The NFL Draft is two weeks away, and only one team (the Pittsburgh Steelers) has more picks than the New England Patriots’ 11.
But despite reaching the Super Bowl, they still have plenty of needs. They have to upgrade the situation at edge rusher. Same for tight end and off-ball linebacker. They could use depth elsewhere, too.
So to get ready for the draft, let’s lean on “The Beast” from Dane Brugler, which was published Wednesday, for insights into players who fit what the Patriots are looking for in this mock draft. We’ll give Dane the last word on each prospect.
Round 1 (No. 31): T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
With the expectation that the Patriots will find a way to trade for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown this summer, edge rusher is the team’s top need.
In a lot of ways, Parker is just what the Patriots need. He has good length off the edge and is a major disruptor in the backfield (32.4 percent of his tackles were behind the line of scrimmage). He would likely begin as the Patriots’ No. 3 edge rusher but could immediately provide depth in case Harold Landry doesn’t recover well from his lingering knee injury.
Brugler: “Parker is still learning how to unlock counter maneuvers, but he offers a reliable foundation built on leveraged power and a consistent motor that helps him make plays as a rusher and run defender. He projects as a solid NFL starter, similar to Jabaal Sheard.”
Round 2 (63): Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
Offensive tackle isn’t the Patriots’ most pressing need, considering Will Campbell and Morgan Moses are penciled in as starters, but it would be wise to develop someone to play right tackle, considering that Moses is 35.
Tiernan has short arms for a tackle (even shorter than Campbell’s), but that didn’t stop the Patriots from drafting Campbell fourth overall last year. Tiernan started 43 collegiate games.
Brugler: “Tiernan relies on refinement to compensate for his average length and redirect skills, using disciplined hands and poise to execute assignments. He’ll have swing tackle ability, although his best position long-term might be guard.”
Round 3 (95): Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
On one hand, Delp tested as an off-the-charts athlete at tight end, boosting his draft stock. On the other hand, he never reached 25 receptions in a season at Georgia in an offense where his predecessor, Brock Bowers, racked up massive numbers. But some team, likely on Day 2, will bet on Delp’s traits over his past production.
Brugler: “Delp has an underwhelming college resume, but grading to the flashes shows an NFL player who can impact games as a receiver and blocker. He is a prime candidate to be a better pro than he was a college player.”
Round 4 (125): Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
The Patriots traded Marte Mapu earlier this week, furthering their need at off-ball linebacker. Frankly, it will be surprising if the Patriots don’t draft one in the first four rounds.
Rolder only started 11 collegiate games while buried on the depth chart and dealing with minor injuries, which complicates his evaluation, but he played well for the Wolverines last season.
Brugler: “Rolder needs to iron out his overaggressive tendencies, but he plays with ascending instincts and the reactive athleticism to make plays in the NFL. If healthy, he will be an immediate contributor on special teams and offer the potential to become a weakside starter.”
Round 4 (131): Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
Defensive tackle isn’t the Pats’ most pressing need, but after losing Khyiris Tonga in free agency, they could use a big, run-stuffer in the middle. Regis is a durable player who appeared in 50 college games and drew rave reviews from coaches and teammates for his off-field character.
Brugler: “Regis is a compact plugger, and his lack of length shows on tape, but he wins with strength, leverage and instincts to be disruptive versus the run. If there is a Poona Ford-like prospect in this draft class, it is Regis.”
Round 5 (171): Anez Cooper, G, Miami
The Patriots’ starting five on the offensive line is pretty well set, but they could use additional depth on the interior. Cooper started 43 straight games at Miami, showcasing his durability, and has long arms for a guard.
Brugler: “Cooper can circumvent his upright, plodding movements with size, length and inline power to be a tone-setting presence. He projects best in a gap scheme and can find the field in the right situation.”
Round 6 (191): Hezekiah Masses, CB, California
Cornerback isn’t the most pressing positional need for the Patriots, but given his contract situation, Carlton Davis could be headed elsewhere after this season. Masses ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash but showed a lack of explosiveness in posting a 31.5-inch vertical leap.
Brugler: “Masses is underpowered and grabby, but his sudden footwork and coverage awareness lead to plays on the football, which in turn gives him starting upside. He has surpassed expectations at every level, and it won’t be surprising if that continues.”
Round 6 (198): Jalen Huskey, S, Maryland
The Patriots’ starting safeties are set, but Kevin Byard is on a one-year contract, so the Pats will want to develop someone who has a chance to start there next season. Huskey is a ball hawk who recorded 11 interceptions over his last 36 collegiate games.
Brugler: “Huskey doesn’t have top-tier speed and balance, but he has outstanding ball instincts and a feel for overlapping underneath zones. He can give an NFL team depth at strong safety.”
Round 6 (202): Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech
The assumption is that the Pats will trade for Brown, which is why I don’t have them picking a wide receiver earlier. But Douglas is an intriguing prospect nonetheless. He’s 6-foot-4 and ran an astounding 4.39-second 40.
Brugler: “Douglas needs to play with more consistent ball skills and underneath separation, but he can stride out and be a vertical threat on runway routes. His game is reminiscent of a diet version of Dontayvion Wicks.”
Round 6 (212): Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky
The Patriots don’t have a proven No. 3 running back and could use depth at the position. The problem is that this isn’t a very good draft class for the position.
McGowan is an older prospect (24), and his character background will be a hurdle to clear after spending three months in jail in 2021 after being charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of larceny and was sentenced to one year of probation. He did run a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
Brugler: “McGowan is a good-sized, coordinated athlete with adequate vision and run strength, although his lack of explosive traits and inconsistent third-down value will make it an uphill climb to prove his worth on an NFL roster.”
Round 7 (247): Michael Heldman, Edge, Central Michigan
The seventh round is the time for dart throws, and Heldman would be an option after a breakout as a fifth-year senior, recording 10.5 sacks last season in 13 games.
Brugler: “Heldman was a pleasant surprise for NFL scouts this past season. He put it all together as a senior, and the result was a consistently disruptive edge rusher who won’t look out of place in an NFL training camp.”