Patriots Draft Class ’23: Grades and thoughts on Day 3 selections

New England Patriots seek depth in the sixth and seventh rounds

The New England Patriots had four selections in the sixth round and they used them as they should, taking a punter and fliers on players who may be diamonds in the rough.

With the 187th pick, they finally went for a wide receiver and selected Kayshon Boutte from LSU. Boutte is a talented player who may be a sleeper.

If he pans out, he could be a steal as Paul Perillo of Patiots.com suggests,

"After spending much of Day 3 focusing on offensive line depth, the Patriots rolled the dice with a talented receiver in Kayshon Boutte. Boutte was outstanding as a freshman but battled injuries and inconsistency over his last two years at LSU. If he can revert to form, the Patriots may have a late-round steal."

Next, with the 197th pick in the draft, the Patriots did just fine in selecting a punter, a top need, in Bryce Baringer of Michigan State. The need is clear and the round was perfect for addressing it.

Next up at pick No. 210 the New England Patriots selected a diminutive wide receiver Demario Douglas, from Liberty. He is 5’8″ tall and 179 pounds and is projected as a slot receiver.

Mike Dussault of Patriots.com notes,

"Patriots grab another slot receiver option in the sixth round with Demario Douglas out of Liberty. He has some explosiveness to his game and some return ability but will need to develop as a route-runner to make a bid for a roster spot."

The Pats’ next pick, No. 213 is Ameer Speed, a defensive back from Michigan. He’s a big corner at 6’3″ tall weighing 210 pounds. He’ll compete for a practice squad spot most likely.

The Patriots’ last pick, No. 245 overall is Isaiah Bolden a cornerback from Jackson State. Evan Lazar of Patriots.com notes,

"The #Patriots seventh-rounder, CB Isaiah Bolden, ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at 6-2, 201 pounds. Also was a standout kick returner. Two raw size-speed prospects to end the draft with Speed and Bolden."

More competition at a position of need, later on, is fine.