New England Patriots Add Defensive Depth in Latest 2017 Mock Draft
Round 6, 200th Pick: DE Joe Mathis, Washington
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The Patriots could add back to back defensive lineman in Washington Huskies product Joe Mathis.
Mathis spent time as a defensive end and as a linebacker at Washington. He’s a tweener. He injured his foot last season and has since had surgery, but when he was playing he was one of the best pass rushers in college football.
Mathis played six games in 2016, and he tallied five sacks along the way.
The Patriots, like many teams, can always use a new pass rusher and Mathis is where they should look for one.
Previous Mock Draft: SS Weston Steelhammer, Air Force
Round 7, 239th Pick: WR Jerome Lane, Akron
I’m sticking with a longshot wideout for the Patriots in the Seventh Round, Akron’s Jerome Lane.
He’s a project and a potential practice squad player. At 6’3″ he adds size that New England lacks on the outside. 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.
Previous Mock Draft: WR Jerome Lane, Akron
With the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots 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: Where Patriots Can Still Improve
The Patriots have plenty of options in the draft, but as of now, this is where they should go. You listening, Bill?