We've had a chance to do enough research through film and league sources to have a better grasp on the top draft prospects (first three-ish rounds) to give you a list of players we feel would fit with the Patriots. It's not every player, but at least those that could impact the team at areas of need (cue a first-round tight end) this season.
For a more in-depth look at the positions, make sure you check out Kevin Field's positional breakdowns — they go much deeper and give you Patriots-type picks for each round and undrafted free agency. After doing this work, I would say Field has done a great job identifying the right prospects:
A look at the top draft prospects through my Patriots-colored eyes, and even included a few *BEDARD BINKIES*
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Isaiah Wynn is in a contract year and Trent Brown has several weight clauses — neither are durable. Patriots need to at least look to the future here. We eliminated the top three tackles from consideration.
Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa, 6-7, 333 pounds, 4.92 in the 40, 1st round
Very good athlete for a big man. Physical, sometimes too aggressive during the play and after the whistle. He's at least a top-notch right tackle, and he has LT upside.
Tyler Smith, Tulsa, 6-4 ½, 327, 5.04, 1-2
Very raw but might be the last prospect with true left tackle upside. Moves great to the second level. Raw and aggressive. Needs development. Little bigger than Wynn, but looks similar.
Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan, 6-6, 303, 5.08, 1-2
Austria native needs a lot of work. A bit of a project just to become a solid right tackle in NFL. Poor Senior Bowl.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, Ohio State, 6-5, 316, 5.18, 2
Had some rough moments at LT in big games, but has good potential at RT. Not overly physical.
Rasheed Walker, Penn State, 6-5 ½, 324, N/A, 3
Has some really nice traits, film and some LT potential, but inconsistent and needs development.
David Faalele, Minnesota, 6-8, 390, 5.60, 3-4
If you like Trent Brown's physical profile, you'll love this guy. Just huge and strong. Some questions about want-to and makeup.
Abraham Lucas, Washington State, 6-6 ½, 316, 4.96, 4
Really good-looking athlete who will compete to start at RT and has good enough feet to be a good guard puller to start if needed. This is a trait guy to take a chance on. *BEDARD BINKIE*
Kellen Diesch, Arizona State, 6-7, 302, 4.89, 4-5
Good looking athlete with some upside but will be 25 this season and has short arms. Worth a look/development.
Matt Waletzko, North Dakota, 6-7 ½, 312, 5.03, 6-7
Not as good of an athlete as Diesch but has long (36 inches) arms with some movement. Needs to get strong, especially in lower body. But intriguing developmental guy.
Dare Rosenthal, Kentucky, 6-7, 290 pounds, 4.88, 5-7
Former LSU defensive lineman who had issues in Baton Rouge before transferring. Really good athlete for the position but lots of stuff to check out off the field.
(Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Kenyon Green (#55) runs up field during the Southwest Classic college football game between the Texas A&M Aggies and Arkansas Razorbacks on September 25, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
GUARD
Shaq Mason is gone, Mike Onwenu struggled at guard last year and not much depth.
Kenyon Green, Texas A&M, 6-4, 325, 5.28, 1-2
Started all over the line, except for center, and was good at everything. Has good movement. Has a chance to be a special guard but could also play LT with 34-inch arms. Love the player and makeup. *BEDARD BINKIE*
Zion Johnson, Boston College, 6-2 ½, 314, 5.24, 1-2
Squat, square, powerful, smart. Instant starter at guard and given his body type, has elite center potential. *BEDARD BINKIE*
Sean Rhyan, UCLA, 6-4 ½, 323, 5.23, 2-3
Huge lower body but moves really well and boy can he finish a run. Tough, physical guard to start but could play tackle.
Ed Ingram, Louisiana State, 6-3, 312, 5.07, 3-4
Reinstated to the team after sex assault allegations, Ingram is physical, nasty and can move. A lot to like if he checks out off the field.
(Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Bo Melton (18) runs with the ball after a reception against the Michigan Wolverines during a college football game on Sept. 25, 2021 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
RECEIVER
Patriots, as of now, have a full house at WR but that could change if the right players are available to them — and they still don't have a real slot. We skipped Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams (if he falls, grab him), and Drake London.
Jahan Dotson, Penn State, 5-10 ½, 181, 4.44, 1-2
Reminds a bit of Brandin Cooks but with more agility and catches outside frame well. Good route runner, tough. Not a true slot, but pretty good player.
Chris Olave, Ohio State, 6-0 ½, 185, 4.45, 1-2
Highly productive and does everything well, but not special, and not a true No. 1. Bit finesse like Kendrick Bourne.
John Metchie, Alabama, 5-11, 189, N/A, 2-3
Tore his ACL in SEC championship game. They rave about him at Alabama. Won't blow anyone away, but is productive at every spot inside or outside. Little more than just a possession receiver. *BEDARD BINKIE*
Khalil Shakir, Boise State, 6-0, 196, 4.43, 3-4
Surprised he ran such an average 3-cone time (7.28) because on film, he has elite change of direction and is an ideal slot player. Love him. *BEDARD BINKIE*
Wan'Dale Robinson, Kentucky, 5-8, 178, 4.44, 3-4
Tiny in height, but thick, tough and quick. Better 3-cone than Shakir (6.99). Another elite slot prospect with return ability. *BEDARD BINKIE*
Calvin Austin, Memphis, 5-8, 170, 4.32, 3-5
Tiny and not as thick as Robinson so you wonder how much he'll play. But, man, is this guy explosive in a straight line, like a rocket is strapped to him. Elite testing numbers, including 6.65 3-cone. You almost want to take him and figure out the rest later. Didn't look as fast in combine workout but it's there on film. Intriguing.
George Pickens, Georgia, 6-3, 200, 4.51, 2-3
He's a tough-ass, talented and physical receiver — basically everything you wanted N'Keal Harry to be. But some off-field stuff and not sure how hight the ceiling is.
Skyy Moore, Western Michigan, 5-9 ½, 191, 4.44, 2-3
Was a little bit disappointed given the pub he's gotten. A good, tough player but didn't pop like Khalil Shakir as a slot.
Christian Watson, ND State, 6-4, 208, 4.32, 2-3
Needs to be polished a bit but has some elite traits. Needs to learn the finer points of the position but he's smart and has the tools. A future bet that could pay off.
Alec Pierce, Cincinnati, 6-3, 208, 4.44, 3-4
At his very best, hoping that he's Jordy Nelson, but Nelson had more shake and explosiveness. Good player, just not special.
Kyle Philips, UCLA, 5-11, 189, 4.58, 4-6
Your Braxton Berrios type with punt return ability but limited upside. Solid player but not a very high ceiling. Quicker than fast with 6.75 3-cone.
Danny Gray, SMU, 6-0, 186, 4.33, 4-6
Not the biggest guy but an intriguing inside/outside player with a lot of upside. But has catching issues. A project that could pay off.
Bo Melton, Rutgers, 5-11, 189, 4.34, 3-6
Trust me, he was hampered by a terrible offense and QBs. Playmaker inside and outside. Not ideal for slot, but can do it and return kicks. Can do some Deebo stuff too. Tough, dependable. He'd fit and do well. *BEDARD BINKIE*
Romeo Doubs, Nevada, 6-2, 201, N/A, 6-7
Very raw and coming off an injury but if you squinted really hard, he has some very poor man's Randy Moss skills. That sort of upright, long-striding boundary receiver. Would be a good UDFA.