New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft: 7-round mock draft wish list

Fifth round, No. 172  – Michael Warren II, running back, Cincinnati

My inclination here was to go back-to-back defense for the Patriots but the value at the position of need, defensive tackle just might not be there. I, therefore, will default to another need that I feel was a major deal-breaker for the Patriots last season, a big short-yardage back. Michael Warren II is the selection.

As with several of these picks, and all picks frankly, this one depends on how the board shakes out as the draft ensues. Teams that value one player higher will take him maybe a round early. Then hopefully in the Patriots case, a player at a position they need and like will fall to them. That’s the case again here, with Warren.

As I have written previously, Warren is a big back who is just what the doctor ordered for the Patriots. Last season, their lack of a running back to get them a yard or two for a first or a touchdown proved fatal to their playoff hopes. This failure I’ve noted previously cost them their season, in my view. Warren will remedy that need.

As NFL.com has pointed out, Warren lists at 5’9″ and weighs in at 226 pounds. They also say,

"He has a shot as an early down backup with short-yardage ability who can grab a catch here and there."

Bingo. Short-yardage back. Bang inside for a yard or two. Get the drive-extending first down. Get the rock into the end zone instead of settling for a field goal. The New England Patriots were victimized big-time by the lack of this type of runner on their team last season. Drafting Warren, and moving up if necessary to get him – a back that can do the following as described by NFL.com makes great sense. 

"Creates yards after contact with size and force Has recorded 14 games with 100-plus yards and scored 36 total touchdowns since 2018 Makes big-man runs on goal-line and chain-moving downs Treats interior tacklers like bumper cars"

Mike Warren II, fifth-round pick if available.