Judon GM? Patriots' Star Makes New England Mock Draft Pick

Matthew Judon embarked on a single-pick mock draft for his New England Patriots, imploring the team to bring in one of the lauded offensive prospects.

Matthew Judon did everything for the New England Patriots last season. Now, it appears he's looking to take on general manager duties as well. 

Judon posted a one-man mock draft to his Instagram story calling for Bill Belichick and Co. to select Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the 14th pick of the upcoming NFL Draft earlier this week. The pass rusher requested that Smith-Njigba "Come to the Patriots," with that decision ultimately in the hands of management. 

The former Buckeye is widely lauded as one of the top, if not the No. 1, receiver prospects in the draft and has drawn interest from several teams picking in the middle of the first round. 

Though Judon is well-known for his defensive prowess, he'd perhaps love to see management make his unit's life a little easier by surrounding franchise quarterback Mac Jones with an elite aerial target. Though Smith-Njigba was limited to three appearances due to a hamstring injury in his final year in Columbus, an illustrious sophomore campaign drew the attention of professional suitors.

Working with fellow potential pick C.J. Stroud at quarterback, Smith-Njigba posted 1,606 receiving yards during the 2021 season, capping it off with the most illustrious receiving performance in the long, lauded history of Bowl Season. In a win over Utah in the 108th Rose Bowl Game, Smith-Njigba put up a whopping 347 yards and tied his own Ohio State record with 15 receptions in the same showing.

If New England truly wants to ensure that the Jones era flourishes, it'd be wise to heed their star defender's advice and upgrade the receivers' room. Jakobi Meyers, the most recent top target, is set to test the free agency market, as is Nelson Agholor. The Patriots did their due diligence on Smith-Njigba at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week, formally meeting with him among several other prospects.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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