There’s no certainty how the 2023 NFL draft board will turn out, but NFL draft analyst Chad Reuter has two picks in particular that he feels would be the best fits for the New England Patriots.
Reuter has Texas running back Bijan Robinson selected at 14th overall and offensive tackle Anton Harrison selected at 46th overall. Both picks would be intriguing for New England. Robinson was an explosive running back for the Longhorns, carrying the ball 258 times for 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.
He would fill New England’s need for additional running back depth and give them an explosive one at that.
Harrison was a key part of Oklahoma’s offensive line. He started all 12 regular-season games for the Sooners last season and was named to the All-Big 12 first-team by coaches and the Associated Press. The Patriots need tackle depth, and Harrison could be a very good fit. New England’s offensive line gave up 41 sacks on the season, which put them in the middle of the pack in the NFL.
Reuter offered his thoughts on why Robinson and Harrison would be such great fits:
The Patriots allowed Damien Harris to leave in free agency and are now looking for a true dual-threat in the backfield. I’m not sure Robinson will be around when New England goes on the clock, but the Texas product is the real deal in terms of a home run hitter with the ball in his hands. Harrison likely won’t be available at No. 46, but the Pats have traded up in the second round in five straight drafts. They could make it six to land a starting tackle.
New England has many needs they could fill in this draft. The tackle position in particular could be full of diamonds in the rough. There are several good tackle prospects that could fall into the later rounds.
Whatever the case may be, New England needs impact playmakers, and both Robinson and Harrison would fit the bill.
