After trading the 135th pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, the New England Patriots were back on the clock at No. 144 in the fifth round to select UCLA guard Atonio Mafi.
This is the third interior offensive linemen the Patriots have taken on Day 3 in a clear effort to get stronger up front.
Injuries were an issue for the Patriots in the 2022 season, and it compromised the health of quarterback Mac Jones, who was consistently getting knocked around in the pocket by opposing defensive players.
Mafi joining the offensive front solidifies the interior depth for the team. It also gives New England another high-motor player capable of working up to the second level.
For the Patriots, the big offensive plays will start up front with Mafi and company.
