Patriots 2023 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Belichick goes for the gold

New England Patriots select the draft’s best offensive lineman

With their first selection overall the New England Patriots select the best player at their most pressing need, offensive tackle. It’s Peter Skoronski of Northwestern.

The New England Patriots need to draft at least one and preferably two offensive tackles in this year’s NFL draft. While the priority is subject to debate, and justifiably so, the need is almost universally acknowledged to at least be one of the team’s top priorities.

With this draft pick, the Patriots not only satisfy a position of need, but they likely get the best offensive line prospect available in the entire draft. It’s Peter Skoronski, an offensive tackle/guard from Northwestern.

While Skoronski has less than optimum length for the tackle position, the consensus is that wherever he plays he’ll play with superior ability.

The player was rated by super-scouts Pro Football Focus as the single best offensive tackle in the draft. That’s high praise indeed. While they noted that Skoronski with shorter arms may wind up at guard in the NFL, they nevertheless said he was, “at tackle … lights out …”

Skoronski’s versatility is something that will definitely appeal to the New England Patriots. Wherever he plays, he will excel.

The New England Patriots would score big with this pick if he slips to 14. And should he play guard, think of a Logan Mankins type who dominates for a decade or more.