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3 players the Patriots should avoid in round one of the draft

By Sara Marshall

Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) scores a touchdown against Southern California Trojans defensive back Max Williams (4) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Michael Mayer (87) scores a touchdown against Southern California Trojans defensive back Max Williams (4) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2022; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (91) reacts against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (91) reacts against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

Lukas Van Ness (EDGE) – Iowa

The Patriots defensive line is not an area of concern needing addressing in the early rounds of this year’s draft, which essentially eliminates Lukas Van Ness from consideration with pick 14.

His size and raw abilities make him an easy Belichick target, so much so that they had him in for a top-30 visit on Wednesday. Still, just like with Bijan Robinson and Michael Mayer, more prominent positions need massive improvement over the defensive line.

However, Van Ness would be an intriguing selection and would definitely add depth to the perimeter, which has been a consistently inconsistent aspect of the defense. He possesses the versatility to play inside and outside but has shown to succeed most when playing as a pass rusher.

Although these are all traits that the Patriots historically would love on their team, selecting Van Ness would be a toss-up and mean that they chose to pass on offensive tackles or cornerbacks, two far-needier positions.

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