Way-too-early New England Patriots NFL Draft preview

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29 in Kansas City. Here is the projected first-round order, per Tankathon.

2022 record: 8-9 | First-round pick: No. 14 | Team needs: Offensive line, WR, LB, safety

Snapshot: The Patriots missed the playoffs for the second time in the three years since QB Tom Brady’s departure. New England must add to its offense to keep up with the high-powered attacks of division rivals Miami and Buffalo.

Potential first-round picks: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia; Jaxson Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State; Jordan Addison, WR, USC

New England selected guard Cole Strange in the 2022 first round and should continue strengthening its offensive line. This season, New England allowed 41 sacks compared to 28 in 2021, so change is needed. 

LT Trent Brown isn’t the player he once was, and former first-rounder Isaiah Wynn, a bust, will likely walk in free agency. Georgia’s Jones, Mel Kiper’s third-ranked OT prospect, appears as the most realistic target for New England. He didn't allow a sack this season.  

WRs Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor are set to hit free agency. New England will likely pursue a Meyers reunion, but the offense still lacks a true No. 1 receiving option.

Smith-Njigba brings injury risk, but if he can return to his sophomore form (1,606 yards, nine TDs), he could be the steal of the draft. Southern Cal's Addison, the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner at Pitt, is a solid route runner and a legit deep threat, but his 6-foot, 175-pound frame draws concerns.

On defense, New England must add at LB, but there aren’t many highly touted prospects worth the 14th pick.

Could the Patriots trade back for Clemson LB Trenton Simpson or perhaps a safety? Longtime safety Devin McCourty might retire, so the position must be addressed at some point.