Could Patriots land WR help for Mac Jones? Firing up 2023 NFL Draft simulator to solve Bill Belichick’s problems
Could the New England Patriots add help for Mac Jones in the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting one of the biggest playmakers?
The Patriots currently hold the 14th-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They could either trade up, trade down, or remain at pick number 14, which is a good spot to land a top pass catcher,
Using a mock draft simulator, the Patriots traded down 11 spots with the New York Giants, picking at number 25 overall while acquiring more picks. In the process, they also selected one of the best playmakers in the draft.
There isn't much surprise in the top five picks as Bryce Young and CJ Stroud go number one and two overall. There was a surprise at pick No. 3 with the Arizona Cardinals selecting the consensus number one overall cornerback, Christian Gonzalez.
The Colts take the highly talented Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, and the Seahawks get the best edge rusher in Will Anderson Jr.
The first wide receiver to come off the board in this draft stipulation is TCU's Quentin Johnston. The New York Jets selected him at pick number 13 overall. That would be quite the addition, especially with Aaron Rodgers expected to be their quarterback.
In the same mock, WRs Jordan Addison and Jalin Hyatt get picked before the Patriots at pick number 25. Addison gets picked by the Green Bay Packers at pick no. 14 and Tennessee's Hyatt gets selected at pick number 21 by the Los Angeles Chargers.
New England gets their playmaker wideout at pick no. 25, WR Zay Flowers.
Why adding Zay Flowers would make sense for the New England Patriots
The New England Patriots need more playmaking pass-catchers. They didn't have a single player last season who recorded over 1,000 receiving yards.
Their top receiver, Jakobi Meyers, who had 804 yards left in free agency and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
They also lost wide receiver Nelson Agholor and tight end Jonnu Smith. Quarterback Mac Jones also had a down year from 2021, where he led the Patriots to the playoffs while winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
He went 6-8, threw for fewer yards and touchdowns, and had a lower passer rating and completion percentage. This was partly due to the offense being run by Matt Patricia and Joe Judge last season.
Do you think the Patriots will draft a wide receiver such as Zay Flowers in the 2023 NFL Draft?