Wilfork#75's Draft Day Mock (2 rounds)

[Wilfork#75]

This is a mock that combines what I think will happen in the draft with what I would do at the Pats picks. I didn’t not mock any players so they would fall to the Pats, this is honestly how I see it playing out (obviously it won’t play out like this it’s just my opinion). As a draft guy I love as many picks as I can, so I traded down multiple times to pick up addition picks and target my guys.

When looking at the draft I try to look at players in 3 groups; starters, contributors and competition. Obviously early on you want starters, in the middle rounds you want contributors and later on you are just looking for guys to compete for a roster spot. With the current roster structure of the Pats and the dynamics of this draft I don’t think there are too many starters, so I looked to trade down and stock up on contributors that have the potential to develop into starters.

Round 1
1. KC- LT- Eric Fisher- Central Michigan
2. Jax- LT- Luke Joeckel- Texas A&M
3. Oak- DT- Sharrif Floyd- Florida
4. Phi- DT- Star Loutlelei- Utah
5. Det- DE- Ziggy Ansah- BYU
***Trade- Cle trades 1(6) to SD for 1(11) + 2(45)***
6. SD (Cle)- LT- Lane Johnson- Oklahoma
7. Ari- OT- DJ Fluker- Alabama
8. Buf- DE/OLB- Dion Jordan- Oregon
9. NYJ- WR- Tavon Austin- WVU
10. Tenn- OG- Jonathan Cooper- UNC
11. Cle (SD)- CB- Dee Milliner- Alabama
***Trade- Miami trades 1(12) to Dallas for 1(18) + 3(80) + 2014 3rd***
12. Dal (Mia)- OG- Chance Warmack- Alabama
13. NYJ- DE/OLB- Barkevious Mingo- LSU
***Trade- Carolina trades 1(14) to Stl for 1(22) + 3(78) + 4(115) + 2014 4th***
14. Stl (Car)- S- Kenny Vaccaro- Texas
***Trade- NO trades 1(15) + 4(109) to SF for 2(61) + 3(74)***
15. SF (NO)- DT- Sylvester Williams- UNC
16. Stl- MLB- Alec Ogletree- Georgia
17. Pitt- OLB- Jarvis Jones- Georgia
18. Mia (Dal)- CB- DJ Hayden- Houston
19. NYG- DE- DT- Sheldon Richardson- Missouri
20. Chi- TE- Tyler Eifert- ND
21. Cin- RB- Eddie Lacy- Alabama
22. Car(Stl)- S- Eric Reid- LSU
23. Min- WR- DeAndre Hopkins- Clemson
24. Ind- DL- Datone Jones- UCLA
25. Min (Sea)- MLB- Manti Te’o- ND
26. GB- DL- Margus Hunt- SMU
27. Hou- WR- Justin Hunter- Tennessee
***Trade- Denver trades 1(28) to Philadelphia for 2(35) + 4(101) +5(136)***
28. Phi (Den)- QB- EJ Manuel- FSU
***Trade- New England Trades 1(29) to Buffalo for 2(41) + 3(71)***
29. Buf (NE)- QB- Ryan Nassib- Syracuse
30. Atl- CB- Xavier Rhodes- FSU
31. NO (SF)- DE- Tank Carradine- FSU
32. Bal- MLB- Kevin Minter- LSU




***Trade- New England Trades QB Ryan Mallett to Cleveland for 2(45)***
Cleveland trades down in round 1 and picks up that 2nd round pick they don't have. Between day 1 and 2 they make the deal with the Pats to get their QB.


