2023 mock NFL Draft 3.0: Final 11th-hour edition (with trades)
14. player. 814. . Offensive Tackle . Bulldogs . Broderick Jones
On the clock: Pick No. 14: New England Patriots – Devon Witherspoon, Cornerback, Illinois
Mock Draft 1.0: Tyler Steen, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
Mock Draft 2.0: Broderick Jones, Offensive Tackle, Georgia
Part of the reason that quarterback Mac Jones regressed so much in 2022 was absymal offensive line play. Jones is not a mobile quarterback and needs excellent blocking to succeed, so the New England Patriots should consider a tackle here.
Broderick Jones is a more raw prospect than the two tackles ahead of him, but he has all the physical attributes. He’s a freak athlete at the position, running a 4.97 40-yard time at the Combine and possessing excellent power to punish defenders.
This is what makes Broderick Jones a great pass protector 👆 #QB #NFL #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/dyGX6VGCDQ
— Mike Tannenbaum (@RealTannenbaum) April 16, 2023
Jones is a raw talent and only has 19 starts under his belt. His technique isn’t quite at the level it needs to be, so he finds himself relying too much on his athleticism which won’t fly in the NFL. With quick learning, however, he can definitely be a starting tackle sooner rather than later in the NFL.
While not a sure thing, Jones has the sort of upside that teams crave and the Jets might be able to successfully develop this time around.