The NFL draft is 17 days away, so let's kickoff the countdown with a look at some of the mock draft projections around the internet, and give our take on the pick/rationale:
14. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
"There’s reportedly tension between Bill Belichick and Mac Jones. In this scenario, the Patriots look to deal Jones for a draft pick and choose to develop the dynamic but raw Richardson.
Bedard's take: Definitely have been on board with drafting a developmental QB with physical traits you can't teach, so Richardson definitely fits that bill — and then some. He's probably the most complete QB physically ever to enter the NFL. He's like Cam Newton 3.0. However, he has a very long way to go as far as playing QB in the league. For that reason, I have a hard time seeing the Patriots' grading system allowing them to pick a projection player like Richardson (and you will hear similar rationale on other players) this high. The Patriots do not take risks at 14th overall. A player taken this high must grade out highly in basically every area. I don't see Richardson passing their tests for that. If it's Richardson at 14, Belichick definitely hates Mac Jones and Belichick might have locked Robert Kraft in a closet.
14. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
"They still have issues at corner, and Witherspoon has the tools to step in and play right away. He is a physical player who can also cover. The Patriots would love him. They could also use a receiver in the worst way."
Bedard's take: I have zero issues with this pick — Witherspoon is quick, aggressive and loves to hit — other than Witherspoon is a little small for the Patriots (6-0, 181). Still, I think he grades out well enough that he would be a consideration if they stay at 14.
14. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
"Adding this physical blocker would complete the Patriots' offensive makeover with an upgrade on the edges."
Bedard's take: I think Jones would check a lot of boxes for the Patriots, but they might think they can get a player just as good by trading back — a Bill Belichick staple.
14. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
"I was impressed with Wright's tape, especially when the 6-5, 333-pounder faced Will Anderson Jr. and neutralized him in Tennessee's huge win over Alabama. Wright allowed just one sack all season and also excelled during Senior Bowl week. The Patriots allowed a sack on 8.0% of their pass snaps, which was the third-highest mark in the NFL last season.
New England has not been the same on the offensive front, and although it has signed Riley Reiff, he is not a long-term answer. The Pats have to do a better job of protecting Mac Jones, and Wright would help."
Bedard's take: I think Wright could be their guy, and they wouldn't care if they took him at 14 or got him later (similar to the Cole Strange/Tyquan Thornton overdrafts). Wright is plug and play at right tackle, and made a lot of money shutting down Alabama's Will Anderson in their matchup.
14. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Reuter: "Securing the services of Porter brings much-needed height (6-foot-2 1/2), length (34-inch arms) and speed (4.46-second 40-yard dash) to the Patriots' cornerback room. Being the son of a former Pro Bowl defender probably doesn't hurt his draft stock, either."
Kiper: "After adding JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki in free agency, the Patriots no longer have to draft a receiver here. That doesn't mean they won't, just that it's no longer a critical void. New offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has a few playmakers to scheme open for quarterback Mac Jones, who struggled in 2022, finishing 28th in Total QBR (out of 31 qualifiers). This offense should take a step up.
The biggest need now is in the secondary. Jonathan Jones was re-signed and Jack Jones had a really solid rookie season, but the Patriots have to add more corners. Porter is a 6-foot-2 press cornerback whose 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine was stellar for his size. He didn't allow any touchdowns in coverage last season. He's physical -- he'll tackle in the run game. I see Porter as a player who could thrive for Bill Belichick's defense.
I almost scratched out my prediction for this pick and slotted in wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State), who could be a target for a team in this range."
Bedard's take: Wouldn't be against this, but I do think this is a little rich for Porter, who is pretty grabby and has limited quickness as a big corner. Very intriguing. Maybe a bit lower.
20. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
NE trades with Seattle to move back to the 20th pick.
14. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
"Bill Belichick does business how he wants to do business. He drafted a running back nowhere near as talented as Robinson in the first round in 2018, and there's no reason to think he wouldn't do it again."
Jeremiah: "The Patriots don’t think like every other franchise. I believe they could see Robinson as a valuable addition instead of a player at a non-premium position. He would team up with Rhamondre Stevenson to give New England one of the best backfields in the NFL."
Bedard's take: Robinson is indeed a way better prospect than Sony Michel, but that Patriots team had a hole at RB that needed to be filled and the Patriots are just fine there for now. This would be disappointing.
14. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
"The Pats have drafted one receiver in Round 1 since they took Terry Glenn in 1996, and it didn't go well. N'Keal Harry, selected at No. 32 in 2019, fizzled out in New England after just 598 yards over three seasons. But the Patriots have to do something here. Jakobi Meyers -- who was the only WR in New England to crack 550 receiving yards last season -- is about to be a free agent, which means quarterback Mac Jones needs a reliable target in the pass game.
At 6-3 and 208 pounds, Johnston can stretch the field and win with physicality at the catch point. He totaled 1,069 yards last season and looked explosive in Indy last week with a 40.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-2 broad jump. I'm curious if he'll run a 40 at his pro day on March 30 -- a good time there could help his stock. The Pats have to see Sauce Gardner, Tre'Davious White and Xavien Howard in coverage twice each per season, so getting help on the outside is a key this offseason."
Bedard's take: I would be very surprised if the Patriots' grading system allowed them to take any of the projected first-round receivers at 14 overall. They all have some defect, especially size and durability, according to their system. For the Patriots to take a receiver 14th overall, this would have to be a no-doubt plug-and-play No. 1 Pro Bowl player as a rookie. I doubt they'll see it that way. N'Keal Harry's body type got him into the first round on their board. None of the top draft WRs look like that.
14. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
"The Pats still need a dynamic perimeter threat, and they have to hope that last year's draft choice, Tyquan Thornton, becomes that guy. Offensive tackle play was inconsistent in 2022, and this young man from Ohio State is capable of starting on Day 1."
Bedard's take: Basically my position in all the top OTs is this: whoever the Patriots think is the best, with bonus points for possibly being a future LT, I'm on board with. Then need a five-year rock at one of the tackle spots. Enough of the revolving turnstiles.