Patriots Mock Draft: First-Round Trade Yields ‘Better Than Ideal’ Haul

There are mixed opinions when answering this question: What does an “ideal” draft look like for the New England Patriots?

For some, that will mean one of the two blue-chip prospects falling to New England at No. 4. Others who have watched the league’s worst offensive line will say finding Drake Maye’s blindside protector is the priority. And those who want pass-catching help want the team to prioritize weapons.

During NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast released Wednesday, George Balekji and I each illustrated our “ideal” scenarios. After maneuvering around the board, this scribe believes the result should be classified as “better than ideal.”

Check out the results, courtesy of Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator:

Round 1, No. 7: OT Will Campbell
Trading back with the rival Jets isn’t exactly commonplace for the Patriots, but in this case Gang Green presented an offer too good to pass up. New York sends three top-75 picks (Nos. 7, 42, 73) to New England for 4 and 106. The Patriots address their biggest need by adding the best offensive tackle in the class, and add two picks to play with. Such a scenario would be a home run.

Round 1, No. 20: LB Jalon Walker
No freakin’ way, right? Disclaimer: Walker’s slide occurred in three different mock draft simulations, and because of that we took advantage. In this trade-up scenario, New England deals Nos. 42 and 73, the two picks just acquired from the Jets, to the Denver Broncos for 20th overall. Essentially, the Patriots turned Nos. 4 and 106 into Campbell and Walker — a ridiculously good first-round coup. Sure it’d be a surprise, but crazy things happen in the NFL draft. And we could see Mike Vrabel being aggressive early.

Round 2, No. 38: WR Jayden Higgins
ESPN’s Adam Schefter believes there will be a run on wide receivers at the start of Day 2, and the Patriots certainly could be in the mix. Higgins’ combination of size and speed, complemented by his inside and outside versatility, make him well worth the investment.

Round 3, No. 69: TE Mason Taylor
Taylor dropping outside the top 50 picks might be as far-fetched as the Walker tumble. He’s viewed as the third-best tight end in the loaded class behind first-round prospects Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland. Taylor is a big, athletic pass-catcher who is going to make one team very happy on Day 2.

Round 3, No. 77: C Jared Wilson
Wilson is either the best or second-best center in the class, depending on if you view first-round prospect Grey Zabel as a center or guard. Either way, the 6-foot-3, 310-pound Wilson is a top 60 prospect who relies on his athleticism (4.84-second 40-yard dash), movement and intelligence. He could be a natural David Andrews replacement as the long-term starter.

Round 5, No. 144: RB Brashard Smith
The Patriots add a third skill player for Maye. After three years playing wide receiver at Miami, Smith transferred to SMU and became a dynamic backfield threat. He compiled 1,700 yards from scrimmage and just shy of 2,000 all-purpose yards. His 4.39-second 40-yard dash showcased his explosiveness, something Josh McDaniels would love in a pass-catching back.

Round 5, No. 171: S Malachi Moore
After using five of their first six picks on offense, the Patriots shift to defense. The Alabama product doesn’t have elite size but is versatile in the defensive backfield. He can cover in the slot, play the middle of the field and showcases range despite having average top-end speed.

Round 7, No. 220: DT Cam Horsley
The defensive tackle position is one of the deepest in the class, but New England focused on offense with Milton Williams, Christian Barmore and Keion White anchoring the defensive front. Horsley has been known to play with violence, which Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams are looking for. The Boston College product has a good combination of power and athleticism, but is available in the seventh because he need work against the run.

Round 7, No. 238: LB Jay Higgins
A first team All-American and Big 10 Linebacker of Year, Higgins is a tackling machine (295 combine last two seasons). However, he has noticeable physical limitations due to his size (6-foot, 224 pounds) and length (31-inch arms). Vrabel and company throw a dart on a surefire tackler who holds his own in coverage (four interceptions in 2024).

How do you feel about this Patriots mock draft? Leave a comment below or on NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” YouTube page.