Until free agency concludes, the Patriots’ top draft needs will be unknown.
Offensive tackle, wide receiver and cornerback are likely to stay at the top of that list, but signing two players at or near their prime at any of those positions will knock it down a few pegs. That said, however the Patriots spend in free agency, they cannot address every roster hole in the short and long-term. Then comes the NFL Draft.
With the scouting combine in the rearview, and the best Patriots fits in this year’s class coming into focus, here is the Herald’s first seven-round Patriots mock draft.
*projected compensatory pick.
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 311
If Jones, or Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski, a projected top-10 pick, is available, the Pats should sprint to the podium. They have one starting-caliber offensive tackle on the roster and none under contract after next season. Jones has the potential to replace Trent Brown in 2023 and start on the Patriots’ blind side for the next decade.
The redshirt sophomore possesses rare athleticism and power and plays with a mean streak. According to Pro Football Focus, he didn’t allow a sack last season. The tools, mental approach and experience against elite collegiate rushers are all there. With some refinement, he’ll be a Pro Bowler in no time.
Ht/Wt: 6-6, 253
The last time the Patriots rolled the dice on an injury-prone, athletic freak of a tight end he blossomed into a future Hall of Famer. Is Luke Musgrave the next Gronk? Of course not.
But, as far as the potential he packs as a two-way tight end at the next level, Musgrave is unmatched. He turned heads at the Senior Bowl. He’s a threat down the seam, after the catch and as a run-blocker. The Patriots could use him as their No. 2 tight end this season and No. 1 option moving forward.
Ht/Wt: 5-11, 183
One of the fastest players in this year’s draft, Mims clocked an elite 6.9-second time in the 3-cone drill, once a prerequisite for Pats receiver prospects. Mims’ speed, quickness and ball skills make him a threat at all three levels, and his run-after-catch ability would give the Patriots’ offense fresh dynamism.
Last season, Mims caught 54 passes for 1,083 yards and six touchdowns.
Ht/Wt: 6-2, 198
Bush would bring needed size at cornerback, where even if the Pats re-sign Jonathan Jones, they have one player standing taller than six-foot. Bush would also fits the prototype, as a physical corner with above-average ball skills. He entered college as a receiver, but transitioned quickly to become a multi-year starter for the Gamecocks who had two interceptions, seven pass deflections and a forced fumble last year.
Ht/Wt: 6-6, 321
A former defensive tackle at Vanderbilt, Steen steeled himself into a pro-ready pass protector for Alabama. He’s athletic, tough and plays with above-average awareness for picking up stunts. Steen also recovers well when he loses reps at the start.
If the Patriots want to add a new swing tackle in the middle rounds, Steen could be their guy.
NFL Notes: Assessing under-the-radar decisions that loom for Patriots
Ht/Wt: 5-11, 178
A third-team All-American, Blackmon comes from a man-heavy defense at USC, where he intercepted three passes and broke up nine others last year. He's a little light but plenty physical and aggressive. Blackmon also has experience playing inside the slot and fights at the catch point as well as most corners in this class.
Ht/Wt: 6-0, 190
Veteran Nick Folk is in the last year of his contract, and the Patriots sent both special teams coaches to the combine. Think they're leaving this draft without a specialist? Think again.
Ryland has one of the strongest legs in this class and hit a field goal from 50-plus in every season of his five-year career. Over the past two seasons -- split between Eastern Michigan and Maryland -- he went 17-of-22 from beyond 40 yards and made better than 84% of his kicks overall.
Ht/Wt: 6-4, 303
New offensive line coach Adrian Klemm makes the call midway through sixth round to bring in one of his former Ducks. Forsyth is a hybrid center/guard with sharp technique. He took too many penalties last year, but should settle in nicely with his former coach and steady veteran ahead of him in David Andrews.
Ht/Wt: 6-2, 233
The Patriots supposedly raved about Moore after their experience coaching him at the Shrine Bowl. He's a three-time captain and throwback at the position, flying downhill as a top run-stuffer with limited range. Moore makes up for his lack of measurables with elite instincts and play recognition. He's also one of the strongest linebackers in this year's class, as shown by his 26 bench press reps of 225 pounds at the combine.
Ht/Wt: 6-2, 220
Graham profiles as a hybrid safety/linebacker in the pros, where the Patriots would surely make him a core special-teamer. He's a high-energy player who punishes ball carriers and tackles well. Graham also plays with good instincts. As a fearless player who could impact two phases, Graham looks like an ideal late-round flier for the Patriots.
Ht/Wt: 6-1, 187
With Jake Bailey's future uncertain in New England, the Pats need a punter. Few punters in this year's class have more experience or better touch than Korsak, who started for five seasons. He averaged 44 yards per punt last season with a net of 43.6. Korsak also landed 44% of his career punts inside opponents' 20-yard line, per NFL.com.