New Patriots NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

After a surprising Super Bowl run, the New England Patriots now face the challenge of building on that success.

They won't benefit from another favorable schedule, and their roster still needs more difference-makers after falling to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

Look for them to be aggressive in moving up or down the board to add talent.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Patriots will do with the No. 31 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (4/15)

Selection (No. 31): Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

The New England Patriots pass rush improved as the season progressed, particularly during the team's run to Super Bowl LX. The options among their edge-rushers remain suspect, though.

In fact, New England finished among the league's bottom seven in sacks during the regular season. Harold Landry III is the only one remaining who managed more than four last season.

Cashius Howell's lack of length and ability to set the edge can be questioned all day long, but his relentlessness to get after opposing quarterbacks can't.

"B/R's player comp for Howell is Landry, who Mike Vrabel drafted during his first season in Tennessee then had signed last year in free agency," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "Meanwhile, the Patriots could use another edge-rusher to replace K'Lavon Chaisson's 10.5 sacks (including playoffs) from their Super Bowl run. The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year will fill that role immediately."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/18)

Selection (No. 31): Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 31): WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 31): DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 31): OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 31): DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selection (No. 31): OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 31): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Summary

Adding another playmaker for Drake Maye will be a priority, but this is an excellent defensive-line class. Vrabel won't hesitate to take a prospect he believes can elevate the Patriots in the trenches. After years of underwhelming draft classes, New England has to prove it can build on last year's success with fewer resources.