The Patriots currently have pick No. 23 in the NFL Draft, which is higher than most years considering typically they are playing deep into January, and usually February.
They could go in a lot of different directions with the pick, and a variety of different players have been selected at No. 23 overall in the past.
Here are the players who have been selected No. 23 overall since 1995.
2019- Tytus Howard, Texans, T, Alabama State2018- Isaiah Wynn, Patriots, OL, Georgia2017- Evan Engram, Giants, TE, Mississippi2016- Laquon Treadwell, Vikings, WR, Mississippi2015- Shane Ray, Broncos, DE, Missouri2014- Dee Ford, Chiefs, DE, Auburn2013- Sharrif Floyd, Vikings, DT, Florida2012- Riley Reiff, Lions, T, Iowa2011- Danny Watkins, Eagles, G, Baylor2010- Bryan Bulaga, Packers, T, Iowa2009- Michael Oher, Ravens, T, Mississippi2008- Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers, RB, Illinois2007- Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs, WR, Louisiana State2006- Davin Joseph, Buccaneers, G, Oklahoma2005- Fabian Washington, Raiders, DB, Nebraska2004- Marcus Tubbs, Seahawks, DT, Texas2003- Willis McGahee, Bills, RB, Miami (Fla.)2002- Napoleon Harris, Raiders, LB, Northwestern2001- Deuce McAllister, Saints, RB, Mississippi2000- Rashard Anderson, Panthers, DB, Jackson State1999- Antoine Winfield, Bills, DB, Ohio State1998- Mo Collins, Raiders, T, Florida1997- Antowain Smith, Bills, RB, Houston1996- Jeff Hartings, Lions, G, Penn State1995- Ty Law, Patriots, DB, Michigan
Clearly, there have been several stars taken at this spot, but also a number of busts as well. Given it is at the bottom third of the first round, there are no guarantees, but it does show if the Patriots make the right selection, it could pay off for years and years to come.
