Updated look at the New England Patriots' 2023 draft picks
2023 represents a very crucial draft for Patriots head coach/GM Bill Belichick
2022 saw the New England Patriots finish with a losing record while missing the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, but the good news is they're in a good spot to avoid repeating both letdowns.
That's because they have over $32 million in cap space and 11 draft picks.
And six of said picks -including four fourth-rounders- are in the top-135 selections.
Granted, the Patriots have to hit on their draft picks and whatever free agents they decide to retain or bring in. As long as they do that, they should be in good shape for the 2023 season.
Here is the current slate of Patriots' draft picks:
- Round 1, Pick 14 overall
- Round 2, Pick 46 overall
- Round 3, Pick 76 overall (from CAR)
- Round 4, Pick 107 overall (from LAR)
- Round 4, Pick 117 overall
- Round 4, Pick 135 overall (compensatory)
- Round 6, Pick 184 overall (from CAR)
- Round 6, Pick 187 overall (from LV)
- Round 6, Pick 192 overall
- Round 6, Pick 210 overall (compensatory)
- Round 7, Pick 258 (compensatory)
Per Over The Cap, Nos. 135, 210, and 258 were given to the Patriots because of the loss of cornerback J.C. Jackson, center Ted Karras, and running back Brandon Bolden.
New England's 76th over pick stems from last year's trade in which the Pats traded the 94th overall pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2022 fourth-rounder and a 2023 third-rounder. The Los Angeles Rams sent their 2023 fourth-rounder, along with a 2022 sixth-rounder, to the Patriots for running back Sony Michel, as well.
Lastly, pick No. 184 is from 2021's trade of Stephon Gilmore to the Panthers and No. 187 is from last year's trade of Jarrett Stidham to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Time will tell as to how everything shakes out, but there's one thing that's certain: The Patriots can certainly make some noise during the 2023 NFL Draft – if they choose to do so, of course.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
