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

New England Patriots fill needs all over the field on Day 3

Having filled key needs on days one and two of the draft, the New England Patriots now move all over the field with their remaining picks to add depth.

In the third round with pick Number 90, the Patriots fill a wide receiver need with A.T. Perry from Wake Forest.

Perry is a big receiver at 6’3 1/2″ and 198 pounds. He’d add length and speed, as he runs a 4.47 forty, to the team’s receiving corps.

In his senior year, Perry caught 70 passes for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was even better in 2021. He definitely fills a need for a young, long receiver who’s productive.

Perry would be a nice excellent addition to a Patriot team that lacks touchdown makers. He’ll provide competition to the incumbents from the get-go.

With their fifth selection, the New England Patriots go back to the well for another offensive lineman with pick Number 107. This time it’s offensive tackle Tyler Steen from Alabama.

While the offensive line selections aren’t very glamorous, having the big guys upfront providing protection for immobile quarterbacks and lanes for the backs is as important as it gets. Steen is another solid offensive tackle option for the Patriots.

Steen is 6’6″ tall and weighs 321 pounds. While his arms are shorter, his huge hands at 10.5′ will be an asset at tackle. He’s another depth piece at a critically important position.

Carrington Valentine addresses a need some might have addressed as early as the New England Patriots first-round pick. It’s cornerback. Here, it’s later on with pick Number 117 in the fourth round.

Valentine is is 6’0′ and 193 pounds from Kentucky. He’ll add depth to a defensive backfield that is decent if not outstanding.

The draftnetwok.com notes Valentine’s, “aggression and physicality in coverage“. and that he’s a press corner. Those traits will work well should the New England Patriots use that alignment rather than zone in 2023.