Mock draft season is in full swing, and several experts have picked the New England Patriots to take high-profile names for the 14th overall selection. Ex-NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum believes the Patriots will take offensive tackle Darnell Wright out of Tennessee
Wright would be an interesting pick, given that New England does need additional help at the tackle position. Several mock drafts have projected New England selecting corners or wide receivers. However, tackle would make the most sense for the organization given that they lack depth at the position.
The offensive line was a sore spot for the Patriots last season. Wright would add youth to a position that is full of veterans for New England. They most recently signed Riley Reiff, who is 34 years old, to help at tackle.
Tannebaum likes what he sees with Wright, as he wrote in an ESPN piece Tuesday:
I was impressed with Wright’s tape, especially when the 6-5, 333-pounder faced Will Anderson Jr. and neutralized him in Tennessee’s huge win over Alabama. Wright allowed just one sack all season and also excelled during Senior Bowl week. The Patriots allowed a sack on 8.0% of their pass snaps, which was the third-highest mark in the NFL last season.
New England has not been the same on the offensive front, and although it has signed Riley Reiff, he is not a long-term answer. The Pats have to do a better job of protecting Mac Jones, and Wright would help.
What the Patriots do with the 14th pick will be crucial. They have several avenues they can go and many selections to choose from in what is a deep draft at multiple positions.
Here’s to hoping the Patriots use their selection wisely.
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