Round 2
33. Jax- QB- Geno Smith- WVU
34. NO (SF)- OT- Menelik Watson- FSU
35. Den (Phi)- CB- Jamar Taylor- Boise State
36. Det- CB- Desmond Trufant- Washington
37. Cin- WR- Cordarrelle Patterson- Tennessee
38. Ari- DE/OLB- Bjoern Werner- FSU
39. NYJ- RB- Jonathan Franklin- UCLA
40. Tenn- CB- Blidi Wreh-Wilson- UConn
***Trade New England Trades 2(41) to Cincinnati for 2(53) + 3(84)***
41. Cin- S- Jonathan Cyprien- FIU
42. KC (Mia- B.Albert)- WR- Robert Woods- USC
43. TB- TE- Zach Ertz- Stanford
44. Car- DT- Kawann Short- Purdue
***Trade- New England trades 2(45) to Minnesota for 2(52) + 4(102)***
45. Min (SD via Cle & NE)- WR- Keenan Allen- Cal
46. Stl- WR- Stedman Bailey- WVU
47. Dal- DE- Cornelius Washington- Georgia
48. Pit- WR- Markus Wheaton- Oregon State
49. NYG- LB- Arthur Brown- Kansas State
50. Chi- CB- Jonathon Banks- Miss State
51. Wash- CB- David Amerson- NC State
52. NE- WR- Quinton Patton- Louisiana Tech
***Trade- New England trades 2(53) to Oakland for 3(66) + 4(100)***
53. Oak(Cin via NE)- DE- Damontre Moore- Texas A&M
54. Mia (Ind)- S- Matt Elam- Florida
55. GB- C- Travis Frederick- Wisconsin
56. Sea- LB- Sio Moore- UConn
57. Hou- G- Larry Warford- Kentucky
58. Den- OLB- Jamie Collins- Southern Miss
59. NE- CB- Darius Slay- Miss State
60. Atl- DE- Alex Okafor- Texas
61. NO(SF)- NT- Jessie Williams- Alabama
62. Bal- NT- John Jenkins- Georgia

 

[Wilfork#75]

Pats Picks

52- WR- Quinton Patton- Louisiana Tech
WR is obviously a huge need but the trouble is finding guys in the draft with both upside and an ability to contribute right away. Patton is very raw in some aspects of his game but there are some things I think he can do very well early. He is a limited route runner but the two things he excels at are vertical routes and screen passes. I think there are certainly some things we can do to get him on the field and get him the ball while he is learning the system and developing as a WR. His biggest strength is his amazing feet which help him set up everything he does. I think he is the best redzone WR in this draft because his footwork set up slants and fade routes near the goal line perfectly and make him a nightmare to cover in short areas off the line.

59- CB- Darius Slay- Miss State
For me this pick would come down to Slay and Robert Alford. I really like both but give Slay the slight edge here because of his size and level of competition. I really like Slay as a potential cover CB because he has good size, speed and athleticism and has experience playing press man coverage. Should be a solid backup early on, but given time I think he can develop into a quality starter.

66- QB- Matt Barkley- USC
This is only if we trade Mallett, but I really think Barkley is the best QB in this draft and a great fit as a backup in this system. I didn’t deliberately pass over him so he would fall, I genuinely had a difficult time finding a spot for him. I know Buffalo really likes him but do they like him more than Nassib? Philly really likes EJ Manuel and Jacksonville is a possibility but would they take him with Geno Smith on the board? Finally I don’t know if the Jets would take another USC QB and I think they might wait until next year to draft their guy. Barkley is a perfect backup QB who should learn the system quickly and it should be suited to his strengths. Maybe in a few years we can trade him off for a pick.

74. Trade to Denver for 3(90) + 4(101)

84. WR- Da’Rick Rogers- Tennessee Tech
I love Rogers as a player, I just wish he didn’t have off the field concerns, but then he would likely be a top 10 pick. I think he is the best combination of size, athleticism, physicality, agility and pro-readiness of all of the WRs in this draft. He has the size some people are looking for at 6’3” 217lbs. He is very strong and physical both at the line and down the field. Runs a good variety of routes, has wonderful versatility and seems to fit the Pats criteria in terms of athletic measurement. He ran a 4.5 40 time, 1.61 10 yard split, 39.5” vertical and a 11’0 broad jump. But more impressive than that is his 4.06 short shuttle and 6.71 3 cone which are great for his size. The talent is elite, it just comes down to character.

