New England Patriots mid-season 2018 NFL Mock Draft

The New England Patriots added another 2018 NFL draft pick in the Jimmy Garoppolo trade with the 49ers this week and now they could be looking for the QB of the future.

The New England Patriots have clear needs on defense, and now they may have some holes to fill on offense as well before next season. The pass rush has not improved in 2017, and New England will want to address it. Trey Flowers has been solid, and Deatrich Wise Jr. will continue to improve, but the team still needs more. Of course, Derek Rivers will be back next season as well though. Still, I think the Patriots will look for a boost on the edge.

The pass rush has not improved in 2017, and New England will want to address it. Trey Flowers has been solid, and Deatrich Wise Jr. will continue to improve, but the team still needs more. Of course, Derek Rivers will be back next season as well though. Still, I think the Patriots will look for a boost on the edge.

Beyond that, the Patriots will likely need to add a linebacker and a cornerback. Dont’a Hightower should be back next season, but he clearly struggles to stay on the field. New England could look to draft a middle linebacker to one-day takeover there. The corner will be less of a need as I expect New England to franchise tag Malcolm Butler in the offseason, but after next year I think he’s gone. Another team will simply pay him more money.If a cornerback is drafted in 2018 he’ll have some chance to develop before possibly stepping up as a starter.

For this early mock draft, I did not factor in any new trades. I also am projecting the Patriots picks to come somewhere between 27-32 in each round of the NFL Draft. The only exception is the 2nd round pick from the 49ers that New England received in the Jimmy Garoppolo trade. That pick should be between 33-36 overall. Now, let’s get to it with New England 1st round draft pick in 2018.