Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: Mega offensive-heavy draft to close gap in AFC East

Patriots select Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State, with 137th pick

In the fifth round, with their own pick at 137, Wolf adds to his veteran tight end room and selects Cade Stover, a pass-catching tight end from Ohio State. The Buckeye ran a solid 4.65 forty at the combine, measuring 6'4" tall and 245 pounds. nfl.com has this to say about Stover,

"Catch first, block second tight end whose jump in play as a receiving threat is going to be hard to ignore. Stover is a tight end conversion from the defensive side of the ball. He’s a little clunky getting off the line but really picks up the pace as the route unfolds. He starred as a high school hooper and that same athleticism can be found in his route running, high-point timing and run after catch. Stover possesses the tools to move in a positive direction as a run blocker but needs to upgrade his grit at the point of attack and effort as a move blocker. He’s an upside prospect with the potential to play in-line or flexed out and should become a productive starter within a couple of years."

Patriots select Christian Jones, T, Texas, with 146th pick

With their second fifth-rounder acquired from Tennessee, Wolf further bolsters the needy offensive tackle position and selects Christian Jones, a tackle from Texas. nfldraftbuzz.com notes this about the 6'5" tall and 301-pound right tackle,

"In 2023 as a fifth year senior Jones saw action in 12 games and played a total of 834 snaps for the Longhorns. He allowed 8 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and no sacks while playing at right tackle."

That's additional developmental depth at right tackle and a possible replacement for Mike Onwenu, if he moves back inside to guard at some point. He's another young piece of the puzzle for the offensive tackle position, which needed a total overhaul this offseason.