Perfect Picks: New England Patriots
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
There has been a significant talent drain from the cornerback spot in New England recently. Having lost Stephon Gilmore last offseason it was time for JC Jackson to get his payday down in Los Angeles. The Patriots’ answer – a familiar name in Malcolm Butler. His 2-year, $9 million deal should not deter them from adding Booth. He is one of the top corners in the draft and if he fell to this spot, it would be a steal.
Round 2 - Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
We go back-to-back secondary picks here for numerous reasons. Firstly, Baylor’s Pitre is ultra versatile. He mostly played in the slot and was used as a blitzer. His speed and tackling ability means he should be able to cope with a move to safety full-time. Kyle Dugger is the future of the position but both Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips are the other side of 30. A pairing of Pitre and Dugger would be exciting.
Mid Round Gem - Neil Farrell Jr, DT, LSU
The SEC is the most competitive conference in college football. So where better to stock your defensive line than the deep south. Current incumbents Christian Barmore and Davon Godchaux hail from Alabama and LSU respectively and Farrell would make it three. He isn’t the most dynamic interior rusher but flashed at Senior Bowl practice. He will certainly occupy offensive lineman and allow Barmore’s pass rush instincts to thrive.
Late Round Sleeper - Cordell Volson, OT, NDSU
The Pats lost guard Ted Karras to the Bengals in free agency and we address the offensive line twice with this mock draft. Both Thayer Munford and Cordell Volson have experience at tackle and on the interior and will provide immediate depth. Volson may have to move inside to survive. He has tackle size at 6’7, 313lbs but lacks some athletic ability. That makes him vulnerable in space. What the Patriots would get is a nasty run blocker who is not content until he has driven defensive linemen into the turf.
Draft In Full:
21. Andrew Booth, Cornerback, Clemson
54. Jalen Pitre, Safety, Baylor
85. Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis
127. Thayer Munford, OG, Ohio State
170. Neil Farrell Jr, DT, LSU
200. Emeka Emezie, WR, NC State
210. Cordell Volson, OT, North Dakota State
