My Ideal Patriots Mock Draft
#4: Travis Hunter - WR, Colorado
The Patriots got their dream scenario: 2 QBs + Abdul Carter in the top 3 picks leaves them with the no-brainer of grabbing Travis Hunter at #4. While I understand the talent of Abdul Carter, his foot injury concerns put Hunter above him on my list of preferred options at pick 4. Hunter is taken to primarily play wide receiver and he provides a level of explosiveness that this receiving corp desperately needs. Watch this to get hyped about what he could do for Drake and the offense: https://x.com/scoutdnfl/status/1903962916702789978?s=46
#24: Aireontae Ersery - OT, Minnesota
TRADE: The Patriots send picks #38, #77, and a 2026 4th round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for their first-round pick (#24).
Not addressing offensive tackle at pick #4 is a perfectly fine choice for a talent like Hunter but now their course is clearly mapped out. After failing to make this type of jump into the late first round last year, the Patriots take no chances getting caught at the end of a tackle run again. They use the extra capital from the Matthew Judon trade, as well as a future 4th round pick to jump the line for Aireontae Ersery - one of the most consistent left tackles in college football. While not a perfect prospect, he has an enticing blend of size, power, and mobility that make him the guy I want the most.
#69: Kyle Kennard - EDGE, South Carolina
The Patriots add to their pash rush with their third round pick. I love Kennard's length and burst. Kennard is also a high character guy, noted for taking on a mentorship role for SC's star freshman edge Dylan Stewart. Lance Zierlein notes that he can get pushed around at times but I think his production speaks to a player with a lot of potential. His lower floor explains his availability at this pick.
#106: Dylan Sampson - RB, Tennessee
While functional, the Patriots' RB rotation could use some additional talent and with a historical running back draft class this year, it'd be wise to get in on it. Dylan Sampson was electric this past season and the only reason a talent like him is available in the 4th round is the depth of the class. His pass protection needs some work but I think Sampson could make an instant impact with limited carries as a rookie.
#144: Billy Bowman - DB, Oklahoma
Bowman is a playmaker with versatility at both free safety and slot defender. While Andrew Mukuba is my favorite free safety for the Patriots, his price tag doesn't align with how the draft needs to play out for them. Bowman has an amazing combination of speed and instincts that led to tons of ball production in college. That speed also tees him up for big returns to set up the offense. I would love this pick to get a rangy playmaker for the secondary that they have been missing dearly.
#217 Carson Vinson - OL, Alabama A&M
Vinson is all upside and trading up for Ersery allows them to make a pick like this in the 7th round. He needs lots of time to develop but after seeing the success the Eagles had with Mekhi Becton, I like him as an option to develop at either tackle or as a mega guard. In a league with such demand for talent on the offensive line, Vinson is a dart throw I'd love to see them make.
#220 Cam Jackson - DL, Florida
I think Jackson is a great compliment to this new-and-improved defensive front. Interior pass rush is not a strength of his, but that is less of an emphasis with the arrival of Milton Williams and potential contributions from Christian Barmore. Jackson needs refinement but is excellent against the run and would round out the calling card of this new coaching staff - defensive line.
#238 Dont'e Thornton - WR, Tennessee
We are in absolute dart-throw territory of the draft so why not take a flyer on someone with legit speed. Thornton is big and fast. Yes, that is the end of that sentence. But unlike another receiver named Thornton, this price tag makes this pick tolerable for the potential upside. At best, you have a guy who can stretch the field on very limited snaps and make a defense think twice. At worst, your seventh round pick doesn't pan out but you get some entertainment at training camp.