Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: Tackle or Receiver in First Round?

Will the New England Patriots opt for substance over swank in the early rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft?

With the 2023 Scouting Combine set to begin on Tuesday in Indianapolis, the New England Patriots will be collectively focused on the upcoming NFL Draft. 

The Pats currently possess eleven selections, with several needs on their roster. Needless to say, they will be among the busiest, and most watched teams on Draft weekend. 

New England is not a place for rebuilding, as much as it is reloading. Despite making some occasional splashes to improve their roster, the Patriots typically stay quiet in free agency. Therefore, they are likely looking toward the Draft to help craft their roster for the 2023 season. 

While a trade or two cannot be ruled out (in fact, it is a very likely scenario), it is assumed that the Patriots will make all eleven selections for the sake of this argument.

Without further ado, here are Patriots Country’s 2023 Mock Draft 1.0 selections for the New England Patriots.

Round 1: No. 14 — Peter Skoronski, OT Northwestern

The Patriots are typically a team which opts for practicality over aesthetics. Simply put, offensive tackle is the team’s most pressing need, and Skoronski is a pro-level talent set to make an immediate impact on the Pats struggling offensive line. The Northwestern product’s fundamentals and football IQ are as sound as any of his peers. In fact, they may be better than the majority of starting tackles in the NFL. Skoronski demonstrates a versatility in his pass sets which allows him to control the approach of opposing defenders. He has the size (6-4, 294) and strength to take on vertical sets, while showing enough speed to position himself in blocking for the run.

Round 2: No. 46 — Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

The Patriots once again dipping into the slot-receiver well may not do much to excite the fan base. However, Downs is not your typical smaller pass catcher. The 5-10, 171pound receiver is being touted as one of this year's top prospects at the position. In his final season with the Tar Heels, Downs caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also averaged 10.9 yards per catch. His athleticism allows him to be effective out of the slot, where he is likely to become a play-calling favorite of Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Downs is also quite adept at making contested catches, playing with a tenacious style which will make him a notable threat at the pro level. 

Round 3: No. 76 — Christopher Smith, S Georgia

Should long time team captain and safety Devin McCourty opt for retirement, the Pats will have a need at free safety. Smith has been a solid ‘jack-of-all-trades’ for the National Champions, aligning at free, as well as in the box and even at the nickel. In fact, he even blocked a field goal and took it back for a touchdown in the SEC Championship against LSU. Smith is primarily known for his high football IQ, a trait which would endear him to fellow safeties Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips as a member of the Patriots. His aptitude to understand coverage techniques, as well as communicating with teammates, already has him drawing comparisons to McCourty.

Round 4: No. 107 — Kyu Blu Kelly, CB, Stanford

If the Patriots are looking to return to their man cover schemes, Blu Kelly is someone the Pats should be watching. As a former track star, he possesses both the speed and athleticism to remain in step with receivers in coverage. While most proficient in man coverage, Blu Kelly has the ability to play in some Cover 3, as well. He is aggressive at the catch point, but could use some improvement in his engagement when playing off-coverage. Still, he is likely to be among the best potential fits for the Pats at a clear position of need.

Round 4: No. 117 — Grant DuBose, WR, Charlotte

DuBose is a prospect on the rise, and thus may be a fortunate break for the Pats at No. 117. The 6-2, 200-pound wideout has both the length and bulk to win his competitive battles. However, DuBose’s best trait is his instincts for knowing exactly how to position himself to make a play on the ball. He can make the catch on a slant route, by high-pointing the ball or on the back shoulder with precision. As a result, he may be an intriguing scoring target for Mac Jones in the red zone — something of which the Patriots have been devoid for quite some time.

Round 4: No. 135 — Jaxson Kirkland, OT, Washington

Kirkland was one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the nation in 2021. Having received the John P. Angel Linemen of the Year Award in both 2019 and 2020, he seemed poised for an early round selection in the upcoming Draft. However, he chose to return to school after suffering a severe ankle injury; subsequently forcing his move inside to the guard position. Still, Kirkland is a tackle both by nature and design. At 6-7, 310 pounds, he has both the size and athleticism to handle the blindside at the next level. Though he possesses better-than-average timing in the run game, he is at his best in pass protection due to his exceptional football intelligence and field awareness. In order to solidify his standing as a pro-level stater, Kirkland will need to add some bulk in his lower body to keep himself better anchored. 

Round 6: No. 184 — Isaiah Moore, LB, NC State

Moore caught the sharp eye of the Patriots scouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl. In fact, Patriots coaches afforded him more praise than any other prospect. At 6-2, 234 pounds, Moore was a three-time captain and five-year starter throughout his college career. He compiled 341 tackles, 43.5 of which were for a loss during his time at North Carolina State. However, his leadership and command of the huddle are the traits which set him apart from several of his peers. Accordingly, they are also what may make Moore a solid pro from the outset. 

Round 6: No. 187 — Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State

To paraphrase William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream: “Though he be but little, he is fierce.”

At 5-6, 175-pounds, Vaughn’s size may deter many a suitor. However, he possesses a dual-threat skill set which has made him a standout performer at his position. He uses his size to his advantage, needing simply a small crease to find a lane for significant yardage. However, his most significant contributions are likely to come as a receiver out of the backfield. Often matched with more sizable second-level defenders, Vaughn typically has the upper hand when it some to foot speed and the ability to change direction.  He is somewhat reminiscent of former Pats running back James White in his prowess with handling versatility to handle swing passes and wheel routes.

Round 6: No. 192 — Ryan Hayes, OT Michigan

Like Jones, Hayes cuts an imposing figure at 6-7, 307 pounds. Though he primarily aligns at left tackle, his mobility and arm length may allow him to play inside as well. Hayes struggles with balance and his base when forced to redirect too quickly. He is capable of resisting his competition as a run blocker, with the ability to seal the edge and stifle the blindside rush. With the Patriots history of drawing from the Michigan well, Hayes fits nicely into the prototype.

Round 6: No. 210 — Michael Turk, P Oklahoma

With incumbent punter Jake Bailey presently on the fringe of the ‘Foxboro family business,’ the Patriots will have a sharp eye on Turk. During his first season as a Sooner, he averaged 51.2 yards per punt, while watching eight of his 35 punts go for more than 60 yards. In 2022, he punted 63 times, yielding a 46.8-yard average. In each of his four collegiate years he earned first-team All-conference, while his career-average ranks near the top of all-time FBS punters. Turk can clearly punt for power, demonstrating some impressive hang time during his recent work at the Shrine Bowl.

Round 7: No. 258 — Christian Trahan, TE, Houston

New England had some good fortune with a Houston Cougar (CB Marcus Jones) in 2021, and they are hoping for a bit of late-round serendipity here, as well. Trahan is a prospect in need of work. However, he possesses the necessary skill set to excel in O’Brien’s offense. The 6-3, 245 pound tight end is at his best in a spread system, aligning as an H-back — where he can either act as a lead blocker, or use play-action to find his way into the flats. Trahan will need to add some upper body strength to be effective as a pro. However, his ability to add yards after the catch make him a potential diamond in the rough for the Pats.

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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