The knock on this draft is it doesn’t have the top-end talent of past drafts.
That’s irrelevant, there are good players in every draft and the job is to find them. What this draft does have is depth. Every level of this draft has prospects that can contribute next year and beyond. Because of that depth, I expect the Patriots' streak of undrafted free agents making the active roster to continue.
Lastly, I’m still setting the board and the Patriots have a lot of work left so this will be fluid between now and the draft (Combine, Pro Days, Team Visits, Free Agency, etc.). We’ll adjust accordingly.
As of right now, the Patriots have five picks. You should expect they will be active in the trade market to acquire more draft capital and be opportunistic.
Round 1, Pick 21
Round 2, Pick 54
Round 3, Pick 85
Round 4, Pick 125
Round 6, Pick 208
Here's our first stab at the first round, and the picks for the Patriots at all of their selections:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Evan Neal, Alabama
The Jaguars drafted their franchise QB last year with Trevor Lawrence and it’s important they protect him. Neal can play either tackle position or even guard to start his career. His size (6-foot-7, 350 pounds) and athleticism are elite for the position.
2. Detroit Lions: DE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
Great mix of power, athleticism, and size. His motor fits in perfectly with the culture that Dan Campbell is trying to build in Detroit. The Lions will pick the local Michigan guy.
3. Houston Texans: S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
He is perhaps the cleanest prospect in the draft. It’s rare for a safety to go this high (the last one in the top 5 was over ten years ago, Eric Berry to the Chiefs) but Houston coach Lovie Smith runs the cover two and having a safety with elite range is really valuable. Hamilton is long, very smart, and can be a defensive chess piece.
4. New York Jets: CB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU
Stingley Jr., the grandson of former Patriot Daryl Stingley, is going to be a polarizing player. He has top-of-the-draft talent and he’ll test extremely well at the combine next month. He can play press coverage, he’s fluid, has ideal size, and the list goes on. After dominating as a freshman, he was inconsistent and injured the last two seasons. His evaluation really comes down to his medicals and interviews.
5. New York Giants: DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
He has all the tools, frame, and upside to be the top pick. Legit All-Pro potential. There are some knocks on him recently, that he may not be as big as listed, he doesn’t live for football, etc. Ignore the noise, his suddenness and bend for an edge rusher are elite. When the Giants have been good, they have an effective pass rush.
6. Carolina Panthers: QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Panthers are feeling pressure from ownership to find a QB. If they don’t trade for one, Pickett is the most pro-ready prospect. His accuracy and intangibles are his top traits. The knock on him around his hand size and arm strength won’t hurt him in a division that plays in warm weather and indoors.
7. New York Giants (VIA CHI): OT Ikem Ekwonu, NC State
The Giants need help along the offensive line and “Ickey” is the perfect selection. Some organizations will view him as a tackle, in the mold of last year’s first-rounder Rashawn Slater. Others will see him as a guard. His pass protection will need refinement but he’s ultra-physical and he might be the best run blocker in the draft. He starts for the Giants on Day 1.
8. Atlanta Falcons: QB Malik Willis, Liberty
If Pickett offers a safe floor, Willis offers the high ceiling. The most boom or bust QB prospect that will need time before he’s ready to play. Falcons need a long-term answer behind center but can afford to have someone learn while Matt Ryan plays. Willis has a little bit of Michael Vick to him (not quite the ceiling), but he has a rocket arm and he’s a dangerous runner.
9. Denver Broncos: DE David Ojabo, Michigan
There are a few places the Broncos can go but investing in players that can get to the QBs within the AFC West division will be important. Ojabo has some boom or bust potential. Great first step, flexibility and he hunts the football. However, he’s still raw and will need to start his career in a sub rushing role. This pick is all about upside.
10. New York Jets (VIA SEA): WR Drake London, USC
The Jets pick the first wide receiver off the board to help give second-year QB Zach Wilson some additional weapons. London fits a different mold than other top wideouts in this draft. At 6-foot-5, 212 pounds he’s a former basketball player that uses his size to be physical, win contested catches, gain first downs.
