Patriots 7-round mock draft: Several trades get team back on track

3rd round – 68th pick 

Curtis Jacobs - OLB, Penn State

Curtis Jacobs would fill a big need for the Patriots as four linebackers head to free agency. As a freshman at Penn State, Jacobs was taken under the wing of one Micah Parsons, and they’ve remained friends ever since. And Jacobs shares Parsons' motor.

He seems to be everywhere on the field. And he figures to improve on his already impressive 4.55 second 40-yard time. While the Patriots didn't lack power and strength in 2023, there was a lack of speed after Christian Gonzalez suffered a torn labrum.

Jacobs is primarily an outside linebacker, but he can blitz and split blockers too.

3rd round – 73rd pick (acquired from the Lions) 

Jonah Elliss - EDGE, Utah

Jonah Elliss, the edge rusher from Utah, is the son of former Lions defensive tackle Luther Elliss. He has three older brothers who all play in the NFL. One of his brothers, Christian, ended the 2023 season as a Patriot. But that’s not the reason to draft him. The reason to draft him is that he’s one of the most explosive players in the draft class.

He’s only 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs just 246 lbs. But he regularly moves offensive linemen out of his way. He’s also got a natty spin move that he uses when blockers have set themselves to deal with his power.