Patriots 2023 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Needs and a little bit of greed

New England Patriots cover lots of needs on day three

Having had an A+++ first two days of the draft, the team on day three has eight picks to fill needs all over the team, and they do so.

The New England Patriots fourth pick is in the fourth round. They go for a wide receiver here.

The Patriots fanbase certainly would like a top-rated wide receiver in this draft but the feeling here is that building from the line out is critically important first. Now, the team moves to add to the receiver room with Reed.

Here’s what si.com has to say about Reed,

"Reed was an All-American punt returner and All-Big Ten receiver in 2021, but saw his production drop in 2022 due to multiple factors, including playing through a lower body injury from training camp all the way through the season. However, Reed is back to full health now, and has been arguably the most impressive wide receiver at the Senior Bowl this week."

At 6’0″ and 185 pounds Reed has good size. In 2022 he caught 55 for 635 yards and five touchdowns. Reed ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the combine so he has the speed to get the job done as his Senior Bowl showing demonstrated.

Austin has excellent size for a corner at 6’1 and 195 pounds. The team needs depth at corner, and Austin could add it. Nfl.com has this to say about Austin,

"Austin’s size, length and football IQ work in his favor, but there is a lack of consistency with his man coverage that could limit the way NFL teams use him. He’s decent at mirroring the release from press but struggles to stay in-phase with quality route runners. He plays with below-average top-end speed and recovery burst in man coverage, but his instincts and awareness take him where he needs to go from off-man and zone coverage. Austin can play some press and a variety of zones and offers backup potential as a Day 3 option."

With the 135th pick, their third in the fourth round, the Patriots bolster a position that has seen loads of investment but has nonetheless been lacking. They add a solid blocking tight end.

Here’s what thedraftnetwork.com says in part about Schoonmaker,

"Schoonmaker is a willing and effective blocker in the run game. He fits his hands well and shows the play strength to turn defenders to seal the edges. Blocking may be his best trait overall. Schoonmaker’s ability to block allows him to work on tight end delay concepts in the passing game. He is an effective receiving option off of play-action…Schoonmaker’s receiving production was underwhelming, to say the least. He was never viewed as a priority in Michigan’s passing attack…His ability to block and work underneath coverages will provide opportunities for success in 12-personnel packages…"