The Patriots’ future depends heavily on their 12 picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. What is the best way for them to maximize each selection on Thursday?
The New England Patriots have a plethora of picks in the 2020 draft. However, with only one late pick in the first round and no picks at all in the second round, the margin for error is very slim with their three picks in Round 3.
Having not drafted a Pro Bowler since Jamie Collins in 2013, the Patriots’ recent draft record has lacked star-studded talent. In 2019, New England drafted wide receiver N’Keal Harry in the first round, cornerback Joejuan Williams in the second round, and edge rusher Chase Winovich in the third round. All three of New England’s top picks in the 2019 draft got their taste of NFL action last season and all three are slated to contribute at a high level in 2020.
Something the Patriots have done very well in the past is selecting good talent in the later rounds with the potential to grow. In 2019, the Patriots drafted potential starter quarterback Jarrett Stidham, young star tackle Yodny Cajuste, phenom punter Jake Bailey, and defensive lineman Byron Cowart. All of them are slated to have a major impact on the new era Patriots.
Patriots’ Picks:
The Patriots have a league-high four compensatory picks in 2020.
- Round 1, No. 23 overall
- Round 3, No. 87 overall
- Round 3, No. 98 overall
- Round 3, No. 100 overall
- Round 4, No. 125 overall
- Round 4, No. 139 overall (from Buccaneers for Rob Gronkowski)
- Round 5, No. 172 overall
- Round 6, No. 195 overall
- Round 6, No. 204 overall
- Round 6, No. 212 overall
- Round 6, No. 213 overall
- Round 7, No. 230 overall
Team’s Needs:
- Edge rusher
- Wide receiver
- Linebacker
- Tight end
- Quarterback
- Offensive tackle
- Interior offensive lineman
- Defensive lineman
- Safety
- Kicker
Patriots’ Dream Draft:
Round 1, No. 23: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Round 3, No. 87: K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Round 3, No. 98: Jabri Zuniga, EDGE, Florida
Round 3, No. 100: Nick Harris, IOL, Washington
Round 4, No. 125: Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Round 4, No. 139 (from Bucs): Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Round 5, No. 173: Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
Round 6, No. 196: Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia
Round 6, No. 205: Shyhiem Carter, S, Alabama
Round 6, No. 212: Jake Hanson, C, Oregon
Round 6, No. 213: Joe Reed, WR, Virginia
Round 7, No. 230: Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan
Patriots’ Most-Realistic Mock Draft:
Round 1, No. 23: A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Round 3, No. 87: Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Round 3, No. 98: Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Round 3, No. 100: Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn
Round 4, No. 125: Antonio Gandy-Goldman, WR, Liberty
Round 4, No. 139 (from Bucs): Rashaad Lawrence, DL, LSU
Round 5, No. 173: James Morgan, QB, Florida International
Round 6, No. 196: J.R. Reed, S, Georgia
Round 6, No. 205: Javelin Guidry, CB, Utah
Round 6, No. 212: Joseph Bass, K, Georgia Southern
Round 6, No. 213: James Proche, WR, SMU
Round 7, No. 230: Cameron Clark, IOL, Charlotte
Recap
Looking at the talent pool in the upcoming draft, the Patriots have an opportunity to make a major impact on their future. A lot of young players selected in this year’s draft have the opportunity to make an impact immediately, something many players haven’t had the chance to do in New England in a very long time.
