Patriots 2023 NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Alabama vs Michigan draft class

Michigan Draft Class

14. DT Mazi Smith
46. CB DJ Turner
76. OG Olusegun Oluwatimi
107. TE Luke Schoonmaker
117. Edge Mike Morris
135. WR Ronnie Bell

I’m a huge fan of Smith and would love for the New England Patriots to select him. The 6-3 320-pounder is a freak of nature, with the strength to anchor at the point of attack and the quickness to rush the passer. He would make an excellent addition to the defensive line rotation.

Turner would be the sticky, boundary corner the Patriots need. He can play man or zone and has the speed to keep step with receivers downfield. He’s not very physical, but he won’t shy away from tackling. He just doesn’t bring the wood. The only hope is that Turner produces more turnovers, as he had just one pick to go with 10 pass breakups last season. ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay believes New England may target Turner.

Oluwatimi might be a reach at 76, but New England had good luck with the last guard they selected from Michigan. If Oluwatimi turns out as good as Michael Onwenu, no one will complain about this selection.

Maybe it would be fun for the Gillette Stadium crowd to shout, “Schoooooooooonnnnn!” every time Schoonmaker scores. He’s a solid blocker that can develop into reliable receiving option at tight end. But he lacks the run after the catch ability that Latu possesses.

Morris is underrated. Yes, he had a bad NFL Combine performance, but tape belies those numbers. He’s an effective pass rusher and slices through blockers for tackles for a loss. He’s plenty strong and quick to be consistently disruptive.

Bell would be a mid-round gem. He might be average in size and speed, but Bell is a solid route runner and would be an ideal possession/slot receiver.