NFL Mock Draft: Quarterback For New England Patriots With No. 5 Pick?

The New England Patriots are trending toward a Top 5 pick in next April's NFL Draft.

Amid the New England Patriots' worst start 2-7 in 23 years, what else is there to do other than start wondering who could be their pick in next April's NFL Draft?

After all, the potentially high draft pick is the one bright light in an otherwise disastrous season for the Patriots. 

While many assume the Patriots will go with a quarterback, a recent mock draft from Pro Football Focus has the Patriots going elsewhere with the No. 5 overall pick selecting help along the offensive line via Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt.

"The Patriots could target a quarterback here, but unless they are in a position to pick Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, it seems more likely they go the route of a veteran quarterback and build out the offensive line and receiver room during the draft," PFF writes about the selection of Alt. "New England invests in the trenches here with Alt, a massive 6-foot-8 offensive tackle prospect who boasts an elite overall grade in 2023."

Sep 30, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils defensive end R.J. Oben (94) tries to get past the block of Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) during the second half at Wallace Wade Stadium.  / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive tackle was the route many originally thought the Patriots would go in this past offseason's NFL Draft after the struggles of starting left tackle Trent Brown combined with the departure of former first-round pick Isaiah Wynn in free agency.

However, the Patriots flipped picks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, moving down the board from No. 14 to 17, before selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez. ... And judging by the performance of the rookie corner prior to his season-ending shoulder injury, it is a pick that the Patriots aren't likely to regret. 

Yet, after passing on the chance to take an offensive tackle last year, it'd make sense for the Patriots to take one this coming April. The offensive line has been a major issue for a Patriots offense that ranks among the worst in the league in several statistical categories. 

Injuries have been a major issue, with multiple starters having to miss time with injury at different points this season, including Brown, who, when healthy, has been much improved for the Patriots, as shown by his 81.4 PFF grade compared to 67.4 a year ago. 

Yet, the 30-year-old is one of a number of key players on an expiring deal this season, which leaves a major question over his long-term future in Foxboro. 

On one hand, the Patriots could reward Brown for his improved play with a new contract. Or, they can let him go and use the draft to find his replacement. 

Alt would certainly be one of those potential replacements, as the Notre Dame tackle has three seasons' worth of impressive grades from PFF, who gave him a 78.8 in 2021, 91.4 in 2022, and 88.9 last season.

---