan, Maryland
Draft Network Rank: 60
CBS Rank: 58
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 63
PFF Rank: 123
Raw tackle with potential starting qualities. Needs to sit a year or two. Shows inconsistency and can be prone to penalties. May not have the strength to play on the right side.
Mark Evans II, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Draft Network Rank: 279
CBS Rank: 283
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 255
PFF Rank: 360
Has what teams are looking for in a run blocker but his size maybe an issue playing outside. Projects as a utility lineman that floats across the line. Probably won't start but brings depth value.
Six Receivers
What the team does here depends on how they see Thorton. David Durden is my sleeper pick. He can play for the Red Socks if he wants. That's why he's not rated higher by scouts.
slot:
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
Draft Network Rank: 22
CBS Rank: 24
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 19
PFF Rank: 12
Plug and play slot receiver with hamstring issues. He's not a number one in most offenses but he'll earn his money.
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Draft Network Rank: 34
CBS Rank: 46
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 26
PFF Rank: 77
Another guy who wouldn't be a number one in most offenses. He's a deep slot with development potential to be more. A definite weapon that may require scheme touches early on.
Zay Flowers, Boston College
Draft Network Rank: 39
CBS Rank: 27
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 32
PFF Rank: 29
A true slot that will need scheme touches. Some concern with drops and seperation. Needs to focus on making the catch. Is his talent level a number one or a number three in the Patriots system is my question.
z:
Draft Network Rank: 68
CBS Rank: 88
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 85
PFF Rank: 109
A field stretcher that can play the Z or deep slot. That can make catches while covered. Brings return man value as well.
x:
Andrei Iosivas, Princeton
Draft Network Rank: 115
CBS Rank: 209
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 154
PFF Rank: 273
Fast but stiff receiver that has shown inconsistent effort and may require scheme touches. Has position versatility as he can play the Z.
David Durden, West Florida
Draft Network Rank: NA
CBS Rank: NA
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: NA
Intelligent and fast D2 star X receiver with a limited route tree and questionable effort. When he's on, he has potential to be a number two at the least and he brings special teams abilities as well. Provides another red zone threat which the Patriots need. Should have some production in year one.
Two Punters
There should at least be a camp battle for this job. Jake Bailey is gone and Evans is comparable with Turk.
Michael Turk, Oklahoma
Draft Network Rank: 368
CBS Rank: NA
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 297
PFF Rank: 321
Has the leg but does he have the accuracy. If he can learn to control his kicks, he's gonna be an allpro.
Ethan Evans, Wingate (hybrid)
Draft Network Rank: NA
CBS Rank: NA
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 523
PFF Rank: 291
Kickoff specialist, powerful and accurate punter that can pin the defense deep. And is a decent kicker from inside the 40.
Two Kickers
They could use to backup Folk. Having a practice squad guy never hurts.
Jake Moody, Michigan
Draft Network Rank: 287
CBS Rank: 341
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 167
PFF Rank: 315
If you're looking for a younger and health Nick Folk close, look no further.
Chad Ryland, Maryland
Draft Network Rank: 191
CBS Rank: 280
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 312
PFF Rank: 340
He was accurate from inside the 40 and has the leg to kick over 50 and will make over 50% of them. Can handle kickoffs and has the experience to fill in at Punter if emergency need calls.
Three Linebackers
Fans want a smaller faster guy. Bill likes them bigger. Will this be the year they go after that faster and more athletic dime linebacker or will they stay close to traditional?
Isaiah Moore, NC State
Draft Network Rank: 221
CBS Rank: 317
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 347
PFF Rank: 319
Traditional big body guy that can be the mike. Might not have the speed fans are clambering for but he first the Belichick mold.
Draft Network Rank: 35
CBS Rank: 38
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 31
PFF Rank: 54
Athletic and raw with side to side speed and position flexibility. Could use to add a few pounds.
Henry To'oTo'o, Alabama
Draft Network Rank: 51
CBS Rank: 69
Mock Draft Data Base Rank: 81
PFF Rank: 169
Mike with side to side speed. A little raw may need be a depth piece early on. Another player who could stand to bulk up.
Long Snapper
Joe Cardona was re-signed but he's already played passed the NFL career average for his position. Bringing in a camp body to compete never hurts.
Chris Stoll, Penn State
Draft Network Rank: NA
CBS Sports Rank: NA
NFL Mock Draft Data Base Rank: NA
PFF Rank: NA
Rated the top long snapper in the country in 2022 and played for the Patriots at the shrine bowl. Most eyes are on Alex Ward because he went to the combine but Stoll actually played for the Patriots, sort of. The fact that nobody took the time to Rank him his absurd.
The way the Patriots are operating, I think they're set until the draft. On defense the only really need a good outside cornerback. On offense, they could use a few developmental starters, a fullback and depending on if they see Thorton as a deep slot or not, an outside speedster. This list provides them at least all that.
