Kyles: Patriots 7-Round NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Each week leading up to the draft, I’ll be using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator to pick for the New England Patriots with different rules each week.

I stuck with no trades for this second installment but targeted an entirely new group of players for a better sense of who will be available at New England’s current draft slots.

Did I put the Patriots in a position to kick off a new dynasty? Doom the franchise for eternity (or at least the next couple of seasons)? Scroll and see!

R1-14: OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee (PFF Big Board: #20, B)

If you follow me on Twitter, you know what a big fan I am of Darnell Wright. The former five-star recruit started games at both tackle spots and guard while at Tennessee, earning First Team All-ACC honors in 2022. He also earned offensive line practice player of the week for the American team while working with New England’s coaches at the Shrine Bowl.

Wright may be most known for his dominant run blocking, where he marries rare size, power, and athleticism to blow open running lanes and cut off defenders. Wright’s also a surprisingly advanced pass protector considering things didn’t quite click for him until his senior season.

He regularly deploys “snatch-trap” moves to put power rushers into the turf, and his best game last season came against a future top-1o pick in Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson.

Wright does struggle with balance at times and is far from a finished product, but he has the talent to become New England’s best tackle and would be a nightmarish pairing next to fellow people-mover Mike Onwenu.

R2-48: TE Darnell Washington, Georgia (PFF Big Board: #68, D+)

PFF may not have liked this pick, but two dominant run-blocking Darnell’s in a row was too good to pass up. Washington’s also got a rare skill set that offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien would have a lot of fun with.

On top of being another overpowering presence in the run game, where he lives up to his reputation as a sixth lineman, Washington compliments a massive catch radius with exceptional ball skills and soft hands. He’s also got untapped potential as a Red Zone and YAC threat.

While Washington’s lack of receiving production in college does make him a projection at the pro level, where he’ll have to rely more on technique than raw talent. But with New England lacking a true in-line tight end or an obvious future at the position, Washington would solve two issues with one pick while he acclimates to the NFL.

R3-78: WR Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, Houston (PFF Big Board: #44, A)

Dell fits a common mold in this receiver class; undersized receivers with big-time playmaking ability. Despite being 5’8″, 165 lbs, Dell is an explosive route runner who can line up outside or inside and threaten every level of the defense, particularly in the Red Zone.

Dell uses quickness off the line, pacing in his stems, and suddenness in his breaks to make defenders look silly. He’s also got good burst after the catch to maximize yardage, as well as punt return experience.

It also helps that the Patriots’ staff worked with Dell at the Senior Bowl. If New England misses out on Zay Flowers in Round 1, Dell is a great backup plan who can still excel as a “Z” and slot receiver in their system.

R4-107: EDGE Isaiah McGuire, Missouri (PFF Big Board: #74, A+)

McGuire has Patriots written all over him. He’s a big, long athlete with positional versatility, a former team captain, and the kind of three-down potential New England covets. His ability to shock and lock out linemen should get him snaps on the field early, but his pass-rushing upside will keep him there.

McGuire makes up for a lack of top-end explosiveness with length, power, and just enough bend around the edge. And while isn’t a finished product, McGuire’s a high-floor prospect whose ceiling may still be unknown.

In New England’s system, I see McGuire assuming a similar role to Deatrich Wise with more snaps on the edge. Wise has the body of a true 4-3 defensive end but has bulked up over the course of his career to handle duties inside of or head-up on tackles. I think McGuire could be used as more of an outside linebacker, a spot where New England currently lacks every-down talent behind Matt Judon.

R4-117: WR Parker Washington, Penn State (PFF Big Board: #132, C-)

While not as small as Tank Dell, Washington is another sub-6-foot receiver who plays much bigger. He’s got DeVante Parker-esque ball skills and body control thanks to a surprisingly large catch radius, which led to many highlight grabs in his three seasons as a starter for Penn State.

Washington isn’t an exceptionally explosive receiver, but he knows how to get open and he’s tough after the catch and shows great contact balance for a receiver.

Washington would likely be a pure slot for the Patriots until he proves he can survive outside, but his competitiveness and strong hands should help aid such a transition.

R4-135: HB Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State (PFF Big Board: #122, A+)

Fans may be skeptical about another pint-sized back after JJ Taylor’s inability to become a consistent game-day presence, but Vaughn is a whole different breed. He’s a compact 5’5″ at just under 180 lbs, which shows in his contact balance and lower body explosiveness. His vision and patience are reminiscent of Danny Woodhead, who would regularly hide behind blockers before bursting into daylight.

Vaughn was also a true dual-threat for Kansas State, showing exceptional ball skills and little details you don’t often see from backs, like turning his body to avoid bobble when diving for passes.

Vaugh is also very after the catch and a very good pass blocker, where his low center of gravity can lean in his favor. His background will almost certainly endear him to New England scouts, being the son of a football coach and scout, a team captain in college, and staying durable while producing at a high level.

Though he’d be one of the NFL’s smallest backs and isn’t exceptionally fast, Vaughn’s a certified playmaker with enough of a resume to warrant an early day 3 pick.

R6-184: CB Cory Trice Jr., Purdue (PFF Big Board: #95, A+)

You might be shocked to see someone with Trice Jr’s athletic profile around this late in the draft. He’s got the ideal size and measurables for a boundary corner in a single-high scheme, a rare commodity. Trice Jr has the explosiveness and IQ to succeed in soft zones, with the requisite quickness, speed, and mirroring ability to thrive in press man.

So, why was Trice Jr available toward the end of day 3? For starters, he suffered a season-ending injury in 2021 than leaked into his 2022 effectiveness. He is also technically unrefined and could need a lot of coaching to bridge that gap.

Still, his physical gifts and position versatility (has experience at safety) should warrant a 6th-round flier and New England’s secondary depth could allow him to serve a niche, rotational role early in his career.

R6-187: SAF Anthony Johnson Jr. (PFF Big Board: #69, A+)

A converted cornerback, Johnson Jr was primarily a slot and deep safety for Iowa State and was a starter in all five seasons with the program. He shows great feel against the run and has cornerback instincts in coverage.

Though Johnson Jr lacks ball skills to and is still acclimating to the safety position, he has experience on both punt teams and has received rave character reviews both of which New England values highly in late-round selections.

R6-192: QB Stetson Bennett, Georgia (PFF Big Board: #172, A+)

With the Patriots releasing Brian Hoyer and recently hosting dual-threat quarterback Malik Cunningham, it’s clear the team is looking for another body at the position. Not only does Bennett have a ton of experience, specifically in the playoffs, but he would bring a level of athleticism that’s missing on New England’s roster. He’s also at his best in the kind of timing-based offense the Patriots use thanks to efficient mechanice.

Bennett does come with character concerns, but the Patriots’ staff is well-equipped to help him grow as a person while he develops as the team’s third passer. He’ll also be 26 in October, but Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe as the top two options would make that less of an issue.

R6-210: IDL Brodric Martin, Western Kentucky (PFF Big Board: #145, A+)

The Patriots are well-stocked at nose tackle with Davon Godchaux and offseason re-signee Carl Davis Jr. But Davis is only on a one-year deal and Martin has prototypical size and traits for the position. He’s a powerful mountain of a man who can shut down multiple gaps on his own, and true two-gapping tackles are at a premium with the league’s shift to more split-safety structures.

Martin is also surprinisingly quick and nimble for a big man, meaning he could develop into more than just a pocket pusher at the next level. He isn’t in NFL shape at this point in his career, but that’s where the Patriots’ infamous hill sprints and playing behind two established veterans could come in handy.