NFL Draft 2023: The Patriots’ 5 best prospect fits according to an NFL Network analyst
The NFL Draft is two months away, but NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah doesn’t need any more time to identify his best fits for the Patriots in this year’s class.
Projected top-20 picks Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski and Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon are the headliners, followed by Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness, Georgia Tech edge rusher Keion White and North Dakota State offensive lineman Cody Mauch. Skoronski and Witherspoon would immediately address areas of need for the Patriots, who are scheduled to make their first selection at 14th overall.
“Because they value ball skills and instincts and awareness so much in the secondary,” Jeremiah said of the Patriots, “(Witherspoon) definitely fits in that regard.”
Witherspoon finished the year as a first-team All-American after recording three interceptions and 17 pass breakups. Skoronski is a multi-year starter at left tackle, who is believed to be one of the safest prospects in the entire draft. As for White, who has a range of draft grades from top-15 to mid-second round, Jeremiah noted he would offer the Patriots prized versatility up front, even if he doesn’t play a position of need.
“He is almost six-five, 280 pounds. He could be an edge setter, which they’ve always valued; the physicality to set the edge in the run game. Trying to find body types like Willie McGinest going all the way back, it’s hard to find guys that are that big and that strong that can still move,” Jeremiah said. “He could be one I would say that would kind of fit that profile. A real smart player, as well.”
Van Ness, who didn’t start at Iowa but is nonetheless projected to go in the first round, also brings an inside-outside versatility as a pass rusher. He’s expected to test as one of the strongest and most athletic players at his position. Mauch played offensive tackle in college, but got kicked inside at the Senior Bowl. Scouts tout his toughness and run-blocking.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/GO547Ko
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