The New England Patriots have two picks in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft, so who should they select?
Barring any trades, the New England Patriots have two draft picks in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft. The picks come at the beginning and end of round three, with picks 72 and 96.
New England has upgraded a lot of positions this off season, but they have mainly focused on providing weapons for Tom Brady (like he needs any).
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
Adding Dwayne Allen (TE), Bradin Cooks (WR), and Mike Gillislee (RB). With TE Rob Gronkowski coming back from injury, this already deadly offense got a lot deadlier.
So who should the Patriots draft?
Defense, no question about it the Patriots should draft defensive players. To be more specific, edge rushers or linebackers; anyone who can get after the quarterback.
We saw Tom Brady in Super Bowl 51 lead the Patriots back from being down 25 points, that was without Rob Gronkowski and a lot of new weapons coming in to New England this season. So the offense is set, the defense needs help.
So here is my New England Patriots Round 3 Mock Draft.
No. 72 – OLB Tim Williams
Tim Williams is an explosive pass rusher, with size to just barrel over offensive lineman. He has an excellent first step, and is flexible enough to bend around offensive tackles. New England finished tied for 16th in total sacks last year, and Williams can come in and make an instant impact. Being able to play linebacker and defensive end makes Williams very valuable.
He is a first round talent, but due to some off the field issues he is falling in the draft. There are always concerns with players who have off the field issues, but bring him to New England and teach him the Patriot way, he’ll be just fine. If Williams falls to 72, the Patriots taking him would be a steal, not only because of his talent but he’s exactly the type of player New England’s defense needs.
No. 96 – DE Dawuane Smoot
Dawuane Smoot is very similar to Williams despite being heavier and shorter. Also known for a quick step and incredible ability to bend around the edge, Smoot is a very proficient pass rusher.
Some might consider Smoot and tweener because of his bulk, being able to play DE or DT, but Smoot wasn’t always this heavy. He added 40 pounds before his sophomore season, so despite being 264 he’s an edge rusher at heart.
Here’s what one NFL scout had to say about him:
"“He had a better year (in 2015). I think you have to take last year’s tape into account when you study him. He was lighter this year, which took some of his power away, I thought. He was coached by Lovie (Smith) and that will give him a head-start.”"
Smoot didn’t get that much recognition in college playing for a sub par Illinois team, but being coached by Lovie Smith who some consider a defensive guru is a huge plus.
Next: NBA Playoffs: 5 Reasons the Boston Celtics have Won 3 Straight Games
Image if the Patriots draft him, going from being coached by Lovie Smith to Bill Belichick, that’s two pretty good mentors.