90. S- TJ McDonald- USC
I loved him last year and I still do. I think he is a fantastic combination of size and strength to play as an in the box SS or the speed and athleticism to play as a deep CF FS. We don’t know what Adrian Wilson has left, but McDonald could be the long term replacement. He is very good at matching up against TE’s and RBs and would be able to play deep and move McCourty down to play again smaller slot WRs. He has the athleticism, talent and pedigree to be a very good NFL safety and would be a steal here.

91. Trade to Carolina for 4(108) + 4(113)

100. RB- Marcus Lattimore- South Carolina
I love Lattimore as a player, but he might just be an even better person. This isn’t a sympathy pick though, the kid has a chance to be a special RB in the NFL. He isn’t the fastest or the most physical, but he has amazing vision and instincts for a RB and elite lateral agility. He just has the amazing ability to see a hole, lower his pads and explode through without being touched then make a man miss in the open field. I think he would be the perfect complement to our RB corps as a back somewhere between Ridley and Vereen.

101. OL- Barrett Jones- Alabama
I thought he was the best O-lineman in the country last year and I’m not going to change that now. He has the chance to be an elite C, top quality G or very serviceable RT in the NFL as long as this injury doesn’t have any long term effect. He is likely a PUP candidate but I think he can also come in and push for a starting spot from day 1 if healthy, either at C or RG. Worst case scenario he is a quality backup lineman that can cover 4 of the 5 spots (maybe even LT if really necessary).

102- Trade to Sea for 4(123) 5(138)

108- WR- Marquess Wilson- Wash State
Another talented WR that falls because of character concerns, if we can hit on 1 of the two then we are in good shape. If both pan out we have the makings of an elite WR corps in the future. Like Rogers, Wilson was highly regarded and one of the better pure talents at WR in this draft. He has good size at 6’3” 194lbs and is a very smooth and fluid athlete. He’s got good speed with a 4.45 40 time and a 1.54 10 yard split, and reasonable explosion with a 34.5” vert and 10’2” broad jump. The thing that stands out though is his 6.65 3 cone which is sure to get some attention. I see him as a finesse version of Da’Rick Rogers who should be a good compliment as an outside guy that can also line up in the slot if necessary. I know 3 WRs in the draft seems crazy, but I genuinely believe they all have a shot at making the roster and Wilson would at least offer some good camp competition.

113- LB- Jelani Jenkin- Florida
I think the coverage LBer need is mainly in sub packages, so it doesn’t make sense to me to draft one high. Especially when guys like Jenkins (or Zavier Gooden) can be found later on and are just as good in coverage as some of the higher rated guys. Jenkins is a really good athlete and former top recruit that I believe can come in and contribute as a special teamer and sub package LBer from day one. He is excellent in coverage and shows good range to play sideline to sideline. He has been somewhat of a disappointment at Florida because of how highly regarded he was coming out of high school, but I think that is still untapped potential. Solid contributor with the potential to be much more down the track.

123. MLB- Vince Williams- FSU
My favourite LBer in the draft and I don’t know why he isn’t rated higher. I think he is a more athletic version of Brandon Spikes and could be the successor at MLB. Really solid athlete with some scouts timing him in the high 4.6’s in his pro day 40. I really think he is underrated in coverage and has shown a good understanding of zone concepts and the ability to drop back. But his strength is getting to the ball carrier and he does a great job of getting through traffic to make a tackle. Really strong and powerful, Williams completely stones RBs on contact and doesn’t give an inch. I really like this guy and think he could be special.

138- Trade to SF for 6(173) + 6(180)

173- TE- Michael Williams- Alabama
With Gronk and Hernandez under injury clouds and a likely reliance on rookie WRs, I think we may need to lean on the running game early in the season while we give the passing game a chance to develop. That is where Williams comes in. He will be the best blocking TE in the NFL from day 1 and is virtually an extra offensive lineman when on the field. He really adds to the run game both on the end of the line or lined up in the backfield as a lead blocker. He should be a good upgrade over Hooman and at a much cheaper price, as well as offer versatility on special teams. Will never be an All Pro or show up much in a box score, but he could make the biggest impact nobody pays attention to in this draft.

