3 Most Likely Patriots Draft Targets With the 14th Overall Pick

The New England Patriots have lost in the Wild Card Round twice and completely missed the NFL Playoffs twice in the four seasons since they won Super Bowl 53. It's clear that a small rebuild is taking place as a roster full of veteran pros is getting youth added into the mix during each offseason.

Not only can the Patriots add through free agency given their positive cap space situation, but they can also add via the NFL Draft. Head coach Bill Belichick has built a reputation for finding underrated prospects. Here's a look at three of the most likely targets for New England with the 14th overall pick.

New England Patriots 2023 NFL Draft

1. Broderick Jones, OT (Georgia)

The Patriots have an obvious need at the tackle position. Trent Brown was inconsistent as a starter throughout the 2022 season and Isaiah Wynn is set to enter free agency. This pick could end up being Peter Skoronski, but he is likely to be a top-10 selection. That leaves New England with Broderick Jones instead, who started at left tackle for a Georgia program that won back-to-back national titles. That kind of experience will be crucial for his adjustment to the NFL. The 21-year-old has been praised for his ability to get to the second level in during rushing plays with elite speed. Jones is a much better run-blocker than he is a pass-blocker, but that can be changed under a stellar coaching staff like New England's.

2. Jordan Addison, WR (USC)

Addressing the offensive line this offseason will be crucial for the Patriots, but it's something that can be done through a strong free-agent class. This year's class is not strong at wide receiver, however. New England has zero weapons for quarterback Mac Jones right now as both Jakobi Meyers and Nelson Agholor are set to be free agents. Drafting Jordan Addison would provide the offense with a day-one star. The USC product racked up 3,134 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns on 219 receptions (14.3-yard average) in three college seasons. His consistency and crisp route-running skills set him apart from other pass-catchers in this draft. It's been a while since the Patriots had a true difference-maker at WR, so it's time they went out and got one.

3. Devon Witherspoon, CB (Illinois)

Devon Witherspoon may not get the name recognition that cornerbacks like Kelee Ringo and Joey Porter Jr. do, as he played on an average Illinois squad this past season. However, he has the tools to be the best CB to come out of this draft and has the stats to back up the hype. Witherspoon was targeted 63 times and allowed only 22 completions for 206 yards in 2022. He also racked up 14 pass breakups and 3 interceptions while not giving up a single touchdown in coverage. Witherspoon has experience playing in the slot and along the outside, which should come in handy on a Patriots defense that thrives because of its versatility. Watch out for the Fighting Illini standout.

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.