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New England Patriots: What to expect in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft

By Tre Wiggins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: UCLA offensive lineman Kolton Miller speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: UCLA offensive lineman Kolton Miller speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots have a lot of holes to fill in this year’s draft. Luckily, they have two first-round picks and there is a lot of talent to choose from.

While there is a lot of talent, Bill Belichick is a very picky man when it comes to the first round of the NFL Draft. The New England Patriots will probably come out of this with two guys that really fit their team. That is one benefit of Belichick’s picky ways.

There are some guys and some picks that have basically been predetermined by many analysts, one of them being Kolton Miller going at pick 23. Without me dragging this on, let’s just get into a few draft day scenarios that you as fans can expect to see.

Kolton Miller basically a lock at 23

I’ve already mentioned this, but this guy is just a great fit for the Patriots. He will fill the hole at OT, and there really shouldn’t be much question about his potential impact on this team. He closely resembles Nate Solder, and that should help solidify the fact that he is basically guaranteed to land here. Kolton Miller will truly help this team get back on its feet.

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If Lamar slips, the Pats will scoop him up

There is no question that Bill Belichick and the gang have legitimate interest in the 2016 Heisman winner Lamar Jackson, so if he is around when the Patriots pick first, this will be his landing spot. He is not getting past pick 23. If he is there, disregard anything that I said about Miller. I know I’m contradicting myself, but that’s how it goes when you’re trying to predict the draft.

Lamar Jackson has all the talent in the world, and his mobility is something that Josh McDaniels could really take advantage of in the future. This would be a pick with some backlash, but if you look at history, do they really care?

Joshua Jackson will slip to pick 31

Do I know for sure that this will happen? Of course not, but this pick would for sure benefit New England. Jackson would be the guy to help rebuild a broken Patriots secondary unit. He has decent ball skills, great lateral quickness, and is great at staying with his receiver. He will fit the defensive scheme of this team greatly if he makes it here.

If Josh Jackson slips this far down the list, then expect for New England to grab him with this pick.

Courtland Sutton might be the move at 31

The other option at number 31 is former SMU man Courtland Sutton. He has the potential to become a very dangerous receiver. With an Anquan Boldin like build and great hands, he can be a reliable target for Tom Brady and could very well fill the hole that Danny Amendola left.

I haven’t heard a lot of chatter about this guy being linked with the Patriots, but the draft can be full of surprises, and no one can ignore how nice it would be for a top 3 receiver in this year’s class to be a part of the Pats’ receiving corps. I wouldn’t be too shocked if this were the pick.

Next: Lamar Jackson just as impressed with Bill Belichick

Now that I’ve broken down the possible scenarios, I will conclude by saying that I see the New England Patriots taking Kolton Miller at pick 23 and Joshua Jackson at 31. It will be a fun draft, so make sure you stay tuned!

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