Round 3 (Pick 69): Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
With new Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels back in New England, Eliot Wolf’s next order of business should be to weaponize the offense. Last season, the team’s offense struggled, ranking 31st (out of 32 teams)--mustering only 293.1 yards per game and 30 total touchdowns.
With their first of two picks in the third round, I have the Patriots selecting Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris. Dame Parson from Bleacher Report wrote a scouting report about Harris where he emphasized Harris’ run-after-catch stats and versatility to play any receiver position, even at the NFL level.
At 6’3”, 210 pounds, Harris would present a big-body receiver, something the team has been lacking for years. McDaniels would leverage a receiver of Harris’ size and strength in the offensive scheme, and Maye would appreciate a target who would fight through tight coverage for receptions.
Round 3 (Pick 77): Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
If Mike Vrabel wants to get more athletic at the linebacker position, the best available SAM linebacker available in the draft would be Barrett Carter from Clemson. After arriving on the scene as a 5-star recruit (per 247Sports) in the 2021 recruiting class, Carter would be named fourth-team All-American and first-team All-ACC in the 2022 season and would follow that up with second-team All-ACC recognition in the 2023 season. In the classroom, Carter also made the All-ACC Academic team in both years.
On the field, Carter is exactly what the new head coach would want in a SAM linebacker. Matt Holder from Bleacher Report wrote that Barrett is an excellent pass defender, with the speed and strength to defend both running backs and tight ends. In addition, Carter’s football IQ will allow him to be effective in modern NFL defensive schemes, with the ability to read offensive plays in real-time.
While the Patriots have two starting-caliber linebackers on the roster in Jahlani Tavai and Ja'Whaun Bentley, adding Carter to the mix would add an element of speed and athleticism to the position room. In addition, he would provide much-needed depth as both Tavai and Bentley have injury histories.