The PATRIOTS Need to Draft THESE PLAYERS

Zak Drapeau
Apr 21
3 min read

ROUND 1 (Pick 4)

Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter (if they fall to 4)

If Hunter or Carter somehow fall to the Patriots at 4, they should run to the podium with the name. Adding one of these players to the defense will instantly make the group amongst the elite of the league.

Armand Membou - OT

I had Will Campbell here for a long time before I gave in to Membou being the better fit for the Patriots. I'd argue not as good of a player, Membou will be an NFL Tackle and could be the blind-side blocker for Drake Maye for a very long time.

Will Campbell - OG

Campbell is my #1 lineman in the draft but he carries too much of a risk not to be an NFL Tackle. He could pan out to be the run blocking RT the Patriots scheme will be needing with plus side pass blocking too. The Patriots won't go wrong with either lineman at 4 but it saddens me too say they should go for Membou's higher floor rather than Campbell's higher ceiling.

___________________________________

ROUND 2 (Pick 38)

Cam Skattebo - RB

The Patriots have gone on record saying they will draft a receiving back in this draft and no other RB could match that description and fit the Patriots scheme more than Skattebo. The most versatile RB in the class, Skattebo has slot upside and his gritty toughness is exactly what Vrabel and McDaniels want in New England.

Tyleik Williams - DT

The Patriots have upgraded every position on defense except for Nose Tackle and Tyleik Williams would be a steal at #38. Possibly being the best Run Defender at current time, Williams and his 328-pound frame would trio with Christian Barmore and Milton Williams for an incredibly talented core of D-Tackles I'd love to watch.

___________________________________

ROUND 3 (Picks 69 and 77)

Jalen Royals - WR

A speedy and talented receiver, Royals' skill as an "X" receiver is Top-50, but a late season injury and a lack of high-end competition have kept him lower on boards. Royals may take a year or two to assimilate to NFL defenses but he is a cheap draft pick with extremely high upside.

Alfred Collins - DT

Similar to Tyleik Williams, Collins' large mass and run defense will be invaluable in the NFL but Collins lack of pass rush will keep him from being on the field in 3rd down situations. Collins can still be a rotational Nose Tackle with great production against the run with a moderately high ceiling at the next level.

__________________________________

ROUND 4 (Pick 106)

J.J. Pegues - DT

Pegues is the last of the good Nose Tackles in the class and is here if they don't take any before the Fourth Round. Pegues is big and strong but lacks speed and pass rush. A dominant force on the line, Pegues has potential in the league even this far down the board.

Brashard Smith - RB

Another pick if none other are taken, Brashard Smith fits the receiving option the Patriots need in spades! Smith's frame will limit his role between the tackles but his playmaking ability with the ball in his hands could be very useful in the Patriots rotation.

Sai'vion Jones - Edge

Jones is a blistering edge rush with a lot of potential but also a low floor. His hand usage and speed are his trademark but a lack of production and bend make some scouts question whether he will ever make a true mark in the league. Still, his tools and upside could make him part of the rotation in New England for now.

__________________________________