What Patriots Fans Should Know Ahead Of 2023 NFL Draft

KANSAS CITY, MO — It's a big weekend for New England sports.

Depending on the hierarchy of your Boston area fandom, Thursday could either be spent sweating over a Celtics playoff series, celebrating a potential series-clinching win for the Bruins or hoping the Patriots take a difference maker (or person you've heard of) with the 14th pick in the NFL Draft.

The draft, hosted this year in Kansas City, could see the Patriots make as many as 11 picks, including numbers 14 and 46 within the top 50.

Depending on which draftnik you've put the most stock in this offseason, you could have a differing opinion of who the Patriots may pick. It also could come out of left field, much like 2022's first-round selection of offensive lineman Cole Strange.

One certainty is that fans will be watching on Thursday, Friday and, for the sickos, into Saturday.

Here's what you need to know heading into the weekend:

When Is The Draft?

• Round 1, Thursday starting at 8 p.m.
• Rounds 2 and 3, Friday starting at 7 p.m.
• Rounds 4 through 7, Saturday starting at 12 p.m.

How To Watch

According to the NFL, the draft will be shown on NFL Network, ESPN, ABC and ESPN Deportes.

When Do The Patriots Pick?

• Round 1 — 14
• Round 2 — 46
• Round 3 — 76
• Round 4 — 107
• Round 4 — 117
• Round 4 — 135
• Round 6 — 184
• Round 6 — 187
• Round 6 — 192
• Round 6 — 210
• Round 7 — 245

Who Could The Team Pick?

This is all dependent on which mock draft or expert you're reading that second, but the Patriots do have a few defined needs on the roster, as it currently stands.

Even after adding Juju Smith-Schuster, the receiving corps could use some depth and explosiveness. The offensive line could also use some future-proofing, and cornerback could also be an area to address.

In terms of specific players, here are five who a few insiders, beat reporters and experts mocked to the Patriots in round one:

• Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
• Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
• Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
• Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
• Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland