New England Patriots full 2022 NFL mock draft

The Patriots could use another behemoth defensive tackle to clog up the middle. They already have Christian Barmore, who was the standout on defense last season. They also have Davon Godchaux, but they could build off Matthew Butler out of the fourth round. He’s just under 6’4 and just under 300 lbs.

The big question here is if Butler will even make it to the Patriots here. Football teams love size, and Butler has it. Beyond that, he could probably get even bigger in the NFL. However, he lacks explosiveness, which might cause him fall. That makes it harder for him to break out of blocks, something that only gets harder in the pros.

The Patriots have no need for him to be a star right away, but he can grow into the position under this defensive staff. The Patriots need help now, but they also desperately need depth at almost every position outside of the skill positions. Butler would go a long way in being a backup plan if someone got hurt.

This is not a pick for now — this would be a pick for the future. He can get around blocks when he can avoid engagement. Butler gets low and stays low and he changes the point of attack for everyone on the offensive line. There is plenty for the Patriots to build off of.