We are just about one week from the 2017 NFL Draft, and the New England Patriots are finalizing their draft board. Here, I take my second-to-last crack at a seven round mock.
The New England Patriots have had one of their most active offseasons in 2017. Now, they approach the NFL Draft with no pick until the third round.
There is a chance that New England adds to their pick total on draft day. In fact, I believe at least two huge trades could be worked out. The first will send the 32nd pick back to the Patriots in exchange for Malcolm Butler. The Saints clearly want Butler, and the Patriots may look to get something in return for a player that could leave after this season.
The next trade the Patriots make could be a blockbuster. The Patriots could end up with Richard Sherman on their roster. To do so, I see a three-way trade between New England, Seattle, and Cleveland.
In this scenario the Seahawks send Sherman to the Patriots, the Patriots send Jimmy Garoppolo to the Browns, and the Browns send the 12th overall pick plus a conditional fourth-round pick to the Seahawks. The Browns will also send the 33rd overall pick to the Patriots.
Now, the Patriots would have the 32nd pick in the first round and the very next pick, the first pick of the second round. I believe Bill Belichick would then look to trade down, perhaps to the 45th overall pick from the Cardinals. Arizona would also include a fourth round pick, the 119th overall pick.
With all those hypothetical trades, let’s see what New England could turn those picks into.
Round 1, 32nd Pick (from New Orleans): DE/OLB Tyus Bowser, Houston
The New England Patriots will address their biggest need if they receive a pick in round one. The Patriots can scoop up a tweener here in Houston’s Tyus Bowser. He is extremely athletic and his one of the quickest bursts when the ball snaps.
Bowser’s 6’3″ frame could use some bulking up as he weighs in at just 247lbs. If New England wants him to play defensive end, they may want to see him at 260-275lbs. Bowser could easily bulk up before the 2017 season begins.
New England will also likely ask Bowser to develop some power moves. He relies heavily on his speed, and in the NFL that may not always cut it.
Round 2, 45th Pick (from Arizona) RB D’Onta Foreman, Texas
Though New England has plenty of running backs, they may still be looking for their big man. Texas’ D’onta Foreman fits the bill. Bill Belichick recently hosted the running back for a private workout. They also met with the Texas product at the NFL Combine. New England clearly has a lot of interest in Foreman.
At 6’0″ 233lbs, Foreman fills a need for the Patriots. New England will be looking for their short distance or goal line situational back. LeGarrette Blount is likely out of the picture thanks to the number of running backs currently on the roster. Foreman could be his replacement for years to come.
The Patriots could feature a running back group of Foreman, Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee, James White, Dion Lewis, and Brandon Bolden.
Round 3, 72nd Pick: TE Jake Butt, Michigan
Dwayne Allen is the new Martellus Bennett behind Rob Gronkowski. However, Allen won’t be around forever, neither will Gronk. The Patriots could look to the future of the tight end position in selecting Michigan’s Jake Butt.
Butt is talented, but raw and will need some work to make it at the NFL level.
New England has the depth to allow Jake Butt to grow and develop behind Allen and Gronk. If needed, I’m confident Butt could contribute as a starter for the Patriots in 2017.
Previous Mock Pick: TE Jake Butt, Michigan
Round 3, 96th Pick: DE DeMarcus Walker, Florida State
Florida State pass rusher DeMarcus Walker has reportedly had a visit with the New England Patriots, and he seems like a good fit.
Walker has slid down on some mock draft boards after his NFL Combine performance.
If still available, New England should snatch DeMarcus Walker. The pass rusher was phenomenal at Florida State. He’d compete with top pick Tyus Bowser for playing time in 2017, and the duo could be tremendous after a few NFL seasons.
Bowser-Walker could become one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL by 2020.
Previous Mock Pick: LB Alex Anzalone, Florida
Round 4, 119th Pick (from Arizona): LB Kendell Beckwith, LSU
The Patriots could scoop up their first pure linebacker of the draft in the fourth round in Kendell Beckwith. He is recovering from an ACL injury, and that is why he may be available this late.
Beckwith is a 6’2″ 243lbs linebacker who earned first-team All-SEC honors as a senior. Before his injury, he was leading the LSU Tigers with 91 tackles.
According to his NFL Draft Profile, Beckwith has the ability to be a solid starter in the league.
"“Productive full-time starter over last two and a half seasons on talented LSU defenses. Has the size and spirit to play for teams expecting physicality from their inside linebacker, but his game comes with some athletic and coverage limitations. Before his injury, he could have come off the board on Day 2, but may see his stock fall into the third day now. He has starter’s ability when healthy.”"
Round 4, 131st Pick: CB Howard Wilson, Houston
In this trade filled scenario, cornerback becomes a lesser need as New England would have Stephon Gilmore and Richard Sherman lining up for them. Still, the team would love to add some depth in the secondary.
Houston’s Howard Wilson could be a fit in New England, though he needs some work. Wilson could compete with Eric Rowe, Cyrus Jones and Justin Coleman for playing time and practice time.
At 6’1″ Wilson is a tall and lengthy corner, giving him a natural ability to defend and break up passes to bigger wide receivers. He also has the speed to keep up with almost anyone on the football field.
New England would aim to have Wilson improve his positioning and footwork, which he could learn from two of the league’s best corners.
Previous Mock Pick: RB Brian Hill, Wyoming
Round 5, 163rd Pick: WR Chris Godwin, Penn State
New England is jam packed with wide receivers. Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola will all make the roster. Malcolm Mitchell will be fighting for a spot, and the Patriots could bring in Chris Godwin from Penn State to compete with him.
Godwin and Mitchell have a similar skill set as they are able to stretch the field and haul in long, deep passes.
A little training camp competition never hurt anyone, and if he plays it right Godwin could find himself on the Patriots opening night roster.
Previous Mock Pick: CB Shaquill Griffin, Central Florida
Round 5, 183rd Pick: OT Conor McDermott, UCLA
Every team drafts an offensive lineman in the NFL Draft. New England could find their newest offensive tackle in the fifth round, in UCLA’s Conor McDermott.
McDermott became the starting left tackle for the Bruins as a redshirt sophomore, and he never gave the position up. He actually began his career as a tight end, proving his versatility which we all know Bill Belichick loves.
The Patriots could allow McDermott to develop into Tom Brady’s blindside protector of the future.
Previous Mock Pick: DE Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama
Round 6, 200th Pick: S Rayshawn Jenkins, Miami
The New England Patriots may look to find a new backup for Patrick Chung or Devin McCourty. Rayshawn Jenkins would bring a feisty competitiveness to training camp in July as he fights for a roster spot.
Jenkins is one of 16 siblings, so he knows hot to fight for what he wants.
He has work to do, but scouts seem to love this guy.
"“He’s not perfect, but come on. He’s big, fast and strong. I mean, if you don’t want that then I don’t know what to say,” an NFC East Coast area scout."
Previous Mock Pick: DE Joe Mathis, Washington
Round 7, 239th Pick: RB James Conner, Pittsburgh
The Patriots final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft will see them add another training camp competition player. James Conner will need to battle against higher pick D’Onta Foreman for playing time and a roster spot, but I just wouldn’t see that happening.
Conner has a great comeback story, but he still has to prove he can be an NFL player.
Still, having Conner in for training camp would not be a waste as New England could really put the heat on al of their other backs.
Previous Mock Pick: WR Jerome Lane, Akron
Next: 2017 Patriots Schedule With TV Information
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