Patriots mock draft roundup – the latest from the experts

With the draft finally less than two weeks away, NFL analysts and reporters are continuing to make their best guess at which players will go to which teams come round one on April 27th.

Because the Patriots have a variety of needs to be improved, the mock drafts that have been published in recent weeks certainly reflect that.

Now that the draft is quickly approaching, let’s take a look at the latest picks the ‘experts’ have going to New England in round one.

–Mel Kiper of ESPN 

"“If the Patriots don’t trade down to acquire more capital, I see corner or wideout as the position to target here. On offense, new coordinator Bill O’Brien has to get quarterback Mac Jones turned around after a disastrous 2022. The additions of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki in free agency will help, but there’s room for another really good outside wideout. Cornerback, though, is a position of strength in this class, and Gonzalez has a chance to go in the top 10. The 6-foot-1 defender picked off four passes for the Ducks last season.”"

–Todd McShay of ESPN

"“To get it done, I think the Buccaneers would have to surrender the No. 19 selection, a third-rounder (No. 82) and one of their two fifth-rounders (No. 153).… Trent Brown turns 30 this offseason, Isaiah Wynn is still unsigned, and Riley Reiff isn’t a long-term fix at right tackle. And when your quarterback turns in a league-low 4.1 QBR when pressured, you’d think getting him some more protection would be a priority.So landing Wright at No. 19 after the trade-back works on a lot of levels. Wright allowed just one sack last season, thanks in part to his great balance and 6-foot-5, 333-pound frame. He’d also help spring running back Rhamondre Stevenson as one of the best run-blockers in the class. I considered Boston College receiver Zay Flowers, but while pass-catcher is a need, right tackle is a bigger one.”"

–Lance Zierlein of NFL Network

"“There’s reportedly tension between Bill Belichick and Mac Jones. In this scenario, the Patriots look to deal Jones for a draft pick and choose to develop the dynamic but raw Richardson.”"

–Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports

"“Bill Belichick adores him some athletic, press-man corners and that’s precisely what Banks is.”"

–NFL Scouting Department of Bleacher Report

"“The roster features multiple undersized corners who will play significant roles this season. The Patriots can beef up their ranks from both a size and talent perspective by adding Penn State product Joey Porter Jr.“At 6’2½” and 193 pounds with 34-inch arms, Porter is a long, physical corner who does his best work when he gets his hands on receivers to keep them from freely working down the field. He also displays very good ball skills and timing when in tight coverage.As an NFL legacy prospect, he should be able to adjust fairly quickly to the professional game.Porter has the potential to grow into a Stephon Gilmore-like presence in the Patriots secondary.”"

–Cam Mellor of Pro Football Network

"“A shifty route runner with tremendous after-the-catch ability, Jordan Addison factors immediately into a heavy-target rotation with the New England Patriots. Finding ways to get him the football won’t be difficult, as he can separate with ease against any kind of coverage defender.”"

–Charles Davis of NFL.com

"“Smooth, easy mover who flows effortlessly alongside receivers. Gonzalez helps shore up the back end of the Patriots’ defense.”"

–David Helman and Carmen Vitali of Fox Sports

"“It feels like the Pats have needed skill players for years, but it hasn’t helped that their offensive line has been a hodgepodge since Tom Brady left. As much as Mac Jones might need receivers, an athletic superfreak who can protect him and open up lanes in the running game wouldn’t hurt.”"