It’s a new era for the New England Patriots as the team gets ready for their first draft of the post-Bill Belichick era.
A 4-13 finish last season means they have the third overall selection and it's a roster that needs improving.
With eight overall picks including the third overall, the team has plenty of opportunities to plug some gaps, with fans facing the exciting prospect of potentially seeing a new franchise quarterback under centre next season.
Here’s a look at what to expect.
New England Patriots draft picks
- No. 1 overall (from Panthers) (first round)
- No. 3 overall (first round)
- No. 34 overall (second round)
- No. 68 overall (third round)
- No. 103 overall (fourth round)
- No. 137 overall (fifth round)
- No. 180 overall (sixth round)
- No. 193 overall (sixth round)
- No. 231 overall (seventh round)
Key Needs
With Mac Jones traded away, a new quarterback will be at the top of the Patriots draft board this year. A new left tackle will be required after Trent Brown’s departure and the team needs to improve their wide receiver unit, especially if they’re putting out a rookie QB.
On defense, the team has looked for consistency this offseason, re-signing a number of key players, but cornerback and defensive tackle should be addressed later on.
Predictions
With Caleb Williams a lock to go at number one overall, the biggest question at the top of the draft is who the Commanders take at number two - as this will likely dictate the Patriots' number three selection.
It looks to be a straight shootout between Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye for the number two pick, with the Pats ending up with whoever isn’t taken. We’ll stick our necks out and say Maye heads to Gillette Stadium.
Amarius Mims would be a logical pick in the second round for the Pats unless a wide receiver of Adonai Mitchell or Xavier Legette’s quality is still available.
Should they miss out on a wideout in the early rounds, then Malik Washington, Roman Wilson and Jermaine Burton should be available in the third or fourth rounds.
The Pats will then like to look at defensive prospects, with an eye on more developmental players. At tackle, Leonard Taylor, Marshawn Kneeland, Austin Booker or Mohamed Kamara could be decent fits, while day-three cornerback options could include Josh Newton, Omar Brown or Sheridan Jones.
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