Way-too-early seven-round Patriots mock draft – no trades

ROUND 3

The offensive tackle class this year is as deep as it can be in quite some time, allowing the Patriots to still get a top name in round three (at least for now).

Dawand Jones is a massive man at 6-foot-8 and 375 pounds, but surprisingly has the speed of a smaller player. He impressed at the Senior Bowl last week and dominated opposing edge rushers throughout the game.

Considering how weak the offensive line was during the 2022 season, Jones would be an instant starter on day one and massively boost the protection for Mac Jones. He has experience playing both left and right tackle and has proven to be bullish no matter where he lines up.

Jones’ awareness and quick reactions have made him nearly impossible to get through, as he only allowed three sacks and one quarterback hit in 1,564 snaps during his three years at Ohio State.

The Patriots’ defense has been the leading side of the football through the last few seasons, with 2022 seeing the breakouts of Josh Uche and Deatrich Wise. With Matthew Judon leading the way and consistently sitting atop the quarterback-sacking ladder on the team, it would be an excellent choice for Belichick to add another force to be reckoned with that instills fear in quarterbacks by selecting K.J. Henry out of Clemson.

Choosing to attend Clemson in 2018 as a five-star recruit, Henry quickly solidified himself as a leader of the Tigers. He was voted as a permanent team captain by his teammates in 2022 after accomplishing his best season to date, totaling 50 pressures, including 31 QB hurries, 14 QB hits, and five sacks.

His aggressive style and quickness would be great assets for the already talented defense and could be a huge help in stopping the run, a weak spot defensively over the last few seasons.

ROUND 4

In an attempt to fill the gaps that plagued the offensive line last year, the Patriots should draft a center at some point, especially Joe Tippmann, with pick 117.

He is the third-ranked player at his position in this year’s class, according to PFF, with notable strength and athleticism not often found in an offensive lineman. In addition, he is consistent in pass protection with fluid movement and good instincts, much of which Patriots’ linemen were lacking last season, only allowing four QB hurries, four QB hits, and one sack in his 24 games (1,445 snaps) the last two seasons.

With the injuries David Andrews dealt with last year, the line suffered in his absence without a reliable center to bridge the gap. Tippmann could be a great choice to serve as a backup to start and potentially earn the starting role, depending on what happens with Andrews in the future.

The Patriots aren’t necessarily in the market for a linebacker, but Owen Pappoe from Auburn being available at 135 would be a steal. NFL draft expert Mel Kiper lists Pappoe at number eight at the position heading into the draft, joining an elite list of talented linebackers class this year.

His intelligence and ease at reading opposing offensive lines have stood out the most to scouts who have watched him play, along with his innate instincts and leadership skills, which have played a considerable part in his successful career thus far.

Although to some, he is considered undersized for the position, he fits the mold of the direction the NFL is going with linebackers and would be an asset for the Patriots as they remain dedicated to keeping up with the changes in football.

His final season at Auburn was his most productive and impressive on the line and in coverage, totaling 75 tackles, three pass breakups, one interception, eight total pressures, two QB hurries, four QB hits, and two sacks in 12 games.