2023 NFL Draft: Analysis of New England Patriots Picks

The 2023 NFL draft occurred from Thursday to Saturday in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The New England Patriots had several selections in this year’s draft, and here is a pick-by-pick analysis of each of their choices:

Round 1, Pick 17 overall: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon

My Take: Gonzalez, ranked as the No. 8 prospect by ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, was an excellent pick for the Patriots.

Despite most mock drafts not predicting that he would be available at No. 17, the Patriots landed him after trading back three spots.

Patriots needed a Cornerback, and Gonzalez’s size of 6-foot-2, 201 lbs. compared to the other cornerbacks on the depth chart is impressive.

He has a chance to start as a rookie, especially since he was drafted to combat some of the taller receivers the Patriots will face. Gonzalez has played 277 snaps in press coverage during the last two seasons, the fourth-most among Power 5 players.

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New England played men at the highest rate in the NFL from 2017 to 2021, which was 62%. However, last season, that percentage fell to 17th, which was 42%.

Round 2, Pick 46 overall: Keion White, DE, Georgia Tech

My Take: Patriots picked Keion White in the second round to bolster their line of scrimmage and pass rush.

White, who had 7.5 sacks last season, was tied for the fourth most in the ACC.

He lined up primarily at the defensive end in 2022 (71% of his snaps) and should learn from veterans like Matthew Judon, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Josh Uche.

White is a versatile prospect that might be able to play multiple positions.

Round 3, Pick 6 (from Carolina): Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State

My Take: The Patriots selected Marte Mapu in the third round. Despite not being invited to the combine, Mapu was one of the leading prospects at the Senior Bowl.

He can do different things for the Patriots’ defence, such as playing as a potential box-type safety in base defense or a linebacker-based role in sub-packages.

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Mapu’s aggressive playing style makes him an immediate contributor on special teams. He is also well-traveled, as he took pre-draft visits with 15 units.

Mapu sustained a torn right pectoral muscle in February, and he is hopeful that he will be ready for training camp.

Round 4, Pick 107 overall (from LA Rams): Jake Andrews, C, Troy

My Take: Jake Andrews was selected in the fourth round to secure their future at center.

Analysts projected the 6-2,319-pound Andrews to be a later-round selection, but the disparity where teams have players rated seems more significant in this year’s draft compared to other years.

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Andrews can learn from seasoned incumbent David Andrews (no related) and has experience at guard, making him a viable game-day option at all three inside positions.

4th round, No. 117 overall: Sidy Sow, G, Eastern Michigan

My take: The Patriots add depth to their offensive line with the selection of Sow, who has much experience at guard and tackle positions. He might need some time to develop but could become a reliable option.

5th round, No. 144 overall (from Las Vegas): Atonio Mafi, G, UCLA

My take: The Patriots continue to address their offensive line by selecting Mafi, who has good size and power on the interior.

He is still developing after converting from the defensive line but could provide depth and insurance in case of injury or free agency departures.

6th round, No. 187 overall (from Carolina): Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU

My take: The Patriots take a risk on Boutte, who has a lot of potentials but has yet to put it all together consistently. He will likely battle for a spot as a fifth receiver or on the practice squad.

6th round, No. 192 overall: Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State

My take: The Patriots select the top punter in the draft to address their punting woes from the previous season.

Baringer also has experience as a holder of field goals and should be able to contribute immediately.

6th round, No. 210 overall: Demario Douglas, WR/PR, Liberty

My take: The Patriots add a shifty slot receiver with return experience in Douglas.

He could contribute on special teams and in a niche offensive role and land on the practice squad if he doesn’t get a roster spot.

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6th round, Pick 214: Ameer Speed, CB, Michigan State

In the 2023 draft, the Patriots made some interesting choices in the later rounds. One of their selections was Ameer Speed, a CB from Michigan State picked in the sixth round, 214th overall.

My Take: What stood out about Speed was his impressive physical attributes – he’s 6’3” and weighs 209 pounds, with a blazing 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash. 

In addition, he was a standout special team player during his time at Georgia. The Patriots seem to have taken a chance on Speed due to his potential to contribute on fourth down and his rare physical gifts. 

This strategy is reminiscent of when they selected Keion Crossen in the 2018 draft based on his exceptional testing results and projected role as a particular team player.

7th round, No.245 overall: Isaiah Bolden, a CB/PK, Jackson State

In the seventh round, with the 245th overall pick (acquired from Atlanta via Buffalo), the Patriots selected Isaiah Bolden, a CB/PK from Jackson State. 

My Take: Bolden was the sole player from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) chosen in the draft.

The Patriots had expressed interest in him beforehand by hosting him on a pre-draft visit. Bolden also has impressive physical traits.

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He stands at 6’2” and weighs 201 pounds, with a lightning-fast 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash.

He also has a year of starting experience at cornerback and led the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in kickoff return average in 2021 with a remarkable 36.9-yard average.

The Patriots seem attracted to Bolden’s intriguing physical tools, which are often a factor in their late-round selections.

It’s worth noting that Bolden was coached by Hall of Fame cornerback and kick returner Deion Sanders, which could bode well for his future development.

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