The New England Patriots have made several trades that have changed their draft picks for 2017. This is an updated mock draft for the picks they have as of March 12th.
The New England Patriots have traded for TE Dwayne Allen, WR Brandin Cooks, and DE Kony Ealy early in the offseason. All of those trades involved 2017 NFL Draft selections, so surely things have been shaken, up.
As it stands now, the Patriots do not have a first or second round selection. Their first pick will come in the third round, 72nd overall.
New England still has a total of seven picks in the draft and they will still have the opportunity to add depth or take on a project player. Of course, the Patriots may not be done dealing. They routinely make draft day trades, and the Cleveland Browns seem to still be in on QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
A Garoppolo trade would likely see New England earn back some first and second rounders.
For now, though, we will focus on the seven picks the Patriots do have.
Round 3, Pick 72: Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson
The Patriots are loaded on the offense with the additions of Brandin Cooks and Dwayne Allen. They’ve yet to re-sign LeGarrette Blount or another running back, though.
The team has addressed some of their defensive needs through trades and free agency also, so they can afford to make an offensive pick with their first selection.
Wayne Gallman is a big back at 6′ 215lbs, and he could create a new backfield trio with Dion Lewis and James White. He’s a hardnosed runner and one AFC East scout has said they love his style.
"“A lot of backs do some pretty things with their footwork and it gets people excited and then you find out they aren’t tough enough. Give me a guy who can bang like Gallman and let the coaches put him in a position to succeed.”"
Gallman is a one-cut, downhill runner. He’d be the perfect addition to New England’s running back committee. He added 28 touchdowns over the last two seasons for the Clemson Tigers.
Gallman is certainly not a finesse running back, but that’s not what the Patriots would ask him to do. Lewis and White are the finesse backs in a Tom Brady led offense.
Wayne Gallman has potential as a future starter in the NFL, but for now, he’d do best in a committee role. Few teams other than New England have the right fit for him. If Gallman falls to the third round, the Patriots should pounce. Don’t be surprised to see Gallman instead of Blount in 2017.
Round 3, Pick 96: Ryan Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Ryan Anderson ran a 4.79 40 at the NFL Combine, which was good but not great when ranked against the other linebackers in the draft. He believes he can make it in the NFL, even if the combine was not his brightest moment.
"At the end of the day, man, I’m a football player,” Anderson said. “I’m not into this stuff — this gym-shorts Olympics. I’m not that kind of guy.”"
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit thinks Anderson will be a steal.
Beast!!
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) February 14, 2017
Somebody gonna get a steal in the @NFL draft this spring!! #Warrior https://t.co/ZYRvkJfiIV
Anderson would have the chance to learn from NFL veterans on the defensive line. He may be gone before this pick, but if he falls this is the pick New England should make.
Round 4, Pick 131: Damore’ea Stringfellow, WR, Ole Miss
Damore’ea Stringfellow is more talented than any other fourth rounder. His criminal record is what seems to be holding him down.
Stringfellow pleaded guilty to two counts of fourth-degree assault and one count of third-degree malicious mischief for an altercation that left a woman unconscious while at the University of Washington, before transferring to Ole Miss.
The New England Patriots are set at wide receiver with Cooks, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell and Danny Amendola.
Stringfellow would need to have an extremely strong training camp to find a spot in the WR rotation. He would though be able to learn from great NFL veterans.
Stringfellow could become a top NFL wideout, and New England should take a chance on him. Bill Belichick has proven he can deal with players that have off-field issues.
Round 5, Pick 163: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama
The Patriots can add more defensive line help, from another Alabama Crimson Tide player.
Dalvin Tomlinson is 6’3″, 310lbs defensive tackle. He has overcome ACL tears on both legs, and the death of both parents. Tomlinson was used up the middle and on the edge by Alabama’s Nick Saban. His senior season was his best as he had 62 tackles, 5.5 for a loss, and three sacks.
Tomlinson wins battles with his power and technique but may be overpowered on the inside.
At Alabama Tomlinson was buried on the depth chart until his senior year. He thinks that he made the most of his opportunities, though.
"“When it was my time to play, I made sure I showed up to the plate,” Tomlinson said. “I did my job as effectively as I could.”"
An excellent run stuffer, he has the ability to break out as an NFL pass rusher as well.
Look for New England to continue adding defensive depth.
Round 5, Pick 183: Shaquill Griffin, CB, Central Florida
At 6’1″ cornerback Shaquill Griffin is quick, with a 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine. Griffin is extremely aggressive in both his run and pass coverage.
Griffin could compete for playing time behind the two starters, Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler.
Logan Ryan’s departure leaves a hole for another defensive back to fill. Eric Rowe is likely the #3 corner, but that’s not set in stone.
Griffin improved his draft stock with his NFL Combine performance, but he’s still projected as a fourth or fifth rounder.
Let’s hope the cornerback falls to the New England Patriots.
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Round 6, Pick 200: Weston Steelhammer, SS, Air Force
At the Air Force Academy, Weston Steelhammer had an extremely solid career. He has potential as a backup safety in the NFL, behind Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon.
Fox Sports’ Shawn Spencer says:
"“Steelhammer is a good, physical tackler who punishes the ball carrier with hard hits. He shows very good mental toughness as well, playing with a short memory to bounce back quickly from mistakes.”"
Steelhammer could also contribute as a full-time special teams player, as safety Nate Ebner does.
Round 7, Pick 239: Jerome Lane, WR, Akron
Again, the Patriots are set at WR, but Jerome Lane could be a project and practice squad player. At 6’3″ Lane adds a size at wideout that the New England Patriots lack.
Lane had 1,018 yards and six touchdowns on 62 receptions last season with Akron.
With a 220lbs frame, Lane could also be used as a tight end. He is versatile in the roles he can fill, and those are the types of players Belichick loves.
The New England Patriots are in a great position, even without first or second round picks.
They can add depth that is crucial to a Super Bowl run, as injuries play a role in all seasons. Even those that end up on the practice squad contribute in some way.
Next: These Free Agents Should Sign With New England
The Patriots have proven that they are all in for 2017 with the moves they have made, so expect an active draft and many more trades for New England.