New England Patriots Add Defensive Depth in Latest 2017 Mock Draft

Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) works out prior to the game against the North Texas Mean Green at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) works out prior to the game against the North Texas Mean Green at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Oct 22, 2016; Reno, NV, USA; Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws a touchdown pass to running back Brian Hill (5) in the first quarter of their NCAA football game with the Nevada Wolf Pack at MacKay Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4. 131st Pick: RB Brian Hill, Wyoming

The Patriots believe they’ve found a diamond in the rough with Rex Burkhead, but they still need their big back. Wyoming’s Brian Hill could be the perfect player for New England.

At 6’1″, 219lbs Hill has the size the Patriots look for in a running back. He knows how to hold onto the ball, which we all know is crucial when playing for Bill Belichick. Hill fumbled just six times with Wyoming on 817 career carries.

Hill has also proven that he can be a tremendous pass catcher. As a freshman, he became just the fifth player in FBS history to record 200 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in the same game.

As a junior this past season, Hill had 349 carries for 1,860 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Mountain West is not the strongest NCAA conference, so Hill will need to adapt to the NFL game. He will have the chance to do so sitting behind Burkhead, James White and Dion Lewis.

Previous Mock Draft: WR Damore’ea Stringfellow, Ole Miss