New England Patriots 5-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Mac Jones gets replaced

In the second round, the Patriots go with an offensive tackle to likely replace Trent Brown. Prior to this year's trade deadline, Brown's name came up several times as a possible candidate to be dealt. After hearing all of those reports, there's a much better likelihood that Barton finds a job elsewhere than coming back to the Patriots.

That's why it's Duke's Graham Barton here in the second round. Barton is one of the better offensive tackle prospects in next year's class. Actually, he is one of the better all-around offensive linemen in this class. At 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Barton moves extremely well for his size. He is agile and can get out in space quickly.

Because of his athletic traits, many project him as an interior lineman as opposed to a tackle. But, his build screams 'tackle' at the pro level. Positional versatility could be in his future, as he's played center in the past.

Barton is a mauler, too. No matter where he ends up playing, he's going to finish blocks. He plays with an edge and tenacity that his future starting quarterback will love playing behind. As a borderline first-round prospect, the Patriots get a good value here.