The New England Patriots didn’t live up to early expectations as they passed on quarterback Lamar Jackson with the No. 23 and No. 31 picks. Instead, the Patriots used their two first-round selections to take Georgia standouts, offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn at No. 23 and running back Sony Michel at No. 31.
Earlier, it was reported that the Patriots were interested in taking Jackson with one of their two first-round picks. There were expectations that the Patriots might move up to take Jackson in the early part of the first round. However, those rumors didn’t come to fruition as the Patriots opted for an offensive lineman and a rusher.
Jackson, for his part, landed with the Baltimore Ravens at No. 31.
The Ravens traded their second-round pick (No. 52), fourth-round pick (No. 125) and their second-round pick in 2019 to the Philadelphia Eagles for Jackson, who is anticipated to emerge as heir-apparent to Joe Flacco. During a media interview after the first round of the Draft, Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio didn’t tackle the team’s decision not to take Jackson. However, Caserio said they looked at a lot of players during their “thorough” process of selection. Wynn and Michel were roommates during their college days at Georgia.
Patriots beef up offensive line with Wynn
In his last season with Georgia, Wynn played left tackle, but he also had stints at left guard.
Wynn’s next position in the NFL will be decided upon by how the Patriots plan to use him in the coming season. Wynn served as blocker for Georgia star rushers Nick Chubb and Michel as the Bulldogs tallied 258.4 running yards per game and 42 rushing yards. The 6-foot-3, 313-pound Wynn was also a team captain with the Bulldogs.
However, Wynn’s arm length – which was last measured at 33.325 inches – is considered long for his frame but short for a left tackle. Wynn underwent surgery to replace a torn labrum after the Senior Bowl, but the status of his recovery is unclear.
Michel could make an immediate contribution
In his last season with Georgia, Michel ran for 1,227 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 156 carries.
He finished his career third on Georgia's all-time rushing list with 3,638 yards to go along with 33 rushing touchdowns and 64 receptions for 621 yards with six touchdowns. In the Rose Bowl, he set a career-high for yards in a game with 181 yards on just 11 carries. Michel also has some injury concerns as he reportedly has a “bone-on-bone” condition in his knee that could shorten his career, per WEEI.com. Michel is also being compared to New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara.
