SI Final NFL Mock Draft: Patriots Predicted to Land Georgia OL
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A stronger offensive line would go a long way in helping the New England Patriots get back to the playoffs. New England finished the 2022 season with an 8-9 record and currently has the worst odds to win the AFC East Division. Quarterback Mac Jones is not the most athletic escape artist, and could use some help.
Good news for the Patriots is their need for offensive tackle comes at a solid time with a multitude of athletic blockers expected to be NFL starters.
In Sports Illustrated's final mock draft before the chimes go off tonight, the Patriots are adding a two-time National Champion, drafting Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones at No. 14:
The Patriots can sit tight and get a very high-ceiling player to develop in Jones—once a five-star recruit who started for only a year in Athens. There’s a little risk here, and they’d be projecting Jones’s growing up some, on and off the field, which gives me a little pause (the Patriots generally play it safe in the first round). But in the end, it’s too big a need for New England to ignore, and the chance to get a potential Pro Bowl talent, at that position, at this stage of this particular draft, would be too much to pass up.
In Georgia's nation title-winning season in 2021, Jones played behind Jamaree Salyer at left tackle for the first 11 games before starting at left tackle in the final four games. Salyer was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team for his efforts. The Georgia-Native started all 15 games at left tackle for Georgia in 2022, helping the team win back-to-back titles.
The physically-gifted lineman would be a great addition to bulk up New England's offensive line next season and beyond.
The Patriots have 11 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, including the No. 14 overall pick. The retooling Patriots have needs to fill all over their roster, including adding help at offensive tackle, wide receiver, cornerback and safety.
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