NFL Draft Analyst Makes Four Patriots Picks In Three-Round Mock

Their biggest needs are obvious, but the way the Patriots will address them is not.

NFL Network draft analyst Chad Reuter, who’s covered the event for nearly three decades, published a three-round mock draft. In doing so, Reuter addressed three of the most glaring needs on the Patriots: pass rush, offensive line and wide receiver.

Reuter mocked Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter to the Patriots at No. 4 overall, after both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders were off the board with two of the top three selections.

“The Patriots land a difference-maker with the No. 4 pick,” Reuter wrote. “Carter’s speed and relentless nature immediately improve one of the league’s worst pass rushes, while his experience as both a hand-down and off-ball defender gives new coach Mike Vrabel flexibility up front.”

Reuter then predicted the Patriots would draft Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery with the 38th overall pick. From there, Reuter has the Patriots selecting Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond with the 69th overall pick and Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson at No. 77.

Ersery is ranked as the No. 50 prospect by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler but didn’t creep into Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 rankings. Brugler praised Ersery for his “NFL-ready build and length,” but said there are some “sloppy” elements to his game including timing and consistency.

While the Patriots recently extended running back Rhamondre Stevenson, the selection of Henderson would give New England another element with his ability on passing downs. Henderson is viewed as a top 50 prospect by both Brugler and Jeremiah.