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

New England Patriots get a speedy receiver with pick 97

With a pick received from the Washington Commanders, the New England Patriots select a position that virtually all of Patriots Nation likely feels is one of need. It’s wide receiver and the choice is a slot receiver, Tyler Scott from Cincinnati.

Scott measured in at 5’10” tall and weighed 171 pounds at the combine. That’s not a big target but he has other attributes that fit the Patriots like a glove.

Scott runs a 4.44 forty and sports a 39.5″ vertical leap. Thedraftnetwork.com has this to say,

"Scott is an explosive athlete with elite speed that enables him to win vertically by pulling away from defenders. He maximizes his ability to get open down the field with good route pace and smooth cuts to force false steps from defenders; this enables him to get behind the defense."

Sounds like a good fit here.

Patriots bolster tight end next at No. 107

With pick No. 107, the New England Patriots continue to bolster their languid offense. This time they go for a big tight end in Zack Kuntz of Old Dominion.

If you liked Rob Gronkowski’s size, you’ll like Kuntz’. He’s 6’7′ tall and weighs 255 pounds. That latter number will likely rise with good conditioning and nutrition at Gillette Stadium.

Kuntz ran an eye-catching 4.55 forty and also crushed a 40″ vertical leap at the combine at his size. He’s an athletic type who’ll need some grooming at Patriot University.

Yet, at his size and athletic ability, who knows what he could develop into? He’s certainly worth a flier at this point in the draft since the Patriots top two tight ends, Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki will both be free agents after the 2023 season.