For the New England Patriots, the 2023 NFL draft doesn’t just represent a chance to rebuild parts of the team, but it’s also an opportunity to improve the current roster dramatically, assuming they pick the right talent.
It’s crucial that coach Bill Belichick knocks it out of the park with the first and second-round draft picks.
Sure, it would be great if he could find a steal or two like he did with cornerbacks Marcus Jones and Jack Jones in last year’s draft, but it’ll be key for the team to hit on their premium picks.
They have a multitude of different needs, and this draft is deeper in some areas, like tight end, and less so in others, like wide receiver. For example, if the Patriots fail to grab one of the top receivers in the first round, things could be noticeably less appealing at the position by the time they come up on the board again at No. 46.
Yet, there’s always the possibility players fall later than expected and present new opportunities for the team, but there’s no way of knowing how something like that will unfold until actual names start getting taken off the draft board.
Today, we’re taking a look at every player drafted with the No. 46 pick over the last 20 years.
2022: DE Josh Paschal, Detroit Lions
2021: OT Jackson Carman, Cincinnati Bengals
2020: WR K. J. Hamler, Denver Broncos
2019: CB Greedy Williams, Cleveland Browns
2018: DE Breeland Speaks, Kansas City Chiefs
2017: CB Quincy Wilson, Indianapolis Colts
2016: DT A'Shawn Robinson, Detroit Lions
2015: S Jaquiski Tartt, San Francisco 49ers
2014: DE Stephon Tuitt, Pittsburgh Steelers
2013: LB Kiko Alonso, Buffalo Bills
2012: LB Mychal Kendricks, Philadelphia Eagles
2011: OT Orlando Franklin, Denver Broncos
2010: DT Linval Joseph, New York Giants
2009: DE Connor Barwin, Houston Texans
2008: WR Jerome Simpson, Cincinnati Bengals
2007: DE LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh Steelers
2006: TE Joe Klopfenstein, St. Louis Rams
2005: DE Matt Roth, Miami Dolphins
2004: OG Justin Smiley, San Francisco 49ers
2003: CB Drayton Florence, San Diego Chargers
2002: WR Tim Carter, New York Giants
