Things are starting to get feel very real now that we’re on the eve of the NFL Draft. Rumors are ramping up, there’s an intensity in the air, and
The Patriots pick at 14 tomorrow night. If they stick and pick, expect the selection to be announced around 9:30pm EST.
As you’re likely well aware, New England has three large needs on their roster: cornerback, tackle, and wide receiver. Our exclusive wagering partners at FanDuel Sportsbook have odds posted on where some prominent prospects will be selected on Thursday night. Will the Patriots have a chance at them? Here’s a look:
Joey Porter Jr. Draft Position
OVER Pick 19.5 -200
UNDER Pick 19.5 +146
All signs point to New England having a chance at drafting Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. at pick 14. Porter Jr. is a long, boundary cornerback who would shore up one of Bill Belichick and the Patriots’ favorite positions in football: lockdown defensive back.
If New England doesn’t take Porter Jr. at 14, I don’t see him getting past Washington or Pittsburgh at 16 or 17. Take the under.
The Pick: UNDER 19.5
Peter Skoronski Draft Position
OVER Pick 10.5 +130
UNDER Pick 10.5 -178
Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski is considered a fringe guard/tackle, and frankly that reminds me too much of Isaiah Wynn to consider him for the Patriots.
He is, however, a consensus top two offensive lineman in the class, and I’d be shocked if the Patriots passed on him if he fell to 14. He won’t. He a top 10 pick and I like the under here at 10.5 as well.
The Pick: UNDER 10.5
Broderick Jones Draft Position
OVER Pick 14.5 -200
UNDER Pick 14.5 +146
This is where it gets dicey. Paris Johnson Jr. and Peter Skoronski are the top two tackles in the class with Broderick Jones sitting comfortably in third.
Though there are reports that the run of tackles at the top of the draft could be “unforgiving”, the four quarterbacks are going to go early, and then playmakers at cornerback, edge, and wide receiver are
His floor, at this point, could be the Patriots at 14.
The Pick: OVER 14.5
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Draft Position
OVER Pick 12.5 -360
UNDER Pick 12.5 +250
Speaking of playmakers at wide receiver, Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba is going in the top ten.
Teams reach on playmakers, and JSN is the top pass catcher in the class. He broke the record for yards in a season at OSU in 2021 with 1,600+ and is the best route runner in the entire class.
A team will trade into the top ten for him.
The Pick: UNDER 12.5
Zay Flowers Draft Position
OVER Pick 22.5 -188
UNDER Pick 22.5 +140
New England is going to have their shot at Zay Flowers at pick 14. The question is, do they pounce?
While his skillset is undeniably a fit for the slot receiver in Bill O’Brien’s offense, I spoke to an AFC talent evaluator last week who told me this on Flowers:
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @PatriotsCLNS for the latest up-to-date Patriots news!
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