Fourth round, 135th overall: CB Riley Moss, Iowa
The Patriots value experience and proven production when drafting DBs, and Moss checks both of those boxes. He started 38 collegiate games, played in 54, defended 37 passes, grabbed 11 interceptions and returned three for touchdowns. He also boasts elite quickness (6.60-second three-cone drill) and extensive special teams experience and was a team captain and respected tone-setter for the Hawkeyes. And at 6 feet, 193 pounds, he’d add a bit of much-needed size to the Patriots’ shorter cornerback group.
Sixth round, 187th overall: P Adam Korsak, Rutgers
That’s now five Korsak picks in five mock drafts. He just makes too much sense for the Patriots.
Sixth round, 192nd overall: RB Evan Hull, Northwestern
The Patriots could use a receiving-focused back to complement Rhamondre Stevenson, and Hull caught 88 passes for more than 800 yards over the last two seasons. He also had just shy of 2,000 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns during that span and showed good speed, quickness and explosiveness in his combine testing. Scouting reports also laud Hull’s work ethic, with The Athletic’s Dane Brugler writing that Northwestern’s coaches “had to force him to sleep more.”
Sixth round, 210th overall: OL T.J. Bass, Oregon
With Adrian Klemm taking over as the Patriots’ offensive line coach, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him import one or two of the players he worked with last season at Oregon. Bass started 13 games at left guard and 21 at left tackle for the Ducks, and though he played the latter during Klemm’s tenure, he projects as an interior lineman at the NFL level.
Seventh round, 245th overall: DT Scott Matlock, Boise State
Matlock played for the Patriots’ coaching staff at the East-West Shrine Bowl and visited New England last week. A three-year starter at Boise State, he had seven sacks in 2021 (though just two last season). He also blocked three kicks in his college career and caught two short-yardage touchdown passes. Matlock wasn’t invited to the combine but had a strong showing at his pro day, pumping out 29 bench press reps and running the 40-yard dash in 4.81 seconds at 6-foot-4, 296 pounds.
