Patriots best case scenario 7-Round mock draft

Sixth round, 193rd pick (from Jacksonville) – QB Austin Reed 

Quarterback Reed is a Western Kentucky product like Bailey Zappe, but the similarities end there. Reed has a really strong arm and the control to throw touch passes.  

He can also run; he scored 12 rushing touchdowns in college. Last year, he even kicked a punt that went 37 yards. It’s impressive that he attempted it; Reed obviously doesn’t lack confidence. But 37 yards is a pretty terrible punt. Bryce Baringer has nothing to worry about. 

Reed is widely regarded as a developmental prospect with the potential to become a reliable backup. His arm strength suggests he’d be one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league. He does try to do too much occasionally, and that unwavering confidence leads him to try to make impossible throws.

But any coach would rather have a quarterback who occasionally needs calming down rather than one they need to hype up. Reed could end up as an undrafted free agent. But he’s definitely worth taking a gamble on. 

Seventh round, 231st pick (from Chicago) – K Joshua Karty 

Statistically, the Patriots had the worst kicker in the league last year. They need to sign at least one this year to provide Chad Ryland with some competition during preseason.  

Karty kicked 72 of 73 extra points in three years at Stanford and ended his college career with an 85% field goal success rate after kicking 51 of 60. As a senior, Karty kicked 11 of 14 attempts from 40 yards or further out. 

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