The Patriots top-five most likely first round draft choices in 2023

With the NFL draft less than two weeks away, who the Patriots may decide to draft in the first round is becoming the most discussed topic recently.

Because they have a prime position with pick 14, they have several good options to choose from that would immediately fill major needs on the team.

But who are they most likely to go with?

We know they have reportedly narrowed their search down to cornerback, offensive tackle, or wide receiver, the three biggest needs on the team. And these are just five potential prospects they may choose come draft night.

Zay Flowers – WR – Boston College

I mean, this one is obvious, right?

The Boston College receiver landing with the team that represents the state of Massachusetts would be too much of a fitting ending, but it seems far more probable as the weeks go on.

Addressing the glaring need for more talent on the offense and within the wide receiver corps, the Patriots taking Zay Flowers in the first round would be an immediate start to that process.

Because he is primarily a slot receiver, he may not seem like the best fit after seeing the free agent departures and signings. Still, he’s a movable weapon that has already thrived working with Bill O’Brien during the Shrine Bowl earlier this year. He even spent an entire day in Foxboro during a top-30 visit last month, learning the New England offense directly from the offensive coordinator.

Phill Perry of NBC Sports Boston broke down what Flowers would bring to the offense if drafted, detailing the versatility of his game as one of his best attributes.

"“For Bill O’Brien, who we know has the ability to free up slot receivers in the Patriots offense, Flowers would be a dynamic do-it-all type. Short-to-intermediate routes … end-arounds … screens … But there’s more to his game than that. Flowers doesn’t look like a classic down-the-field threat (5-foot-9, 182 pounds), but he can test corners and safeties deep with the juice he possesses.”"

Adding Flowers into the mix would add more speed to the current wide receiver room and a great separator, which has been an issue for Patriots receivers over the years. He may not be the biggest, flashiest, or “the guy” some fans are hoping for, but Flowers would undoubtedly become a prominent fixture within the offense in no time.