Patriots bulk up their stale offense in epic post-Combine 7-round mock draft

TRADE! The Patriots send the 34th and 191st overall, plus a 2025 third-rounder to the Cardinals for Arizona's 27th overall pick

Round 1 Pick No. 27: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

This would be the most perfect scenario on draft night.

Not only do the Patriots get their next quarterback, but they then pair him up with his college teammate and incredible receiver Brian Thomas Jr. by trading back into the first to reunite the duo in the NFL. How perfect would that be?

Thomas Jr. has been one of the hot names in the incoming rookie receiver class, but his stock rose tremendously due to his performance at the Combine. Because of that, he seems like a first-round lock, and even at pick No. 27, he may not be there come draft day. Luckily, in this instance, he was.

His 2023 season at Washington was his best, recording 68/87 receptions for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns. Because transitioning to the NFL from college isn't always smooth, pairing Thomas Jr. with his LSU quarterback would be an easy way to almost guarantee continued production between the two with the built-in chemistry they developed over the last two years.

Round 3 Pick No. 68: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

Sticking with the most significant needs on the team, the Patriots take their next left tackle in the third round by selecting Houston's Patrick Paul.

The 6'7" 331 lbs. lineman is exactly what this offense needs, especially with Trent Brown likely playing elsewhere next season. Although it would be great to keep him because when he's on, he's on. But it was clear he wasn't happy during his recent stint in New England.

That creates a big opportunity for Paul to be a day-one starter, and his college stats point to a great protector for Daniels next year. Through 39 games, Paul allowed just five sacks and seven hits, demonstrating his elite pass-blocking skills each and every week. His run blocking could use some work, but he's solid enough that some great coaching could be just what he needs.

Selecting a tackle like Paul to hopefully join Mike Onwenu on the line ensures the presumed QB1 (Daniels) will be set up for success immediately. He will have excellent protection to put the offense in a winning situation, and Paul would be a tremendous asset in ensuring that happens.