Patriots have given fans some reason for optimism
Time will tell just how successful the 2023 New England Patriots draft was. We know some picks, like 17th overall pick Christian Gonzalez, were heralded as home runs right away. And some, like trading up for a kicker in the fourth round, were questioned immediately. However, most grades were positive overall, and one prominent sports publication went so far as to put two Pats rookies on their overall best draft picks team.
The Athletic published their “All-Draft Pick Team” for 2023, which represents great finds and value selection and not just a first-round Pro Bowl team. Surprisingly the list did not include Gonzalez, but did have third-round LB/S Marte Mapu and fourth-round OL Sidy Sow. Each comes to the NFL with a reputation for being powerful, hard-hitting players who carry coveted positional flexibility and could each have immediate impact on their respective side of the ball.
Sow played mostly guard at Eastern Michigan but also spent a season at tackle. A report by SI’s Albert Breer earlier this month said the Pats were planning on giving Sow a tryout at tackle in the pros. Right now they have veteran Trent Brown at left tackle and then a cavalcade of vets and backups competing for the right tackle and swing tackle spots. If he can hold his own early at tackle and showcase guard depth as well, then he’ll fit in nicely along coach Adrian Klemm’s line.
Mapu, from Sacramento State, received high grades from most draft experts after being selected in the third round, including NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who called him one of his favorite players in the draft. While he could see time at safety, where the Pats already have thumpers in Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips and Julius Peppers, the thinking is he could play more at linebacker, where the modern hybrid backer role is becoming more of a fast-moving, oversized safety. If his athletic talent and knack for delivering the big hit translates to the pro level then he could represent an absolute steal.
Athleticism and toughness seemed the priorities of the 2023 draft class for the Patriots, and these two players, among the 12 selected overall (not to mention the three undrafted free agents) may just have a chance to showcase their talents and make an early impact on the team.
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