Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: First-round trade-down makes for impressive haul
Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: No quarterback? No problem
Patriots select Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas, with the 23rd overall pick
After a successful first pick to boost the offense, the Patriots do it again with the 23rd overall selection by taking one of the most hyped receivers since the NFL Combine, Texas' Adonai Mitchell.
Because they chose to release DeVante Parker earlier this offseason, who was their primary outside receiver, and the questionable fit of JuJu Smith-Schuster, adding a receiver who can line up outside every game will likely be a priority. Mitchell would immediately fill that void.
The Texas alum is quick on his feet, which is impressive for his size at 6'4", and consistently demonstrates an ease to change direction when being hunted by defenders. One of the best parts about Mitchell's game is his proven ability to get into the end zone, recording 18 touchdowns over the last three seasons.
He could easily be the WR1 the Patriots have been looking for.
Patriots select Jordan Morgan, LT, Arizona, with pick No. 34
The offense as a whole will surely be the focus of this year's draft, and the Patriots are fortunate that some of their most prominent needs are to have deep classes this year, with the offensive line being one of them.
This allows them to wait until their early second-rounder to take their next starting left tackle, as they select Jordan Morgan out of Arizona with the 34th pick.
Because there was a clear priority to re-sign their most integral pending free agents, locking up Mike Onwenu for three more years means Mayo and Co. will only need to replace the departing Trent Brown and not both tackles.
Morgan provides that stability that has been problematic over the last few seasons. At 6'6", 320 pounds, he's not nearly as big or basically unmovable the way Brown has been. However, he's athletic and is proven to be a solid defender of his quarterback, allowing just three sacks over the last two seasons.