With two first and second round picks, the New England Patriots have quite a bit of draft stock heading into the 2018 NFL Draft.
The 2018 Draft is around the corner, and the New England Patriots have many holes still needing to be filled. Here is an in-depth look at the 5 prospects I believe the Patriots will select in the 2018 NFL draft.
As I have previously stated, the 2018 draft is a crucial one for the Patriots.
After allowing 41 points to a backup Quarterback in the Super Bowl, it was clear the Pats needed a major facelift on defense. Losing 3 key contributors on offense in Dion Lewis, Nate Solder and Danny Amendola also leave positions to be desired on the offensive side of the football.
Bill Belichick is in need of a standout draft class to bring the team into its next era, and this draft pool may just be the way he does this.
Here is an ideal Patriots 4 round mock draft.
Round 1, Pick No. 23: Harold Landry OLB/DE Boston College
If Harold Landry does in fact land in Foxboro, he won’t have to move very far.
Standing at 6’3 and weighing 250 lbs. the linebacker/defensive end hybrid is a physical specimen. At the combine, Landry was first among all defensive lineman in the 60-yard shuttle drill, and 5th amongst lineman in the 40-yard dash running an impressive 4.64.
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To put his athleticism into context, since 2000 there have only been 6 defensive linemen to weigh over 250 lbs., run a sub 6.9 in the 3 cone drill, and be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
This elite list includes Demarcus Ware, David Pollack, J.J Watt, T.J Watt, Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. With the exception of Pollack who suffered a severe career ending vertebrae injury in just his second season in the league, the other 5 players have made a big impact on their teams in the NFL.
If selected in the first round, Landry could easily join this elite list.
Landry’s downside is that he has an injury history and is known for seemingly taking plays off. Belichick has taken chances on players like this before to mix result, but if he knows that Landry only took plays off because his team was the bottom feeder of the ACC as his tenure as an Eagle, then I think Bill will have no issue enforcing the “Patriot Way” on him.
With the New England Patriots lacking a consistent pass rush and very weak at the outside linebacker position, I can see Belichick going with the local BC Eagle with his first-round selection.
Round 1, Pick No. 31: Derrius Guice RB. LSU
It’s hard to ponder that Derrius Guice is not regarded as a top player in this draft class.
Guice is an incredible athlete and could give the Pats a stable running game in which they haven’t r had since Stevan Ridley in 2012. Guice has all the tools, as he uses his 212 lb. frame to violently run through linebackers, along with showing great speed and agility. He is fantastic at creating something from nothing due to his incredible talent. Although primarily a power back, he still has home run ability and is football speed is better then his combine time showed (4.49).
Even a banged up Guice in 2017 played excellent, as he rushed for over 1200 yards and scored touchdowns. When he was fully healthy in 2016, he was easily regarded as one of the best backs in the country even with teammate Lenard Fournette garnering lots of praise. If not for his injury, Guice would’ve easily been a top 15 pick in this year’s draft.
The New England Patriots aren’t known for taking running backs early, but they really need an all-purpose running back. Tom Brady is not getting any younger, and with an offense lacking real playmakers, Guice would be an excellent addition to add another element to the team.
Round 2, Pick No. 43: Mason Rudolph QB. Oklahoma State
As much as it pains me to say it, the chances of Tom Brady playing football in his mid-40s are slim to none. TB12 only realistically has about two more years left in the tank This means that it is imperative the Patriots brass begins to start looking for the man Brady passes his illustrious torch to. Insert Mason Rudolph.
The 6 foot 5, 235 lb. QB has a fantastic presence to him in the pocket. He is tough to bring down, even without having amazing athleticism.
As far as play wise, Rudolph is quite underrated. Every year at Stillwater he improved as a passer and showed some serious potential. His touchdowns, passer rating and touchdowns thrown improved each of his three years as a starter.
Rudolph’s release has improved greatly throughout his career, and he is fantastic at letting the play develop. His deep ball was by far one of the best in FBS, and he put some great air under his balls. Although he isn’t super fast, he is a bull in the red zone and is not afraid to use his feet to punch the ball in for 6.
Not short of accolades either, just his senior year he earned the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm trophy along with the Sammy Baugh trophy. He also earned 2nd team All-Big 12 honors right behind Heisman trophy winner Baker Mayfield.
His velocity on his balls is the main concern about him, but if he finds a way to improve that, watch out. Rudolph is a perfect QB to learn under Brady for a year or two and then succeed him. In a QB rich draft, watch out for the New England Patriots selecting one on day two.
Round 2, Pick No. 63: Tyrell Crosby OT. Oregon
It’s crazy to think that a prospect as good as Tyrell Crosby will be available at Pat’s third selection, but it’s a very true possibility.
With the team losing Nate Soldier to the New York Giants, the Pats would love an elite tackle to anchor the offensive line, and who better than the Oregon senior. Crosby is an excellent mix of weight and size and could become a great anchor to the Patriots offensive line.
Crosby is arguably the most physical tackle in the draft, and he was a great locker room presence for the Ducks. He would undoubtedly be a top 20 pick was it not for missing the 2016 season with a foot injury.
The Oregon graduate proved he was still fantastic in 2017, as he won the best offensive lineman award in the Pac-12 along with being rated the fourth best offensive tackle in FBS according to Pro Football Focus.
If Crosby can improve his pass blocking marginally, he can easily be an elite tackle in this league. If he is available in the backend of the 2nd round like some analysts expect him to be, he could be one of the steals of the draft.
Round 3, Pick No. 95: Malik Jefferson LB. Texas
Malik Jefferson has been labeled as the next Jordan Hicks, and the Pats would love a player like that anchoring their defense.
Jefferson is a great long athletic linebacker, who is very explosive on the football field. Outside of Dont’a Hightower, the New England Patriots lack a good linebacker presence and someone that can make lots of good plays like Jefferson did at Texas.
Having great recovery speed and man coverage ability means that eventually, he could develop into an elite level linebacker. If in the right situation, there is no reason how Jefferson wouldn’t thrive.
Next: New England Patriots: 3 NFL draft prospects team should target
He needs to prove his 2017 campaign wasn’t a fluke and play with some more energy, but other than that Jefferson is a fantastic find at the end of the third round. He’s the type of player that can take over a game, and make the other team know he is there.