Mock Madness: Patriots with trades shock the NFL with an electric 7-round mock draft
Patriots add a top offensive tackle and wide receiver to the mix in the next two rounds
The Patriots essentially need everything on offense. With the possible exception of guard and maybe a center. Maybe. But after the quarterback, their most important need is offensive tackle. Both of their starting 2023 OTs are free agents at the moment. Trent Brown is likely on the way out. Mike Onwenu a guard/tackle may be re-signed. In any event, this team needs OTs and it needs several this offseason.
Last offseason, Bill Belichick needed offensive tackles. He drafted none in his 12 picks. It contributed to his "losing his situation" in 2024. Hopefully, Wolf won't make that same mistake. This team needs to draft at least two OTs and maybe also add one in free agency with the status of Brown and Onwenu up in the air. The cupboard is bare. Major additions are needed. If Wolf fails to address it in substance, he'll be ushered out the door as Belichick was.
On the board with the 34th pick, he decides to trade down with the Los Angeles Chargers and send the Patriots' 34th pick and 229th pick in the seventh round to the Chargers for their 37th pick and their 106th pick in the fourth round. Trade down 3 picks in the second round and pick up an additional fourth-rounder, a nice premium? That's a solid move by Wolf. You do that all day long.
After a trade, the Patriots select OT Kingsley Suamataia
At pick No. 37, the Pats land a top offensive tackle, the team's second most important need on offense or anywhere else for that matter. Wolf sends up the pick and drafts big BYU offensive left tackle, Kingsley Suamataia.
draftdive.com has this to say about the 6'4" tall and 329 pounder Suamataia,
"In summary, Kingsley Suamataia presents a promising package of elite athleticism and potential as an offensive tackle in the NFL. While his pass protection skills are advanced, his capabilities in the run game require refinement. With proper coaching and development, Suamataia has the potential to evolve into a standout offensive lineman at the professional level, particularly in schemes that prioritize pass-first strategies. His draft stock remains high due to his physical tools and versatility, making him a desirable prospect for teams seeking a dynamic presence on the offensive line."
Suamataia will be projected as the Pats' left tackle unless a better option arises in free agency. His pass protection skills are just what the doctor ordered to play on an island in protection for Jayden Daniels. Even if he starts on the right, expect him to progress and maybe take over the left side eventually.
Wolf has now checked box No. Two and added a big, young tackle (Suamataia is only 21 years old) to the Patriots O-line. It's a big hole that's been filled by a big tackle, and Wolf has done so after picking up another fourth-rounder in the process. This draft is shaping up nicely, very nicely, indeed.