Patriots pick UGA’s Wynn, Michel in 1st round
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Just call the New England Patriots the University of Georgia north.
The Patriots used their two first-round picks in the NFL draft to plug a hole on their offensive line and to bolster their depth at running back.
They selected 6-2, 302-pound offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn out of Georgia with the 23rd overall pick on Thursday night. They then chose 5-foot-11, 215-pound Georgia running back Sony Michel 31st overall pick. New England has a total of five selections in the first 95 picks.
They were just some of several needs for the AFC champions following the departure of a handful of starters in free agency.
Wynn started his college career as a guard but shifted to left tackle as a senior, earning second-team AP AllAmerica honors in 2017. But he said he’s open to playing anywhere on the offensive line at the next level.
“It doesn’t matter where the Patriots put me, I’m ready to contribute any way I can,” Wynn said.
Michel was a dual threat for the Bulldogs, rushing for 1,227 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior in 2017. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry and also had a receiving touchdown. He was one of three running backs taken in first round, joining Saquon Barkley (No. 2 to Giants) and Rashaad Penny (No. 27 to Seattle).
Wynn and Michel join a New England roster that already features two Georgia alums — starting center David Andrews and receiver Malcolm Mitchell.
Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said there was no hesitation in selecting a running back in the first round. New England hasn’t used a first-round pick on running back since taking Laurence Maroney with the 21st overall pick in 2006. The Patriots lost running back Dion Lewis to Tennessee in free agency.
“Our thing is pick good football players that have good traits. However they get here, they get here,” Caserio said. “There’s no template of how you put it together.”
Michel does enter the league with some baggage. He has a knee condition that concerned some executives heading into the draft process. He also had 12 career fumbles at Georgia.