With the NFL draft just eight days away, it’s still uncertain what the New England Patriots draft approach is. Besides signing wide receiver Romeo Doubs, the Patriots didn’t bolster the talent around quarterback Drake Maye in free agency, which has led many to assume that the franchise would address this in the draft.
This year’s receiving class has quality depth and several top-tier players, such as Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon. While either of these receivers would be impactful additions to the Patriots' receiving corps, it’s highly unlikely that one of these names would drop to New England’s hands at No. 31.
Players like Denzel Boston, Omar Cooper Jr., and K.C. Concepcion are three other quality receivers who have a chance of being available when the Patriots are on the clock. However, the franchise could turn to reinforcing its other pressing needs.
Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf’s recent comments suggest this possibility, highlighting the strength of this year’s draft in the trenches. This remark could have signaled the Patriots’ prioritizing both the offensive and defensive line early in the draft.
Patriots Desperately Need OL Reinforcements
Although this may be met with some criticism among Patriots fans, the trenches could urgently use some reinforcements–specifically along the offensive line. While their interior has improved with the signing of offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, the Patriots could use additional support here. More importantly, they should prioritize drafting the replacement for tackle Morgan Moses.
Behind Moses and starting left tackle Will Campbell, New England lacks reliable depth at the position following the departure of Vederian Lowe. Currently, the Patriots have Marcus Bryant, James Hudson III, Lorenz Metz, and Sebastian Gutierrez as their backup tackles. Of the four, only Hudson has starting experience under his belt, even though he’s been underwhelming in those reps.
Given these concerns, New England has only met with one projected first-round tackle, Max Iheanachor, further indicating their approach of targeting the trenches. With Moses unlikely to play past this upcoming season, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Patriots address the need with Iheanachor at No. 31 and use a Day 2 selection at the position to improve the depth.
While investing premium draft capital towards upgrading the protection around Maye would be a well-regarded move, using these resources on the defensive line may not be a wise decision.
Wolf Must Avoid Drafting a DT Early in the Draft
Sure, using it on an edge rusher would be fine, as they’ve done their due diligence at the position; directing these valuable resources towards a defensive tackle would be a waste.
ESPN’s writer Jordan Reid noted that the Patriots could target a defensive tackle in the first two rounds, as the Patriots have met with projected first-rounder Kayden McDonald. While McDonald is a great player and should do well at the next level, there’s no need for him in New England.
Defensive tackle is by far the Patriots' best unit, led by Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, with quality rotational players Cory Durden, Eric Gregory, and Joshua Farmer. If Wolf really desires to add to the crowded position, he should wait until Day 3.
While prioritizing building a strong offensive and defensive line is a great draft strategy, this isn’t something that they should do early in the draft– particularly at defensive tackle. We’ve already seen what Maye is capable of doing with an average supporting cast, and it’s only fair that New England continues to upgrade and improve the playmakers around him.
Wolf has every right to use early-round selections towards strengthening the trenches; however, he must balance this by adding to the receiving corps. This is the only way the Patriots can build long-term success.
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