The New England Patriots are limited on draft picks this year after a flurry of moves, but trades can help change all of that in a heartbeat.
When the New England Patriots officially acquired Mike Gillislee this week, they lost another pick. Gillislee had a fifth-round tender on him, so the Patriots will give up the 161st overall pick in the draft.
Now, the Patriots have just six picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, which is the least they’ve had since 2002. If no more moves are made, here are New England’s picks:
- Round 3: 72nd overall
- Round 3: 96th overall
- Round 4: 131st overall
- Round 5: 183rd overall
- Round 6: 200th overall
- Round 7: 239th overall
Of course, trades could still come on Draft Day. I still believe the Patriots should trade Malcolm Butler or Jimmy Garoppolo, or both. Now though, reports indicate that neither player will be on the move. Maybe the “Garoppolo isn’t going anywhere” rhetoric is just a ploy to drive up his price.
If Cleveland selects Myles Garrett 1st overall and doesn’t find a trade partner to move up from their 12th overall selection to choose QB Mitch Trubisky, and he goes off the board, that’s when things happen. In that case, I agree with Jeff Howe that the Browns would jump at the chance for Garoppolo, sending the 12th overall pick, 33rd overall pick, and two future second round picks.
In this mock draft, I’m planning on this Cleveland for Garoppolo trade. It’s believed that they’ll make a last ditch effort for him, and it’s time to pull the trigger in New England. This will add two huge picks for the Patriots, and they can find another backup QB later in undrafted free agency.
Round 1, 12th Pick: DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee
Back in the first round, the New England Patriots will address their pass rush need with arguably the best pass rusher in the draft.
Last season Derek Barnett recorded 12 of his 13 sacks against SEC opponents — the lone non-SEC sack was against Nebraska in the Music City Bowl — while Myles Garrett compiled 4.5 of his 8.5 sacks against Texas-San Antonio according to 247 Sports.
Barnett had a private workout with the Patriots a few weeks ago, and perhaps he’s a reason for them to move Garoppolo.
The defensive end recently penned an article for The Players’ Tribune, with a career objective to “win multiple Super Bowl rings”. There is not a better place to do that than New England.
"“Understand that even though I’ve achieved some noteworthy things and won some individual awards, they are not what drives me. I want to lead a defense. I want to be an important part of a winning team. I want to win a Super Bowl.”"
Barnett sounds like the type of player Bill Belichick would love to have. He’d likely be an immediate starter on the Patriots defensive line alongside Kony Ealy.
The New England Patriots can get even richer if they land Barnett, he’ll wreak havoc on the rest of the AFC East and the NFL for years to come. If you don’t think this is a fair trade and that the Patriots should keep Jimmy G., you’re crazy. This is exactly what New England needs to do.
Round 2, 33rd Pick: LB Reuben Foster, Alabama
This is a stretch. The hope here is that Reuben Foster falls into the second round due to his off the field issues. He will not be at the draft as he wasn’t invited. This was because of his issues at the NFL Combine, where he was sent home from the combine after getting into an argument with a hospital worker during medical checks.
Foster also tested positive for a diluted urine sample at the combine. He claims that it was due to excess water intake as he was battling an illness. These are the reasons he may fall.
If Foster does fall out of the first round, the Patriots should use this new pick from the Browns on him. He’d be able to learn from a veteran and fellow Alabama alum in New England, Dont’a Hightower.
On the football field, Pro Football Focus says Foster is the “Best, most complete LB in the nation.” He can play against the run, rush the QB, or drop back in coverage. Foster has the tools to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player in the NFL.
NFL Scouts compare him to Bobby Wagner, and he could have that type of impact. Here’s Lance Zierlien of NFL.com’s take on Foster.
"“Foster is a vicious hitter with elite playmaking range and an ability to toggle between 225 and 240 pounds. Athleticism gives him cover ability that former teammate Reggie Ragland never possessed. Has Pro Bowl potential as a 3-4 inside linebacker or a 4-3 weak-side linebacker, but concerns over his medical history could be a consideration, according to some teams.”"
