Analysis
4/29/23
5 min read
New England Patriots 2023 NFL Draft Grades: Christian Gonzalez an A+
The 2023 NFL Draft is complete and the New England Patriots made a total of 12 picks after several moves added to their draft capital.
The Patriots, who were edged out of a wild-card berth in 2022, used their first three picks on defense, three more on the interior offensive line and added two specialists on Day 3.
The 33rd Team Scouting Dept. graded every pick in this year's draft, and here's how the Patriots fared:
New England Patriots 2023 NFL Draft Grades
17. Christian Gonzalez, CB Oregon
*From Pittsburgh
New England traded back, accumulated an extra pick, and to their surprise, Christian Gonzalez (scouting report) was still on the board at No. 17. He was the No. 1 corner on our board. He has top-end size, length and athleticism. He is explosive and silky smooth. His main drawback, while he has the size, he wasn't always dominant at the catch point.
Grade: A+
46. Keion White, Edge, Georgia Tech
Keion White (scouting report) is a big man with good strength and power. He needs to get more of a plan as a pass rusher but he has been able to make up for that so far with his speed and athleticism. With time and coaching, he could develop into a good player for the Patriots.
Grade: B-
76. Marte Mapu, LB, Sacramento State
*From Carolina
This is a total Patriots pick. Marte Mapu (scouting report) was a conference player of the year in the Big Sky. He played a hybrid LB/DB spot for Sacramento State, and he lined up and impressed as an off-ball linebacker at the Senior Bowl. He was not invited to the combine and he tore his pec preparing for his pro day. He may lack the speed to play safety in the NFL. He could be a solid special teams player.
Grade: C-
107. Jake Andrews, C, Troy
*From Rams
This is a future replacement for center David Andrews. Jake Andrews (scouting report) is a smart and instinctive player who loves to finish and has tons of toughness.
Grade: B
112. Chad Ryland, K, Maryland
The second kicker to go in the draft, Chad Ryland (scouting report) made 60 percent of 50+ yard field goals in his career. Incumbent Nick Folk is 38 years old.
Grade: C
117. Sidy Sow, G, Eastern Michigan
Sidy Sow (scouting report) is a solid athlete who can move his feet and bend. He has good length but needs to get stronger and put on some weight. He will provide some depth for the Patriots on the offensive line.
Grade: C-
144. Antonio Mafi, G, UCLA
*From Las Vegas
New England continues to address the offensive line position, Antonio Mafi (scouting report) is the third interior player picked. He was a non-combine player that multiple teams had in for visits.
Grade: C
187. Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
*From Carolina
Kayshon Boutte (scouting report) is a talent player due to what he does with the ball in his hands and his impressive instincts. He is a playmaker and can create yards after the catch. However, inconsistent play, poor testing numbers and character concerns caused him to fall. This is great value for New England in the sixth round.
Grade: A-
192. Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State
Bryce Baringer (scouting report) was the best punter in the draft. He has a big leg and led the nation in yards per punt last year. The Patriots infused some youth into their special teams room by taking a kicker and a punter in this draft.
Grade: B-
210. Demario Douglas, WR, Liberty
*Compensatory pick
New England grabs a speedy playmaker in Demario Douglas (scouting report) who's known to be lethal at returner with two punt returns for touchdowns while in college.
Grade: C+
214. Ameer Speed, DB, Michigan State
*From Las Vegas
Ameer Speed (scouting report) has a great combination of size and speed. He ran a 4.34 at his pro day with 32 5/8 inch arms and measured at taller than 6-foot-3. He spent his first five years at Georgia before transferring to Michigan State. He lacked ball production but the Patriots take a flier on a height/weight/speed prospect.
Grade: C
245. Isaiah Bolden, CB, Jackson State
*From Buffalo through Atlanta
New England scooped up a long press corner with size and speed in Isaiah Bolden (scouting report). He adds an element at returner, averaging 36.9 yards/return and two touchdowns in 2021.
Grade: B
