Unlike other teams in the AFC East, the New England Patriots had a handful of roster needs and ample draft capital to begin addressing them.
Entering the draft with 11 picks, including six in the first four rounds, Bill Belichick was able to wheel and deal over the weekend to target players high on New England’s draft board.
Let’s meet the Patriots’ 2023 NFL Draft class.
Patriots NFL Draft Picks 2023
- Round 1, Pick 17 Overall (From PIT): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
- Round 2, Pick 46 Overall: Keion White, EDGE, Georgia Tech
- Round 3, Pick 76 Overall (From CAR): Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State
- Round 4, Pick 107 Overall (From LAR): Jake Andrews, C, Troy
- Round 4, Pick 112 Overall (From NYJ): Chad Ryland, K, Maryland
- Round 4, Pick 117 Overall: Sidy Sow, G, Eastern Michigan
- Round 5, Pick 144 Overall (From ATL via LV): Atonio Mafi, G, UCLA
- Round 6, Pick 187 Overall (From CAR): Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
- Round 6, Pick 192 Overall: Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
- Round 6, Pick 210 Overall (Comp): Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty
- Round 6, Pick 214 Overall (Comp From LV): Ameer Speed, DB, Michigan State
- Round 7, Pick 245 Overall (From BUF via ATL): Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State University
Patriots NFL Futures Odds
Now that the NFL Draft is complete, get ready for the 2023-24 NFL season with the latest Patriots odds and futures betting markets.
Patriots Draft Grade 2023
Patriots NFL Draft Grade: C+
Our Frank Ammirante gave the Patriots a C+ for their 12-man haul, which started brightly on Day 1 with the selection of Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez, who many draft experts rated as a top-10 prospect. However, Day 3 was full of head-scratching decisions, including using fourth-round picks on a kicker and a pair of interior offensive lineman.
Click to see our full report card of 2023 NFL Draft Grades.
Note: The following information was written prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Patriots Draft Team Needs 2023
1. Offensive Tackle
Mac Jones isn’t immobile, but he isn’t the most elusive scrambler in the NFL, either. Since he generally operates out of the pocket, the offensive line needs to keep him upright.
That wasn’t quite the case last season when Jones took 34 sacks in 14 games, six more than he took in the full complement of games during his rookie season.
Left tackle Trent Brown is heading into the final year of his contract, and New England brought in 34-year-old Riley Reiff to end its revolving door at right tackle. Investing a premium pick on a tackle that could occupy either spot for years to come makes all too much sense.
2. Wide Receiver
Jones’ favorite target, Jakobi Meyers, signed a three-year contract with the Raiders, so the Patriots responded by inking JuJu Smith-Schuster to a similar deal. His fit in the Patriots locker room will be something to watch, and Smith-Schuster hasn’t been wildly productive over the past two seasons.
New England will hope to get more from 2022 second-rounder Tyquan Thornton (22-247-2 last season), but adding another high-end prospect wouldn’t hurt.
3. Cornerback
Belichick’s defense relies on corners that can play man-to-man coverage. New England did well to bring back Jonathan Jones on a two-year deal, and 2022 selections Jack Jones and Marcus Jones flashed potential last season.
However, the Jones trio and Myles Bryant all lack elite size, which is something the Patriots could look to add near the top of this draft.
Patriots May Also Consider Drafting: Linebacker, Running Back
Patriots NFL Draft Round 1 Mock 2023
- Round 1, Pick 14 Overall: Cody Mauch, OT, North Dakota State
As of April 13, our own Anthony Cervino is predicting the Patriots will pick this versatile offensive lineman from the FCS champion Bison. Read our full NFL Mock Draft.
Patriots NFL Draft Pick History
Patriots NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 1, Pick 29 (29th Overall): Cole Strange, G, Tennessee-Chattanooga
- Round 2, Pick 18 (50th Overall): Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
- Round 3, Pick 21 (85th Overall): Marcus Jones, CB, Houston
- Round 4, Pick 16 (121st Overall): Jack Jones, CB, Arizona State
- Round 4, Pick 22 (127th Overall): Pierre Strong, RB, South Dakota State
- Round 4, Pick 32 (137th Overall): Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky
- Round 6, Pick 4 (183rd Overall): Kevin Harris, RB, South Carolina
- Round 6, Pick 21 (200th Overall): Sam Roberts, DT, NW Missouri State
- Round 6, Pick 32 (210th Overall): Chasen Hines, C, LSU
- Round 7, Pick 24 (245th Overall): Andrew Stueber, OT, Michigan