The medical history he’s referring to is the injured right shoulder of Foster. The star linebacker though says he’s feeling good.
"“I’m 100 percent,” Foster said. “I feel like I can go out there again and do something right now.”"
Reuben Foster is no doubt on the Patriots radar, and if he falls to them, they should pounce.
Round 3, 72nd Pick: TE Jake Butt, Michigan
The New England Patriots have brought in Dwayne Allen to play second fiddle to star TE Rob Gronkowski, but the team could look towards the future in drafting Michigan Man Jake Butt.
Butt would surely become one of Gronk’s best friends on the team with a name like that, and Jake would have the chance to learn from one of the NFL’s all-time best at the position. It wouldn’t hurt to have Tom Brad throwing passes to him as well.
He’s not quite as athletic as Gronk, so Butt won’t stretch the field quite as much but he has solid hands. Butt can be a middle of the field, first down, possession target. His blocking needs some work, but that usually comes for tight ends at the NFL level. He can learn from Gronk, the offensive line coaches, or even Bill Belichick himself.
Butt will be a solid pro, and he’d have a great chance at success under Rob Gronkowski.
Round 3, 96th Pick: DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, Villanova
The Patriots can add some defensive line depth in Villanova’s Tanoh Kpassagnon. Defensive end is the highest need on this team, and that’s shown with them selecting an end with two of their first four picks.
This year’s draft is deep at the position, which allows the Patriots to add talent deep in round three.
Kpassagnon is raw, but on the right team he can develop and become a true pro. The right team, in this case, is the New England Patriots.
The defensive end proved at the Senior Bowl that he could hang with the boys as an FCS product.
"“The big question was whether I could hang with the better competition,” said Kpassagnon. “I think (the Senior Bowl) helped me out. I showed I could.”"
Depth is key in the NFL, and Kpassagnon is the kind of player you’d want worked into the rotation.
Round 4, 131st Pick: CB Howard Wilson, Houston
With Malcolm Butler likely gone after the 2017 season, New England will need to add cornerback depth. In round four Houston’s Howard Wilson should still be available.
Wilson can play in the slot once Butler is gone, and that’s just what the team needs. While not outrageously fast, Wilson’s fluid movements allow im to keep up with top receivers.
This would not be a 2017 pick, it would be a pick for the future.
Round 5, 183rd Pick: OT Conor McDermott, UCLA
It’s always nice to have offensive lineman depth. At some point in the season, players get injured. It’s just the ways things go. The Patriots can add depth at the tackle position in round five with Conor McDermott.
An AFC South scout doesn’t think McDermott can make it in the league unless he gains some more core strength.
"“Just not strong enough to play in our league. Unless he finds more core (strength), I can’t see him being able to survive against power.”"
The Patriots would put McDermott through the ringer to get him NFL ready. I think he is worth the pick.
Round 7, 239th Pick: SS Nathan Gerry, Nebraska
Nathan Gerry has met with the Patriots on multiple occasions. There is a clear mutual interest here, and a team can always use more depth in the secondary.
New England still has Nate Ebner as a backup, but he’s truly a special teams player. Gerry would allow the team to groom a possible backup behind either McCourty or Chung.
Bonus! Undrafted Free Agent QB: C.J. Beathard, Iowa
If Garoppolo is traded, the New England Patriots will need another QB on their roster. Bring in Iowa’s C.J. Beathard. Though he lacks some skill, he comes from a pro-style offense unlike many of his counterparts.
That should allow Beathard to make a smoother transition to the NFL. He’d be third on the depth chart behind Brady and Jacoby Brissett.
Brady would absolutely have an influence on Beathard, and who knows, maybe he’s the next Patriots starter.
2017 NFL Draft Information
Date: Round 1 Thursday, April 27th
Time: 8 PM EST
TV Coverage: ESPN/NFL Network
Next: Predicting the Patriots Record
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