New England Patriots: 2017 Mock Draft and Predections

The New England Patriots currently possess seven picks in the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft. The NFL Combine is approaching, and these guys should be on the Pats’ radar.

The New England Patriots currently hold at least one pick in each of the NFL Draft’s first four rounds. The Patriots will pick 32nd in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rounds. They also received a 4th rounder from Seattle in last years Draft.

New England will likely receive a compensatory 5th round selection for losing Akiem Hicks in free agency last season. Their own 5th round selection was sent to the Cleveland Browns in the Barkevious Mingo deal. The Pats sent their 6th rounder to the Detroit Lions for Kyle Van Noy, but received their original 7th round pick back (previously sent to Detroit in Michael Williams deal). New England also has the Lions 7th round pick thanks to the Jon Bostic trade. That’s a lot to take it, but it is projected that the Patriots will total seven selections.

Of course, the Patriots may make a few more deals leading up to the NFL Draft. Mainly, the team could strike a deal for backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The Browns, 49ers, Texans and Bears may be all in on the young gunslinger. That would be huge, as the Patriots would likely receive a 1st round pick in return. The Browns, 49ers and Bears possess the top 3 picks this season, and those may be out of the question. Cleveland also has the 12th overall pick. Houston has the 25th pick in the 1st round.

If Jimmy G is traded, we will revisit that. For now, let’s focus on the picks the team does have.

Round 1 – Jabrill Peppers, SS, Michigan Wolverines

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) on the field against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

In 2016, Jabrill Peppers played all over the field, on offense and defense for the Michigan Wolverines. He saw time as a linebacker, defensive end, corner back, wide receiver, running back, and quarterback, but Peppers is likely an NFL strong safety and return man. This past season as a junior, Peppers was a Heisman candidate. Over 12 games he had 66 tackles, 3 sacks and 1 interception. Peppers averaged 26 kick return yards and 14.8 punt return yards with a touchdown. Jabrill Peppers will be a project. He will have the chance to develop under Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia, while both Patriots safety spots are occupied. There will be no pressure for Peppers to perform or start on defense to begin his NFL career.

Round 2 – Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson Tigers

College Football Playoff Champion Carlos Watkins can help the Patriots up the middle, as Malcom Brown is still developing. New England lacks DT depth and Watkins, 6′ 3″ 305lbs, can add value to the position. In his Clemson career he tallied 110 tackles, 24.5 of those for a loss. Watkins also broke out for 10.5 sacks in 2016, though he is mainly a run stopper. The Patriots could build up young DT depth with Watkins, Malcom Brown and Vincent Valentine.

Round 3 – Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama Jaguars

Gerald Everett is not a household name. While other tight ends may be available, Everett may possess the most value. The Patriots may lose Martellus Bennett to free agency, but he seems to want to remain in Foxboro. Originally a UAB Dragon, Everett transferred to South Alabama for his final two collegiate seasons. As a senior, he caught 49 passes for 717 yards and 4 touchdowns. He had 8 scores as a junior. Hopefully Everett falls, but he is reportedly the top TE on the New York Giants board.

Round 4 – Damore’ea Stringfellow, WR, Ole Miss Rebels

Danny Amendola /

is not willing to take a pay cut, New England could move on, and Stringfellow would be a nice replacement.

Round 4 – Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming Cowboys

Brian Hill could be a steal. Yes, the Patriots seem to be log jammed with LeGarrette Blount, James White and Dion Lewis, but the team could move on from Brandon Bolden. In his three year Wyoming career, Hill rushed for 4287 yards and 35 touchdowns. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry, and also hauled in 41 receptions.Hill led the NCAA in rushing attempts in 2016. This is a true value pick.

Round 5 – Weston Steelhammer, SS, Air Force Falcons

Weston Steelhammer. WHAT. A. NAME. The Patriots could add one of the best defensive names in football, while also adding another Service Academy member. Steelhammer played for 3 seasons at Air Force as a defensive back. He tallied 227 tackles, 5 sacks and 18 interceptions. His 18 career INTs are #1 in the Mountain West Conference’s history.

Round 7 – Greg Ward Jr., WR, Houston Cougars

Greg Ward Jr. /

will likely shift from QB to WR in the pros. During the 2013 season and parts of 2014, Ward spent time as a receiver and return man. This is another project pick, but the Patriots have had success with position swaps in the NFL.

Round 7 – Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston Cougars

hybrid DE/LB Tyus Bowser spent four seasons at Houston. Bowser totaled 137 tackles, and 22.5 sacks. The former Cougar can add depth to a rebuilding linebacking corps.

Next: Expendable? These Patriots Are

In all likelihood, the New England Patriots will make some trades both before and during the NFL Draft. With the current set of picks however, they have a chance to add truly valuable depth to a Super Bowl contending roster.

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New England Patriots: 2017 Mock Draft and Predictions

By Logan Jakubajtys | Feb 13, 2017