We made it.
Draft day has arrived.
Here is the Herald’s final seven-round Patriots mock draft:
1st round
No. 14: EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson
Ht/Wt: 6-4, 268
It wouldn’t be a Bill Belichick draft without a curveball, right? But stay with us.
Murphy is a freak athlete packed within the exact body type the Patriots covet for their edge defenders. He’s explosive, plays with high effort and can anchor versus the run. He recorded 17.5 sacks and six forced fumbles over three years at Clemson, where he played all across the defensive line, another plus in New England.
The Patriots interviewed him at the combine, his Pro Day and invited him to Foxboro for a top-30 visit. At minimum, Murphy has met with director of player personnel Matt Groh, director of college scouting Camren Williams, multiple scouts, defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington and, most likely, Belichick.
Based on current projections, the Patriots could nab Murphy at 14th or if they trade back. He would immediately amplify a potent pass rush package featuring Matt Judon, Josh Uche and Christian Barmore. And with Uche in a contract year and Judon entering the final year of his deal in 2024, he could replace either of them as a full-time starter in the near future.
2nd round
No. 46: OL Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 302
Another small-school O-lineman.
Mauch is a multi-year starter at left tackle known for his toughness, leadership and versatility. He played four positions at the Senior Bowl, where he crushed FBS competition. If the Pats don’t mind his slightly shorter arms, he could start at either tackle spot or at guard.
Mauch is the exact type of prospect with the want-to and smarts that fits their timeline after signing Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson in free agency with Trent Brown in a contract year. Mauch also took a top-30 visit to Foxboro.
3rd round
No. 76: DB Jartavius “Quan” Martin, Illinois
Ht/Wt: 5-11, 194
Could this be Devin McCourty’s long-term replacement?
Martin has the speed, fluidity, tackling skills and instincts to play as a deep safety in single-high coverage. At Illinois, he played all over the secondary for the nation’s top-ranked scoring defense. Martin also nabbed three interceptions and 14 pass breakups as a senior captain. Considering his versatility, ball skills and reputed high character, Martin will have to be a consideration for the Pats on Day 2.
4th round
No. 107: TE Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 251
The Michigan pipeline continues!
Schoonmaker’s receiving production was poor in college, but that hasn’t stopped the Patriots from gambling on traits prospects in the past at tight end. During the NFL combine, Schoonmaker proved he’s one of best athletes in the class at his position with top marks in the 3-cone drill, broad jump and short shuttle. Some have compared him to Bills tight end Dawson Knox, who entered the league as a receiving tight end while Schoonmaker is one of the few proven blockers in this class.
No. 117: S/LB Marte Mapu, Sacramento State
Ht/Wt: 6-3, 221
Another curveball here from Belichick, Mapu is a sixth-year senior who played a hybrid nickelback/linebacker role in college. He’s an instinctive player who’s explosive in his movements and hits ball carriers with an out-sized violence for his size. Mapu doesn’t have an exact fit in the Patriots defense, but should attract Belichick with his quick play diagnosis, movement skills and hard-nosed run defense.
Mapu also took a top-30 visit with the Patriots
No. 135: CB Mekhi Blackmon, USC
Ht/Wt: 5-11, 178
Blackmon registered three interceptions and 15 pass breakups last year during an All-American campaign. He’s a sticky man-to-man corner with plus ball skills Blackmon can get a little grabby down field, and he’s a little light, but that didn’t bother the Patriots when they took Jack Jones in the fourth last year.
As an experienced corner who should be a seamless fit in their system, they add Blackmon here with the hope he can step in as their third outside corner as a rookie.
The 10 NFL Draft prospects who best fit the Patriots after the 1st round
6th round
No. 184: TE Payne Durham, Purdue
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 253
Another strong run-blocking tight end, Durham is a solid, unspectacular prospect who should carve out a long career in the NFL. He surprised at the Senior Bowl with his route-running, which masked his subpar 4.8 speed. With two pass-catching tight ends already on the roster - Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki - Durham's game balances the position out and gives the Pats a little more oomph on running plays and another red-zone target.
Durham scored eight touchdowns last season.
No. 187: WR Demario Douglas, Liberty
Ht/Wt: 5-8, 179
The Patriots coached Douglas at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he lived up to his billing as a diminutive slot with big-play ability. Douglas boasts both excellent long speed (4.4) and acceleration, traits the Pats' receiving need more of. Concerns about facing a watered-down level of competition should be assuaged by his tape against Arkansas and Wake Forest, who found out last season Douglas is a legitimate future pro that can get behind the defense in a hurry.
No. 192: OL Atonio Mafi, UCLA
Ht/Wt: 6-2, 329
Mafi is an absolute mauler. He's a converted defensive tackle who played both left and right guard last year under UCLA head coach and Belichick confidant Chip Kelly. The Patriots are familiar with his game from the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he was voted a team captain at the end of the week. If they can refine his pass protection, he will be a Day 3 steal.
No. 210: CB Isaiah Bolden, Jackson State
Ht/Wt: 6-2, 201
Another prospect the Patriots welcomed on a top-30 visit, Bolden is a projected undrafted free agent they grab here to head off any competition. Bolden was a one-year starter at the FCS level, but he has 4.3 speed, elite return skills and traits few other corners in this draft can boast. The Pats bet on themselves and their history of developing overlooked corners to get the most out of Bolden.
7th round
No. 245: P Adam Korsak, Rutgers
Ht/Wt: 6-2, 185
The Patriots need someone to compete with young journeyman Corliss Waitman, their only punter on the roster. Korsak is the pick, as one of the most consistent and talented punters in the draft.
