The New England Patriots have been occupied coaching the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl as they turn the page to get ready for the 2023 NFL Draft. After missing out on the playoffs for the second time in three years, there are high expectations for the 2023 draft for Patriots fans. New England is set to have the 14th pick in the draft. I have compiled a list of all NFL expert’s mock drafts, as you will see below. Before we get to the picks, let’s look at the 2023 draft order. (remaining picks determined by postseason outcomes.)
1. Chicago Bears
2. Houston Texans
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos)
6. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)
7. Las Vegas Raiders
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints)
11. Tennessee Titans
12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns)
13. New York Jets
14. New England Patriots
15. Green Bay Packers
16. Washington Commanders
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
18. Detroit Lions
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20. Seattle Seahawks
21. Los Angeles Chargers
22. Baltimore Ravens
23. Minnesota Vikings
24. Jacksonville Jaguars
25. New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys
Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals
Denver Broncos (via San Francisco 49ers through the Miami Dolphins)
Let’s dive in to see what experts are saying.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Date: 1/25 Pick: Devin Witherspoon, CB, Illinois Analysis: “Will the Patriots bring back free agent corner Jonathan Jones? That could determine what Bill Belichick & Co. do here, because this is a strong cornerback class in the back half of Round 1. There could be a run on defensive backs in the 20s. Witherspoon is my top-ranked corner, a long and physical player who shut down an entire side of the field for the Fighting Illini. He also is not afraid to stick his head in and make a tackle. Outside of corner, New England could target offensive line or wide receiver with this pick to try to support quarterback Mac Jones, who struggled in Year 2.”
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Media
Date: 1/23 Pick: Paris Johnson, OT, Ohio State
Analysis: “Johnson has ideal size, length and quickness for the position. In the pass game, he possesses quick feet out of his stance, and when he lands his punch, he can steer and control. He isn’t a natural knee-bender and plays too high at times. When that happens, he struggles versus power rushers and gets walked back to the quarterback. He also has been susceptible to inside counter moves, but has enough athleticism to quickly recover and redirect. He is very aware versus twists and stunts. In the run game, he has strong hands to latch on and runs his feet on contact to create movement. He flashes a nasty streak to finish to the ground. Overall, Johnson needs to play with better leverage in pass pro, but he has the ideal frame and temperament to eventually develop into a solid left tackle.”
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Date: 1/23 Pick: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame Analysis: “The Patriots could elect to go back to the future by drafting a tight end who allows them to utilize more jumbo packages.”
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports
Date: 1/28 Pick: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Analysis: “Peter Skoronski is solid and consistent, which are two of the best things you can say about an offensive lineman. The biggest issue he’ll face during the pre-draft process will be arm length and whether his NFL future is at tackle or guard.”
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Date: 1/30 Pick: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Analysis: “Yes, Bill Belichick dipping back into Round 1 wide receiver waters with the imposing, long-striding Johnston, who’ll instantly be a threatening deep threat in the NFL.”
James Fragoza, Pro Football Network
Date: 1/30 Pick: Devin Witherspoon, CB, Illinois Analysis: “Devon Witherspoon checks every box Bill Belichick has for a cornerback. He’s experienced and proficient in press, versatile, and oozes confidence. With impressive instincts and ball skills to boot, Witherspoon could — and should — be the first CB off the board.”
Mike Renner and Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus Date: 1/28
Pick: Kelee Ringo, CB, Gerorgia Analysis: “Bill Belichick will be chomping at the bit to get a talent like Ringo in his defense with what the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder is capable of physically. For his career, Ringo has allowed only 38 catches on 86 targets (44.2%) for 559 yards. He’s a press-man cornerback who can be a matchup weapon in Belichick’s defense.”
Damian Parson, Draft Network
Date: 2/1 Pick: Devin Witherspoon, CB, Illinois Analysis: “If the New England Patriots are going to get back into contention in the AFC East, improved cornerback play to combat the talent at wide receiver in the division is a must. Witherspoon is an ultra-competitive corner with man coverage ability, ball skills, and physicality.”
Keith Sanchez, Draft Network
Date: 1/25 Pick: Jordan Addison WR, USC
Analysis: “There was a lot that wasn’t right for the Patriots’ offense in 2022, and it began with their choice of OC. It spilled to the weapons around Mac Jones. Jordan Addison would be a nice addition to this passing attack. Addison is a talented route-runner and run-after-catch threat. He could be the No. 1 option for Jones in 2023 and beyond.”
Jaime Eisner, Draft Network
Date: 1/18 Pick: Derick Hall, Edge, Auburn
Analysis: “As long as Bill Belichick is the head coach of the Patriots, New England is going to be able to play sound defense. As of now, the Patriots have one of the league’s best edge rushers in Matthew Judon, but he needs a running mate. Derick Hall fits the Patriots’ mold, as he is physical against the run and is a versatile player. This gives the Patriots a dynamic one-two punch and allows Josh Uche to be a designated pass rusher.”
Phill Perry, NBC Sports Boston
Date: 1/20
Pick: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Analysis: “The Patriots have a few clear needs headed into this offseason. None are clearer than the spot they tried to man with spare parts all season: seemingly tackle. While Trent Brown was a staple on the left side — if inconsistent with his performance — the right side was a revolving door: Isaiah Wynn, Marcus Cannon, Yodny Cajuste, Conor McDermott. They need someone there. In this scenario … it might be Brown, who has played plenty of right tackle in the past. The reason? Skoronski looks like he has the chops to pass-protect effectively from Day 1 on the left side.”
Luke Easterling, DraftWire.com
Date: 1/18
Pick: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Analysis: “Offensive tackle is easily just as high on the needs list as wide receiver for the Pats. Jones is the last tackle on the board who should be a first-round lock.”
Cam Garrity, Patriots Wire
Date: 1/27
Pick: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Analysis: “The Patriots need tackle help bad, and at No. 14 overall, the two top tackles are already taken. Jones is a mauler and bully in the run game and should fit nicely in New England. There is still some rawness to his pass protection, but with good offensive line coaching, he could become a franchise tackle in no time.”
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
