As the 2018 NFL Draft approaches, the New England Patriots are preparing to find the next diamond in the rough. Here are 3 gems they should target.
The 2018 NFL Draft is a crucial one for the New England Patriots.
Coming off of a heartbreaking defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, the Pats look to fill in some major holes for September in an attempt to bring a 6th Lombardi Trophy to Patriots Way.
No clear starter in the backfield, a non-existent pass-rush, and no heir to Tom Brady’s thrown are just some of the issues that New England will need to discuss in Dallas.
Bill Belichick is known for being able to find a good “diamond in the rough”. and there’s plenty in this draft class.
Here are 3 draft gems the New England Patriots need to target at the 2018 NFL Draft.
Royce Freeman RB, Oregon
In a very deep running back class, Royce Freeman is one of its best-kept secrets.
Freeman a four-year starter at Oregon, is a 5″11,238 lb. running-back built like a truck but runs like a gazelle. In his four years as a Duck, Freeman amassed an insane 6,345 yards and reached the end zone 64 times.
With incredible vision, Freeman is notable for turning negative plays into positive ones. Even with a very mediocre offensive line, Freeman still showed that he is a very reliable back.
The patience and pure athletic ability he posses should translate well at the next level. If he can clean up his ball security issues (10 career fumbles) and use his toughness to his advantage at a higher rate, Freeman could be a solid NFL starter.
The last time the Patriots drafted a great running back was in 1995, when they took NFL Hall-of-Famer Curtis Martin out of the University of Pittsburgh. With Tom Brady turning 41 in August, a star running back would make his life easier.
A projected late 3rd or early 4th round selection, the New England Patriots could secure their RB of the future with a mid-round steal.
Mason Rudolph QB, Oklahoma St.
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It is ludicrous that when talking about the best quarterbacks in this years draft, Mason Rudolph’s name is rarely mentioned.
The Pokes star may not have the accolades the other quarterbacks in the class do, but he sure does have the numbers.
In Stillwater, Rudolph was a stud completing nearly 62% of his passes and tossing 90 touchdowns to only 26 interceptions (a solid 3;1 ratio).
Rudolph’s stats improved every year in college, and he showed that his intangibles can lead him to become a future NFL quarterback. His accuracy is on point and he is very confident in his arm. He isn’t flustered in the pocket and is solid when going through his progressions.
However, Rudolph’s lack of velocity is one of the main reasons he isn’t adored by NFL scouts.
On tape, some of his throws look very weak and are slow to get to his receivers. With some grooming, Rudolph would be a very good candidate to fill Tom Brady’s shoes. The projected 2nd-round pick can definitely end up in Foxboro, and end the Brian Hoyer backup quarterback comeback tour in Foxboro.
J’Mon Moore WR, Missouri
I know, the New England Patriots really don’t need another wideout. However, sometimes you just can’t pass up on obvious talent.
Standing at 6″3, J’Mon Moore is a fine balance of hight and speed that teams gush over. After the catch, he is as lethal as they come and is a continuous matchup mismatch for corners.
A trait that wide receivers don’t always get enough credit for, is making adjustments in order to make a catch. and Moore is incredible at finding the ball and contorting his body to make the grab.
Great hands along with his stellar footwork just make Moore a really great prospect. He just has not touched the ball enough for scouts to think he is a top wide receiver in the draft class. He is raw, but when he has had the ball in his hands, not many collegiate receivers have been better. This selection isn’t so much about the need of another wide receiver, but the fact that Moore can develop into such a great talent.
Next: New England Patriots: Should the Pats go after Lamar Jackson?
The Patriots have two second round picks this year, and I see no reason why they shouldn’t use one of those on J’Mon Moore.