Mark Morse’s latest mock draft for the New England Patriots provides insight into potential picks and free agency strategies. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Mock Draft Picks
Round 1 (4th pick): Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State – A highly touted edge player with 68 tackles and 12 sacks in 2024, Carter has been compared to Micah Parsons.
Round 2 (37th pick): Jack Sawyer, Defensive End, Ohio State – A relentless player who fits Mike Vrabel’s coaching style, Sawyer is expected to be a strong pick.
-Round 3 (68th pick): Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State – A breakout player in 2023 with 71 catches, 1,080 yards, and 15 touchdowns, Royals could bring much-needed depth to the Patriots’ receiving corps.
Free Agency Targets
Tyron Smith, OT: The Patriots are reportedly interested in signing the former Cowboys standout left tackle, who has played in eight Pro Bowls. However, at 33 years old and having missed four games last season, his $7.5 million contract worth might be a consideration.
Xavier Howard, CB: At 31, Howard still has potential left, and the Patriots could use the savings from JC Jackson’s release to sign him to a two-year deal.
Xavier McKinney, FS: Ranked fourth among safeties by PFF, McKinney’s market value is estimated at $10.5 million AAV for five years.
Recent Signings and Trades
Free Agent Signings: Pharoah Brown, Myles Bryant, and Nathan Rourke have been re-signed or signed by the Patriots.
-Trade: The Patriots traded their third-round pick (#64), fourth-round pick (#104), and 2025 second-round pick to Atlanta for second-round pick (#43) and third-round pick (#79).
Draft Picks: With the acquired picks, the Patriots selected Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU, and Brenden Rice, WR, USC.
Other Moves
Juju Smith-Schuster: A post-June 1st cut could save the Patriots around $1 million against the cap.
DaVante Parker: The Patriots might consider trading Parker to clear roster space and gain cap relief.
