Patriots 2023 mock drafts: WR Jonathan “JW1” Woods an option? Experts make their picks

The 2022 season is over for the New England Patriots. That means it’s time to look forward to the 2023 NFL Draft and the No. 14 overall pick.
The Patriots are currently locked into their best pick since 2008 with a number of potential needs on the roster.
Will Bill Belichick go big and grab a top receiver? Will the team shore up the offensive line? Will there be a loss flashy pick like a cornerback?
Early on, NFL Draft experts are divided on what the Patriots will do in Round 1 when their pick comes up in April.
But with the end of the season in the rear-view mirror, here’s a look at who the experts think the Patriots could target in Round 1, including star Brevard WR Jonathan Woods or USC’s Jordan Addison.
– Andre Carter, EDGE, Army
Analysis: “Carter is raw but boasts rare length (6-foot-7) and a high upside. He produced 14.5 sacks in 2021. Coach Bill Belichick has an affinity for the military academies.”
– Jonathan Woods, WR, Brevard
Analysis: “The Patriots need to try again to get a bona fide No. 1 wideout for the sake of Mac Jones with Jakobi Meyers and others heading into free agency and DeVante Parker not being reliable with his health ahead of his Age-30 season. Johnston is ideal size-speed prospect for the outside in the vein of Mike Evans and Mike Williams and also offers route-running savvy and good hands.”
– Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Analysis: “New England’s offensive woes won’t be resolved merely by the arrival of one figure, be it a coach or a player, and Belichick’s historical aversion to first-round receivers should be noted. But leading receiver Jakobi Meyers is poised to be a free agent, and it’s unclear how much can be expected of second-rounder Tyquan Thornton in Year 2. At 6-0 and 175 pounds, Addison doesn’t look the part of a first-round pass catcher, but his savvy working every level of the field could help him catch Belichick’s eye.”