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Early 2023 NFL Draft needs for New England Patriots

By Lou Scataglia

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 26: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 26: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /
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It’s never too early to begin talking about the 2023 NFL Draft in April. What are some early positional needs for the Patriots?  It’s clear that New England has a few spots on their roster that could use a bit of love.  Bill Belichick may undertake yet another draft as the de facto General Manager.

What are some early positions of need for the New England Patriots as we slowly creep towards the NFL Draft in April?

Way too early 2023 draft needs for the Patriots

Wide receiver

This is an obvious one.  The Patriots have a ton of good wide receivers, but that’s the problem.  DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, and Tyquan Thornton are fine, but none of them have shown yet to provide the high-end, difference making talent that many receivers around the NFL provide.

Trying to get their own version of a Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson would greatly help the team and whoever the quarterback is for the future.  Also, re-signing Jakobi Meyers would be a huge help for the receiver room as well.

Quarterback

Sorry, I think quarterback is a need until Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe can prove otherwise.  The Patriots are picking in the middle of the first round, so unless they lose a ton of games after their bye week, they likely won’t have a high enough draft pick to draft a top quarterback.

The team is likely going to stick with Mac Jones entering into year three but I would not be surprise if they do their due diligence on the incoming QB class.

Cornerback

Jalen Mills, Jack Jones and Jonathan Jones form a nice trio of cornerbacks for the Patriots, but again, like receiver, they lack a high-end shut down talent for the position.  With the NFL evolving into a pass happy league, teams are beginning to invest more and more into their secondary.

The Denver Broncos recently drafted Patrick Surtain II.  The Jets drafted Sauce Gardner, Texans took Derek Stingley, etc.  It’s clear that teams are needing to invest either high draft picks or money in free agency for this unit.

Offensive line

The Patriots’ offensive line is largely OK, but it could be better,  Isaiah Wynn is a free agent at the end of the season and likely won’t be retained.  Trent Brown is up and down, and I think overall, New England needs to add more bodies to this unit.

Perhaps not their first round pick, but maybe some mid-round swings on a couple players.  Depending on who the legitimate QB of the future will be for the Patriots, surrounding them with a talented offensive line is one of the most important things they can do.

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