The Patriots were lauded by experts following Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft, not only because of the team’s eventual pick, but also the impact it appeared to have on an AFC East rival.
Entering the start of the draft, Bill Belichick and Patriots management mulled over what to do with the 14th overall pick. The Jets, suddenly appearing to be a team on the rise following the formal completion of the trade with the Packers to acquire quarterback Aaron Rodgers, held the 15th pick (having swapped first-round choices with Green Bay as part of the deal).