Predicting Patriots' First 3 Draft Picks Post-Free Agency

The New England Patriots were one of the more active teams in free agency, according to Over The Cap, committing $183.2 million in total contract value. While they’ve addressed some of their roster needs, more upgrades are necessary. 

Even though they made some offensive signings, such as Romeo Doubs and Alijah Vera-Tucker, New England must continue to prioritize and bolster the supporting cast around Drake Maye. With that in mind, this three-round mock draft emphasizes strengthening the offense while also targeting the Patriots' most pressing needs on defense. 

Round 1, Pick 31: K.C. Concepcion, WR – Texas A&M

Finding Morgan Moses’ heir apparent here may seem like the right thing to do, and there are several options available, such as Max Iheanachor and Caleb Lomu. However, with the release of Maye’s top target, Stefon Diggs, the Patriots must provide him with as many playmakers as possible. Adding K.C. Concepcion to the receiving corps would be a wise decision. 

In his three years combined as a starter for North Carolina State and Texas A&M, Concepcion proved to be a dangerous man with the football in his hands. His speed, coupled with his elusiveness, made him a hard player to tackle. 

Across 35 games, Concepcion logged 185 receptions for 2,218 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground, rushing 68 times for 432 yards and three touchdowns, and excelled as a punt returner this past season, averaging 17.7 yards per return and scoring two touchdowns. 

While he’ll likely have to slide to the slot position, he does have experience playing out wide. Concepcion’s dynamic playmaking ability makes him a hard player for New England to pass up. 

While he may not make an immediate impact, he should have the opportunity to compete with DeMario Douglas for reps in the slot. 

Round 2, Pick 63: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE – Penn State

Surprisingly enough, the Patriots weren’t in the mix for any of the premier edge rushers in free agency. Even though they signed Dre’Mont Jones–who isn’t a game-changing pass-rusher–they also let K’Lavon Chaisson walk. 

Selecting Dani Dennis-Sutton here would bolster the edge rusher group. In his four years at Penn State, he’s consistently improved against the run and pass and has developed into a quality three-down edge. This past season, Dennis-Sutton logged 42 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and 29 hurries. 

He’s a tremendous athlete for his size and his position, posting a 4.63 40-yard dash. While he may not be as great at generating pressure as the top edge rushers, his all-around capability makes him an intriguing option for New England. 

Although the Patriots finished the season ranked sixth against the run, they weren’t nearly as good in the final eight games, allowing an average of 131.3 rushing yards in their absence. Since Dennis-Sutton has proven dependable against the run, tying 29th in stops (29), he would strengthen their play in this category. 

While Jones and Harold Landry III will take the majority of the snaps on the edge, Dennis-Sutton should have a chance to compete with Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson for backup reps. 

Round 3 Pick 95: Logan Jones, C, – Iowa

With the Patriots trading away Garrett Bradbury and the signing of Vera-Tucker, that likely indicates that Jared Wilson will be the team’s starting center. Even though that was his primary position in college, he must perform at a high level immediately, or else he could be on the move. 

Why not put pressure on him and draft Logan Jones to compete for the job? Jones has been incredible against the pass these last two seasons, allowing only one sack and six hurries while also committing just two penalties. This past season, he earned a 90.2 pass-blocking grade, ranking first among 307 qualified centers, according to Pro Football Focus. 

The only knock on Jones is his age, as he’ll turn 25 in October. Besides that, there isn’t much to dislike about him. While he may not have the physical prowess you’d want in a center, his production makes him an intriguing prospect. 

Since the Patriots' struggles protecting Maye continued last year, tying 23rd in sacks allowed (48), selecting Jones should be the clear-cut choice here. Although he exclusively played center in college, he would bolster the interior.

While I don’t think he’d be a starter, at least right away, he would create much-needed competition among the backup offensive linemen.

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