New England Patriots complete 7-round 2023 NFL mock draft

Round 4, 108th overall: Puka Nacua, WR, BYU

The New England Patriots have struggled to properly fill their wide receiver room in recent years and could certainly use an influx of talent at the position. With their first of three selections in the fourth round of this 2023 NFL mock draft, the Pats add an intriguing player at the position in BYU’s Puka Nacua.

At 6-foot-2, 201 pounds, Nacua is a big-bodied receiver who shines in contested-catch situations. The BYU product is a tough and physical competitor who controls his body well in the air and displays tremendous natural ball skills. His deep speed is above average, making him a legitimate deep threat, but his ability to snap off routes and separate is extremely limited. Nacua will win with size and physicality at the next level and could certainly grow into a viable starting X receiver.

Round 4, 118th overall: Jerrod Clark, IDL, Coastal Carolina

Here, the New England Patriots find some beef in Coastal Carolina defensive lineman Jerrod Clark. Clark is a big and powerful man in the middle, standing 6-foot-4 and tipping the scales at 334 pounds. His power at the point of attack is immediate and impactful, consistently pushing opposing blockers back on impact. Clark plugs rushing lanes in the middle of the field with ease and always plays through the whistle.

While his pass rush ability on the inside is limited, there is an impressive combination of athleticism and power that gives this prospect some upside in that department. At worst, Clark is an early-down run defender who is always working hard to make a play.

Round 4, 136th overall: Elias Ricks, CB, Alabama

While Elias Ricks is far from a freak athlete at the cornerback position, this prospect consistently shows tremendous natural instincts on the outside. Ricks consistently displays great ball skills and fantastic instincts in zone coverage. He will struggle against elite speed at times but this is a solid and smart football player who has a chance to make a nice impact at the next level.