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

TRADE! Patriots send Mac Jones to the Rams in exchange for the 153rd and 191st overall picks

Round 5 Pick No. 153: Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State

The Patriots found their next quarterback, so there's no need for Mac Jones anymore in their eyes. That's why they trade the former first rounder to the Rams for a fifth and sixth rounder in this year's draft. That allows them to take Theo Johnson out of Penn State, addressing another big need on the offense.

With no tight ends under contract for the 2024 season, maybe they should've addressed the position earlier than the fifth round. But Johnson would be a steal at this point after his stand-out performance at the Combine. He ranked in the top 3 in all but one of the events he participated in and was the fastest tight end of the day in the 20-yard shuttle.

If that wasn't impressive enough, especially for his size, Johnson also scored a nearly perfect RAS score (relative athletic score) and has the athleticism the Patriots would want in their eventual starting tight end.

He's a tremendous blocker but is also productive when given the opportunity. He recorded 34/45 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. On paper, he looks like a better pairing for Hunter Henry than with whom he's worked since arriving in New England, and hopefully, the veteran will re-sign and help mentor the rookie to become a viable weapon for the Patriots offense.

Round 6 Pick No. 182: Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington

Although the plan (of course) is for the Patriots to re-sign Mike Onwenu on a long-term contract, it's never a bad idea to add another tackle to the roster. That's why they pick Roger Rosengarten out of Washington in the sixth round.

The 6'6" 300 lbs. right tackle didn't allow a single sack during his two years starting. And to make that even better, Rosengarten only allowed five hits through those 28 games, proving to be an efficient pass blocker, which is exactly what the Patriots need.

He's quick for his size and far more athletic than anticipated and could be a great backup for Onwenu, assuming he stays, but also a solid starter when the time comes.

Round 7 Pick No. 229: Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA

With the final pick of the 2024 Draft, the Patriots go back to the defense and select linebacker Darius Muasau out of UCLA.

With Anfernee Jennings, Josh Uche, and Mack Wilson set to hit free agency, the team is in need of some new linebackers. Although Muasau may not be a starter out of the gate, he could take a year or two to learn from his teammates and become a good addition later on.

Muasau is the type of linebacker the Patriots would love: intelligent with good awareness and quickness off the line. He looks to have the right tools just in need of some polishing and what better year to join the Patriots than when a former linebacker is named the new head coach?

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