{"id":122143,"date":"2023-04-19T13:54:41","date_gmt":"2023-04-19T17:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=122143"},"modified":"2023-04-20T01:25:47","modified_gmt":"2023-04-20T05:25:47","slug":"new-england-patriots-nfl-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=122143","title":{"rendered":"Perfect Patriots to be Found in Rounds 3-4 of NFL Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Patriots did a great job plugging holes in their roster during free agency<\/a>. Nearly every player from last year\u2019s defense will be returning in 2023, and the offense made solid upgrades at pass-catcher while adding necessary depth at offensive tackle and running back.<\/p>\n

Still, there are spots on the roster that need to be addressed. There is no obvious heir to Jakobi Meyers\u2019 top receiver role,<\/a> both tackle spots could use an infusion of youth, and the cornerback room lacks a reliable starter above 5\u201911\u201d. Luckily, this draft class is loaded at positions where New England should be looking to add young talent come April 27th.<\/p>\n

This \u2018Perfect Patriots\u201d series will explore prospects all over the draft who would be great in New England based on scheme, team needs, and positional value. This week, we\u2019re taking a look at fits who are likely to come off the board between rounds 3 and 4.\u00a0With the Patriots holding one pick in the 3rd (76) and three picks throughout the 4th round (107, 117, 135), this may be the important range of players for New England.<\/p>\n

WR JONATHAN MINGO, MISSISSIPPI<\/strong><\/p>\n

Expert’s Take<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

“Mingo has only average deception and separation quickness, but with his size, pacing and competitive ball skills, he has the body control and upside that has the attention of NFL teams. He has starting potential in the right situation.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

– Dane Brulger, The Athletic<\/em><\/p>\n

How He Fits<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the Patriots will almost certainly be in on at least one undersized dynamo at receiver, they also have a sneaky lack of depth at the “X” receiver spot behind DeVante Parker. Nelson Agholor filled the role for much of the past two seasons with his vertical speed to clear out defenders, but his departure leaves the spot vacant in New England’s “Z”\/slot-heavy receiver room that lacks a proven big-play threat. Mingo, a former team captain, Senior Bowl participant, and top-30 visitor, would check a lot of New England’s boxes, offering a three-level threat with alignment versatility.<\/p>\n

\n

In addition to some great blocks, Jonathan Mingo had some eye-popping catches vs LSU (and had 2 more thwarted)<\/p>\n

Showed great concentration + ball tracking and can really build up speed when left untouched <\/p>\n

Love how he slips tacklers to maximize YAC pic.twitter.com\/e9a0WG8KOd<\/a><\/p>\n

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 19, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n