11. Washington Commanders: QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss
Commanders go for a franchise QB in Corral. He can make athletic, off-platform throws and he’s athletic enough to get first downs on the ground. He has a very quick release, good arm, and is effective on short and intermediate throws. The deep ball and his injury history are legitimate concerns.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Edge Jermaine Johnson II, Florida State
The Vikings need more pass rush and Johnson has the capability to be a 3-down player at the NFL level. He needs to improve technique, but he has all the physical traits and measurables you’d want in an edge player. He was dominant at the Senior Bowl, and he led the ACC in sacks (11.5) and TFL (17.5) on his way to Defensive Player of the Year.
13. Cleveland Browns: WR Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
I expect the Browns to invest in a WR. They are giving Baker Mayfield another opportunity, traded away Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry is getting older. Wilson a three-level threat, with top tier body control, and elite ability to separate. I have him as the best WR in the draft.
14. Baltimore Ravens: DL Travon Walker, Georgia
Classic Ravens selection. Physical player from a strong program with high upside. Walker has a great combination of size (6’5, 275) and versatility. He could play in any scheme and can beat a guard with quickness or drop into coverage on a TE. While he doesn’t have the most prodigious stats, if he tests well at the Combine, he could go this high.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (VIA MIA): CB Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, Cincinnati
Gardner is big, long and plays with confidence. He’s good at press-man coverage and his length makes it hard to complete a pass over the top. He’ll need to be careful with his hands at the next level, but he’s never given up a touchdown (over 1,100 career snaps).
16. Philadelphia Eagles (VIA IND): C/G Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
The Eagles drafted a center last year, Landon Dickerson, but he played guard and is better suited for that position at the pro level. With Brandon Brooks retiring they go back to investing in the LOS with Linderbaum. He’s not for everyone because of size (6’3, 292) but he’s the best center in the draft. The former wrestler/defensive lineman plays great leverage, athleticism, and toughness. Good future replacement for Jason Kelce.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Jordan Davis, Georgia
The Chargers were terrible against the run last year and need an anchor along their defensive line. Davis isn’t a three-down player but he’s virtually impossible to single block in the run game and very difficult to run at directly. He needs to watch his pad level, stay in playing shape, and do more to affect the pass game. That said, his size (6’6, 340) and athleticism is rare.
18. New Orleans Saints: WR Jahan Dotson, Penn State
The Saints need WR help, even if Michael Thomas returns, and Dotson is a good fit. Dotson reminds me of Brandin Cooks out of Oregon State. He’s fast, crafty catch radius given his size (5’11, 175), good hands (2 drops on 90+ targets). Plus, he has natural skills once the ball is in those hands.
19. Philadelphia Eagles: Nakobe Dean, Georgia
The Eagles haven’t selected a LB in the first round in a long time, but they are deficient at the middle level. Dean was the leader of the vaunted Georgia Bulldog defense. He exudes great energy and intangibles. He’s small for a middle linebacker (6’0, 225) but he plays fast and physical.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Trent McDuffie, Washington
There’s a good chance the Steelers target the line of scrimmage, but McDuffie is good value at this point. He’s the best zone corner in the draft. He only has average size (5’11, 195) but he’s one of the better tackling corners in the draft.
21. New England Patriots: LB Devin Lloyd, Utah
This would be the ideal scenario for the Patriots. He has a great combination of size, playing experience, and athleticism. He’s a three-down player that immediately makes their defense better. Plus, the Patriots will like that he’s a leader within the Utah program. Lloyd is the best linebacker in the class and reminds me of San Francisco 49er Fred Warner or maybe even the upside of Colt, Darius Leonard.
22. Las Vegas Raiders: OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State
It will be tempting for Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels to add an offensive weapon like Treylon Burks to their offense. In this case, they choose to build towards better protecting Derek Carr. Cross provides plus pass blocking. He has excellent mirroring skills and really improved his technique this year, which unlocked his length and size advantage. May not start right away but he has Pro Bowl potential.
23. Arizona Cardinals: DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
He’s a versatile defensive lineman that can slide anywhere along the line. He’s very quick off the snap and he can play the run and the pass. He reminds me of former Patriot, Ty Warren.
24. Dallas Cowboys: G Kenyon Green, Texas A&M
The Cowboys' interior line has slipped and when they are rolling, they have an effective run game and Dak is protected. Green is the best guard prospect in the draft. He has over 40 consecutive starts in the SEC and has played every position along the line. He’ll be able to play as a rookie.
