A controversial offseason has settled down with Mike Vrabel joining the ranks but the New England Patriots will be relying heavily on the draft to build for the future. Let's take a look at what PFN predicts in their latest 7-Round mock.
Interior pressure is devastating for opposing quarterbacks. Mason Graham is a 320-pound defensive tackle with more ankle flexibility than 90% of 270-pound defensive ends. He can legitimately threaten the corner and run under a table, which makes him all the more dangerous from multiple alignments. The Michigan defensive tackle also has the most violent hands from an interior defender since Jeffery Simmons, and he brings those in a frame carrying close to 15 pounds more than the Titans elite interior defender. Graham should immediately be a menace against the run and pass for New England.
Tre Harris played in a Mickey Mouse Ole Miss offense that didn’t ask him to run a full route tree. However, in situations like that (and situations like, say, playing quarterback at Tennessee) it’s less about what you were asked to do and how you performed what you were asked to do. Harris has Daniel Riccardo circa 2017 brakes on him, which allows him to consistently create separation on stopping routes. He also has the physicality and manipulative skills to win quickly in a phone booth, which will make him a devastating weapon around the goal line, not unlike Davante Adams.
Shemar Turner possesses alignment versatility. He played on the edge at Texas A&M in 2023 before sliding inside this season, and his best role might be as a base 5-technique.
In a bid to rebuild their barren wide receiver core, Tre Harris can provide the separation on routes, whereas Savion Williams at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds can bend defenses to his will and dominate with Drake Maye as his QB.
With an unbelievable motor and movement ability, Josaiah Stewart could thrive at multiple positions on defense, whether it is against the run or the passing game. And with his ability to act as a spy as well, he should be a dream for Vrabel to develop.
Injuries will push him down the draft order, but Reuben Fatheree II has all the makings of a dangerous right tackle with his size, movement skills, and upside.
Injuries derailed his season too but an athletic defender like Shemar James as a linebacker is a guarantee upside. He can make plays in space and covers a ton of area on the field, making him a good bet for the woeful Patriots.
The Nebraska cornerback is a former four-star recruit who could offer the Patriots depth at the CB position.
Seth Coleman has the size of a starting-caliber edge rusher. We'll see if he can develop into a viable piece of an NFL offense.
