Patriots: Exec gives superlatives for five draft picks
The New England Patriots showed again in the 2023 NFL Draft how much they value experience in college all-star games. The Patriots selected five players from the Senior Bowl — defensive lineman Keion White, linebacker Marte Mapu, center Jake Andrews, kicker Chad Ryland and punter Bryce Baringer — two from the East-West Shrine Game — […]
The New England Patriots showed again in the 2023 NFL Draft how much they value experience in college all-star games.
The Patriots selected five players from the Senior Bowl — defensive lineman Keion White, linebacker Marte Mapu, center Jake Andrews, kicker Chad Ryland and punter Bryce Baringer — two from the East-West Shrine Game — guard Atonio Mafi and wide receiver Demario Douglas — and another three from the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl — offensive lineman Sidy Sow and cornerbacks Ameer Speed and Isaiah Bolden. New England served as one of the coaching staffs for the Shrine Game. Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington was also a defensive coordinator of one of the Senior Bowl rosters.
Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy gave a brief scouting report on each player New England selected who participated in his event.
Here’s what he had to say about White, Mapu, Andrews, Ryland and Baringer:
DE White- Versatile jumbo OLB/DE & pound-for-pound one of top athletes in draft
LB/SS Mapu- Rapid riser w/ unique blend of length, explosion, & hybrid skills
OL Andrews- Tough-ass ex-wrestler is heir apparent at OC spot
PK Ryland- Big-legged Eastern Michigan transfer with 55-60 range has proven himself in bad weather his first four years in Ypsilanti, Mich.
PT Baringer- Former walk-on turned top punter in 2023 class also has extensive inclement weather experience coming from East Lansing
The only players New England selected who weren’t in a college all-star game — cornerback Christian Gonzalez and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte — weren’t eligible because they declared for the draft after just three years of college.
Reporters will get their first look at the Patriots' 2023 draft class at organized team activities next week. The 12-man class could make a major impact in Year 1.
Featured image via Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
