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

7th round – 202nd pick (acquired from the Vikings) 

Joshua Cephus - WR, UTSA

Joshua Cephus is one of the hidden gems on the UTSA Roadrunner team that won the Frisco Bowl in their inaugural season in the ACC. Cephus caught seven passes from Owen McCown (Josh’s son) for 102 yards and a touchdown. That was his 10th TD reception of the season. He’s 6 feet 3 inches tall and expected to run a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, although it wouldn’t be a surprise if he goes quicker than that. 

Undrafted Free Agents

If that wasn’t enough, the Texans signed eight undrafted free agents in 2023. The Patriots shouldn’t shy away from the free-agent market this time. They only signed four in 2023. But after their last season, the Patriots are definitely in a rebuilding phase.

There is so much talent in this draft class that players like UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee could be available after the 7th round has finished. He’s got a bit of Taysom Hill about him. He’s not going to truck linebackers like Hill can, but he is an exciting runner and throws a mean pass, too. He will be fun to watch in preseason.

Cephus’ fellow UTSA Roadrunner receiver De’Corian Clark is projected to go undrafted, too, and he's the new Nico Collins. And then there’s the small matter of a kicker: if any of the four best college prospects make it through the draft, they’d be worth picking up.

Or, failing that, one of the international player pathway prospects would be interesting. And cheap too, Darragh Leader would be interesting to see in preseason. 

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