Patriots 2023 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Bill Belichick strikes it rich

New England Patriots select tackle/guard Cody Mauch in the second round

Keeping true to the form hoped for in this space, the New England Patriots move to shore up their offensive line, widely acknowledged as one of the team’s top needs by virtually anyone who pays attention.

The second-round pick with pick No. 46 is offensive tackle/guard, Cody Mauch from North Dakota State. You have to like Mauch from his missing front teeth to his long red hair to his toughness on the field. Like Chase Winovich a few years ago, he’ll be an instant Foxborough favorite.

Nfl.com provides this overview,

"Mauch’s two front teeth are missing (they were knocked out during a junior high basketball game) and he wears a big mop of shoulder-length red hair, so you get the sense you are about to watch a hockey player on turf when you turn on the game tape. As expected, Mauch is a rugged player with an attacking demeanor who does his most consistent work as a drive blocker in the run game. Inconsistent footwork in pass protection and below-average arm length could foreshadow a move inside to guard, where he is capable of competing for a starting job as a scheme-versatile tough guy."

“Rugged player” certainly meets a New England Patriots need. Tough is good and Mauch has the toughness they need. In addition, having the flexibility to play both tackle spots and both guard spots, Mauch will be an asset on gameday providing cover at several positions.

While he lacks the optimum length and may be destined to play guard at some point, Mauch’s flexibility to play tackle will be a solid addition to the New England Patriots’ floundering offense.