New England Patriots 3-Round Mock Draft: Building Around Drake Maye

This is an in depth article of a 3 round mock draft for the New England Patriots. These picks are from a mock draft in which I controlled all 32 teams. I drafted according to what I believe are the team’s positional needs, how the prospects fit their scheme, and how the players are valued according to my own big board. Since it is early in the offseason, I did no trades. There will be a separate article published for each NFL team from this same mock draft.

Round 1, Pick 4: ATH Travis Hunter, Colorado

With the fourth overall pick, the Patriots make one of the boldest selections in recent draft history, taking two-way superstar Travis Hunter out of Colorado. Hunter is a ridiculous athlete capable of playing both cornerback and wide receiver at an elite level. Given New England’s dire needs at both positions, the Patriots are betting that Hunter can be a true difference maker on both sides of the ball.

Primarily projected as a cornerback in the NFL, Hunter possesses fluid coverage skills, lightning fast reflexes, and an innate ability to track the football. His ball hawking nature and elite athleticism make him a natural fit for a Patriots defense in desperate need of a true shutdown presence. However, his receiving skills are equally electrifying. He has the body control, hands, and route running ability to be a playmaker in any offense.

Hunter as a prospect comes with risks though. The Patriots must decide how to utilize him without overloading his body and increasing his injury risk. Additionally, questions remain about his ability to consistently dominate against NFL competition, as he didn’t face elite talent at Colorado. But if Hunter lives up to his potential, he could be the most dynamic player in the draft class, capable of reshaping the Patriots’ identity on both offense and defense.

Round 2, Pick 38: WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss

With their second round selection, New England makes another move to revamp its struggling offense by selecting Tre Harris, the highly productive wide receiver out of Ole Miss. Harris has been a model of consistency throughout his college career, recording nearly 1,000 receiving yards and at least seven touchdowns in each of the past three seasons.

Standing at 6’3, Harris brings much needed size and physicality to a Patriots receiving corps that lacks a true go to target. His ability to win contested catches, track deep balls, and his exceptional body control make him a valuable asset particularly in the red zone. Despite not possessing elite top-end speed, Harris separates well due to his awareness, route running, and quickness off the line.

For the Patriots, adding a weapon like Harris is a game changer for Drake Maye. In his rookie season the Patriots truly had no standout weapons for Drake to take advantage of. Bringing in a strong hand receiver like Tre along with Travis should help continue Maye’s development and help turn this team around. Harris would immediately compete to be the WR1 for the Patriots and would be their top option outside for the foreseeable future.

Round 3, Pick 69: OT Anthony Belton, NC State

The Patriots shift their focus to the trenches in the third round. They do this by selecting Anthony Belton, a powerful offensive tackle out of NC State. Belton is a 6’6, 330 pound lineman with impressive length and strength, making him a promising and versatile offensive lineman that can play tackle or slide inside.

One of the biggest standouts at the Senior Bowl, Belton showcased refined fundamentals, quick contact engagement, immense strength, and the ability to hold his own against top tier pass rushers. His quick reaction to blitzes and stunts, along with great footwork for his size make him an ideal developmental tackle. While his hand placement can be inconsistent especially against speed rushers, his upside is undeniable.

With the offensive line depth an ongoing concern, Belton has the potential to earn a starting spot in his rookie year providing much needed protection for Maye. If developed properly, he could be a long term answer at either tackle spot or guard. Belton is extremely comparable to DJ Glaze drafted by the Raiders in the 3rd round last season. Glaze ended up being a homerun selection for Las Vegas, the Patriots would hope to mimic that success. Adding 2 receivers and a potential starter on the offensive line is exactly what the Patriots need to give Maye an opportunity to thrive.

Round 3, Pick 77: EDGE Josiah Stewart, Michigan

The Patriots use their second third round pick to add Josiah Stewart, an explosive pass rusher out of Michigan. After trading Matthew Judon to the Falcons, the Patriots need an edge defender to complement Keion White. Stewart may be undersized at 6’1, 248 pounds, but he plays with relentless energy and elite quickness off the edge.

Stewart’s best trait is his ability to bend and flatten around offensive tackles, making him a nightmare for linemen slower on their feet. He possesses an explosive first step and an advanced pass rush arsenal, using his hands exceptionally well to disengage blockers. His high football IQ and ability to read plays quickly paired with his speed allow him to be a disruptive force and the first man on the ball.

However, his size does create some concerns in the run game. Against bigger offensive tackles, Stewart can struggle to hold his ground. That said, as a rotational pass rusher, he has immense potential to become a dangerous third down specialist. The Patriots could strongly use an immediate contributor as a pass rusher and that is exactly what Stewart provides.