Patriots 2023 NFL Draft Grade
With an epic three days and many fans thinking that this team is last in the AFC East, the Patriots fans were less optimistic than usual. Mostly. Cole Strange put the kibosh on that.
Thankfully, Christian Gonzalez of Oregon was a steal. Personally he was not on my mock draft specifically because I saw him gone in the top ten. I thought it was Atlanta or Pittsburgh. But he fell and is going to be a Pat. Much needed with Rodgers, Allen, and Tua to play against twice a year.
The Lions in the second round traded up to snag what I believe is Brian Branch away from the Patriots. I truly believe that. Belichick will never admit it but I saw it coming.
Now for the interesting parts. The bread and butter that is in the hands of this team's staff.
Keion White did not look happy when selected. He says he's not an emotional person when most people seem to think he was absolutely turned off by where he was heading. Myself included. Plus apparently didn't sit down with them. Let's just hope that it is because is 1 of 4 that gor invited to Kansas City that didn't get called that night.
But a 24 years old, 6’5”, and 286 pounds with 34 inch arms, he is a certified tank to try out for Edge rusher. Can't knock it.
Marte Mapu is listed at Linebacker. But there is talk floating around saying he can potentially play Safety. At 6’3” 216 pounds I think he's too small for Linebacker. But if he's that guy that Belichick is taking a flier on, he did have 6 INT's and 20 passes defended at his last year ar Sacramento State. Bill could be onto something here.
The O-Line and special teams…
Bill Belichick outside if Cole Strange (at the moment at least) knows how to pick two positions. O-Line, and Running Backs. Bill sees potential and he's getting them for depth. Especially after signing some older offensive linemen this off-season. Later rounds I typically give him benefit of the doubt first. And special teams has not been an issue mostly in the Patriots Belichick era. Same story goes.
However, let's review the flyer Recievers and Defensive Backs.
Kayshon Boutte - WR - LSU
LSU is a great school. The talent that comes from there is endless. He's 6’0” even. Not a problem. The problem in my research is some places have him listed at 190 pounds. Others at 205. Yeah. Don't like that. Regardless, he's an NFL player now. Size can be determined later. I like this pick.
Demario Douglas. Well, so many were scared about short wide recievers ending up in a Patriot uniform. But 210th overall you can't complain. A 4.44 40-yard dash time, 39.5 inch vertical, and 11’2” broad jump too. One thing not talked about is “The Cole Beasley Type”. The small guy that is a nightmare in space. This is a solid player for a depth piece.
Then we have two DBs.
Ameer Speed from Michigan State. A sixth year… Was at Georgia and transferred last January to Michigan State for his last year. Can't make heads are tails here.
Isiah Bolden of Jackson State University (JSU) the only player selected that played for Coach Prime. And yes, Deion Sanders thinks there are at least two more that were draft worthy. This is where it’s interesting.
He is the leader in yards per return attempt with 36.9. Which leads the FBS and FCS. Now the last draft pick used on a great return man? Worth it. Especially since it will prevent injuries. Better for everyone.
Grade wise…
Hmmm. B+ To be precise, 88 on a test.
If Brian Branch was picked before the Lions i’d say A- (90-92/100).
I think this is fair. Needs captured, talent is there, and there is in my opinion a higher floor than other teams. B+ draft is respectable on any account. Go Patriots.