25. Buffalo Bills: CB Roger McCreary, Auburn
The Bills will continue to invest in their secondary after seeing the impact of Tre’Davious White injury. McCreary is a scrappy player who mixes it up with wide receivers. He doesn’t have ideal outside corner size (5’11, 189) and may need to move inside but he has a lot of effectiveness and experience in the SEC.
26. Tennessee Titans: OT Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa
Penning is a great fit for an offense that’s predicated on physicality, the run game, and play action. He’s a great run blocker and plays with a nasty streak that Mike Vrabel will love. May need some work in pass protection to be ready at tackle but he’s a people mover with ideal size (6’6, 330).
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson
The Bucs took a step back defending the pass this year. This was Booth’s first year as a full-time starter, but he has good ball skills, plus length, great balance coming in and out of breaks. He played better as the year went along.
28. Green Bay Packers: DE George Karlaftis, Purdue
Packers will likely invest along the line, especially if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return. Karlaftis has good pressure numbers and plays with plus power. He’ll need more of a pass rush plan, but he can play strongside DE or drop inside on passing downs. He’s expected to test well at the combine.
29. Miami Dolphins: WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas
This is a pick for new coach Mike McDaniel. Burks is a larger (6’3, 230) Deebo Samuel prototype. Arkansas lined him up in the slot, got him in motion, and targeted ways to get him the ball. Competitive player and he’s faster than he looks, often showing the ability to run away from defenders.
30. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jameson Williams, Alabama
Williams may miss most of next season coming off an ACL surgery but he’s an explosive weapon that would be a great secondary option in the Chiefs offense. With elite speed and game-breaking potential, he’s a slightly bigger version of DeSean Jackson. This selection would allow KC to move on from Mecole Hardman.
31. Cincinnati Bengals: OG Zion Johnson, Boston College
We probably all had the same takeaway from the Super Bowl; Bengals need to invest heavily into protecting Joe Burrow. They should pick the best offensive lineman available and in this case, it’s Zion Johnson. He’ll be able to play guard or center. He’s a really smart guy with great footwork and a strong anchor.
32. Detroit Lions (VIA LAR): DB Dax Hill, Michigan
The Lions could go QB here to get an extra contract year from a signal-caller but in this scenario, we go back to the Michigan pipeline to select Hill who has a lot of similarities to Devin McCourty. He can line up in the slot or at free safety. He’s fast and supports the run. Detroit needs support everywhere, but they had the second-worst safety group in the league.
(Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Houston Cougars cornerback Marcus Jones (8) scores a first half touchdown on a long punt return during the football game between the Navy Midshipmen and Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Houston, Texas.
PROJECTED PATRIOTS PICKS
Round 1, Pick 21: LB Devin Lloyd, Utah
Round 2, Pick 54: NT Travis Jones, UConn
The Patriots were terrible down the stretch stopping the run. Their defense is predicated on being strong and stout up the middle. Jones is a big, well-built nose tackle with plus strength. He isn’t going to lead the team in sacks, but he can be a bully in the run game. He was excellent at the Senior Bowl.
Round 3, Pick 85: CB Marcus Jones, Houston
This is a Bill Belichick-type pick. Jones is an elite returner, small but competitive. This solves the return issues while also providing immediate depth at the nickel role. Jones is a dynamic football player (he even played WR). He’s a four-down contributor who the Patriots will, and should, value more because of his four-down skills.
Round 4, Pick 125: Edge Darrian Beavers, Cincinnati
Beavers played middle linebacker in college, but I think his best fit is on the edge at the next level. He’ll need time to put on weight and adjust but he’s really smart, adds athleticism to the lineup and has the desired length needed to set the edge in their scheme. At bare minimum, he could provide depth at linebacker.
Round 6, Pick 208: S Verone McKinley III, Oregon
Similar to Rodney Harrison (without the size) in that some opposing players think he's dirty and teammates call him "The General". His size (5’11, 196) will be an issue for some teams, he's built like a CB, but his recognition skills allow scheme versatility as a free safety. He led the country with 6 interceptions and over half of his career picks have come in the red zone. He’s the son of a high school coach.