Patriots Address Top Priority In First Daniel Jeremiah NFL Mock Draft

The New England Patriots had high expectations from the 2022 NFL season, but things didn’t work too well for the team. Head coach Bill Belichick has plenty of time to find strong offensive tackle, linebacker, and receiver. The Patriots have to improve at these positions, otherwise they will lose another season. There’s more. Belichick needs a strong defensive back. This could be a top priority for the team and the Patriots have to address their need in the 2023 NFL Draft. According to Daniel Jeremiah’s most recent mock draft, the Patriots will use their 14th overall pick to address their need.

Jonathan Jones enters free agency this spring. The Patriots still need to find another cornerback. Marcus Jones and Jack Jones have yet to unleash their full potential and meet expectations. Jonathan Jones is a good cornerback, but Belichick needs elite player who can fill a big hole on the Patriots roster. Myles Bryant is a good player, but Jalen Mills struggles to stay on the field. Jabrill Peppers will become a free agent this offseason. The Patriots can also lose Devin McCourty as most NFL analysts predicted his retirement.

Patriots to get an aggressive player in the mock draft

Jeremiah has a few good reasons to believe that Brian Branch will help the Patriots address two needs. The versatile Alabama defensive back can play both safety and corner. Belichick likes versatile players and Branch could be the solution to his problems. Try not to ignore the Alabama connection, too. So, yes, getting Branch makes sense in so many ways.

“Branch is one of my favorite players in this draft class,” Jeremiah wrote. “He’s an outstanding nickel defender with the versatility to move around the secondary.”

Branch measures at 6 feet and 195 pounds. In his junior season, Branch had 90 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. His game is aggressive and smart. Let’s see if the Patriots find a way to get him in the draft. That would be a big opportunity for the talented player. Belichick shouldn’t miss his shot this time.