The NFL Draft is two weeks from tomorrow, so let's take our first stab at a mock draft to the Patriots' 14th pick. We'll update next week, and the day of the draft:
1. Panthers: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Yes, he's traditionally way too small for the position at first overall, but the game has changed and Young's intangibles are off the charts. He knows how to take a hit and his processing is off the charts. He's the best prospect of this bunch, but his size definitely makes you hold your breath.
2. Texans (or someone else): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
I think there's fire to the smoke that they might pass on a QB here, but I think either the Texans take Stroud or they trade out and someone else takes him. A lot of potential in Stroud, and Houston should be trying to find their franchise QB. I just don't think a Will Anderson is great enough to bypass a QB. This draft is light on no-doubt prospects.
3. Cardinals: Will Anderson, Edge, Alabama
Some of his tape isn't great for the top of the draft, but he is very talented and often makes things look easier than they are. Arizona has to get better on defense and the edge.
4. Colts (or someone else): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Yes he needs work and may have to sit for a year or two, but Richardson is the total physical package for the modern NFL and his intangibles are said to be strong. Shane Steichen was there for what the Eagles did with Jalen Hurts, who has similar knocks coming up and grew into the job. Richardson is a way better athlete. Steichen would be the perfect guy to bring Richardson along in his offense.
5. Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Seattle has never been overly concerned with character issues and are always confident they can conform a player to their building. Carter is probably the best prospect in this draft.
6. Lions: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Detroit was horrible on defense last year and just traded CB Jeff Okudah. Witherspoon would give Aaron Glenn that dog he wants in the secondary.
7. Raiders: Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
Vegas could go in a number of different directions — Will Levis or Richardson — a playmaker at corner or edge on defense, or even RB Bijan Robinson at some point. But Skoronski looks like a future All-Pro at guard or possibly tackle. Raiders were a little iffy on the line last year and badly could use another stud there.
8. Falcons: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Atlanta got help at corner in Okudah and now just really need a dominating edge player, which they've lacked for years.
9. Bears: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The other elite corner goes to a defense that badly needs help.
10. Eagles: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
This could be a trade spot for Levis or Richardson. Philly tried for edge help last year and got none out of Robert Quinn and others. This might be early for Van Ness but he fits their scheme.
11. Titans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Mike Vrabel goes back to his alma mater to find a playmaker for this stagnant offense.
12. Texans: Quentin Johnson, WR, TCU
Houston does the smart thing and pairs the QB and WR together for five years. Johnson is just down the road.
13. Jets: Nolan Smith, LB, Georgia
Has inside/outside versatility and the Jets need more playmakers there on this defense that is strong at corner. Smith is very smart. Could see the Pats trying to jump Jets for him.
14. Patriots: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
Belichick will try to get someone to come up for Will Levis — like Jason Licht and the Bucs, or Josh McDaniels and the Raiders — but it would have to be a great package to pass up Johnson if he's still on the board. He checks all the boxes as a potential left tackle and he's incredibly clean off the field. He's smart as hell, loves football and is very coachable. This would be the dream scenario — unless there's a great trade offer for a QB.
Also considered:
CB Deonte Banks
S Brian Branch
CB Joey Poter
DT Bryan Bresee
OT Broderick Jones
OT Darnell Wright
TE Michael Mayer
WR Zay Flowers
WR Jordan Addison