The Patriot Way is trademarked in Foxborough. And later this month, the New England Patriots will get to see which 2023 NFL Draft prospects on the East-West Shrine Bowl roster fit what they seek. Narrowing down based on needs, who deserves the most attention?
5 Prospects the Patriots Could Draft From the Shrine Bowl
Bill Belichick still has New England somewhat competitive, even amidst all the tumult that the team has faced in recent years. Even so, the Patriots can’t get back to the playoffs by treading water. They have to add more talent and improve their roster. These Shrine Bowl draft prospects could help the Patriots do that.
Cory Trice, CB, Purdue
The Patriots, in general, lack stability at the cornerback position. But there’s also one important trait they’re in dire need of — length. At 6’3″, 215 pounds, Cory Trice has the size and length to make plays at the catch point, and he also has the fluidity to turn and run with receivers upfield.
Jeremy Banks, LB, Tennessee
There’s a type of linebacker that’s particularly appealing in New England. It’s the dense, compact ball of fire who attacks downhill in the box. At the Shrine Bowl, Jeremy Banks will get to distinguish himself as that kind of LB. He’s a bit raw, having transitioned from RB a few years ago. But he’s an explosive athlete with a physical, disruptive mindset.
Moro Ojomo, DT, Texas
Most teams have room to improve their depth on the defensive line, and the Patriots are not excluded from this group. In the middle rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, Moro Ojomo is a player the Patriots could maximize. At 6’3″, 284 pounds, he’s a powerful, well-leveraged interior defender with heavy hands and a degree of alignment versatility.
Dallas Daniels, WR, Jackson State
Even if the Patriots bring back Jakobi Meyers, they shouldn’t settle for what they have at wide receiver. At least one Day 3 pick can be devoted to improving the depth and flexibility of that unit. Hailing from HBCU Jackson State, Dallas Daniels could be a good value addition. At 6’1″, 180, he’s a smooth, twitchy separator with natural catching instincts.
Luke Haggard, OT, Indiana
You can always count on the Patriots to draft at least one standout offensive lineman from the all-star circuit. In the 2022 NFL Draft cycle, they took Senior Bowl darling Cole Strange in Round 1. Luke Haggard could be a candidate to draw in the Patriots, who now have a need at tackle. He’s a bit light, but he’s a light-footed athlete with good length and active hands.