180- K- Dustin Hopkins- FSU
Gostkowski has been a little shaky in recent times and his cap number is huge. Why not bring in a young guy to compete and push Gost. If Hopkins can win the job in camp we get an upgrade at K and save a few $mil against the cap.

226- DE/OLB- Brandon Jenkins- FSU
235- DE/OLB- Walter Stewart- Cincinnati
Two former highly regarded pass rushers that have battled serious injury. Both are worth a shot in camp to see what they’ve got. They could both be quality developmental pass rushers on the practice squad.

Two positions I didn’t really add to in this draft are DT and DE. I don’t think this is a very good DT draft, especially with Kawann Short being the only likely pass rushing DT available. I would hold off a year, fill the position with veteran depth and UDFA competition and try to get a top guy next year. With DE, I still think we sign Abraham and I would also like to see what we have planned for Armstead and Bequette.

In the end I don’t think there is too much top end talent or many positions where a guy could come in and start for the Pats anyway. So I tried to move down, accumulate picks and add depth and developmental talent. The exception being WR where I think the three guys drafted could all make contributions. I’m not saying they will be stars as rookies but I think they can share some of the workload and take some pressure off the TE’s and Brady. I also looked to strengthen our running game with another contributing RB, a monster blocking TE and O-line depth because I think we may need to run the ball, especially early in the year.

 

[dryheat44]

You've certainly solved the lack of picks problem.

If I have time, I'll chime in further this afternoon.

 

[manxman2601]

There isn't a pick there that would disappoint me except for maybe the two USC guys. Patton is in that next tier of receivers I really like after Woods/Wheaton so absolutely fine with that and as I have M Wilson as well, obviously happy with that.

I don't think we need 2 LBers and whilst I know how much you like V Williams, Jelani Jenkins would be the much better fir. I considered him myself as a coverage LB.

I think personally it's far too many picks used, BB is cutting back on picks not adding them by the bucket load but you have made good use of the ones you've used.

Good job.

 

[serifyn]

This is supposedly not a great draft class which is why Bill might have gotten out of it in the later rounds in the first place.

i'm not sure how many roster spots are going to be open for rookies anymore, it isn't like the past few years. As evidenced by last years trading up, We're in 'win now' mode and i think the picks the Patriots make will be for guys who can contribute relatively quickly rather than longterm projects.

If you want a bunch of longshot guys, there will be plenty of undrafted free agents as always.

 

[Leemo]

I'd take that right now! Great job on that effort mate. My only change would probably be that I wouldn't triple dip at WR. I'd take Jesse Williams instead of Patton. Then I'd take Aaron Dobson instead of Wilson. Love so many of the picks Rogers, Slay, McDonald, Lattimore, Jones, Jenkins, V Williams and Jenkins! Great job!

 

[Wilfork#75]

There isn't a pick there that would disappoint me except for maybe the two USC guys. Patton is in that next tier of receivers I really like after Woods/Wheaton so absolutely fine with that and as I have M Wilson as well, obviously happy with that.

I don't think we need 2 LBers and whilst I know how much you like V Williams, Jelani Jenkins would be the much better fir. I considered him myself as a coverage LB.

I think personally it's far too many picks used, BB is cutting back on picks not adding them by the bucket load but you have made good use of the ones you've used.

Good job.

I think Williams and Jenkins are very different players. Williams is the more traditional MLB who I think can take over from Spikes if he walks (or is traded). Jenkins I see more as a Tracy White replacement as a key special teamer who plays as a coverage LBer on passing downs. As for the number of picks, it might be a few too many, but the last couple are really just priority UDFA's that we don't have to compete with other teams for.

This is supposedly not a great draft class which is why Bill might have gotten out of it in the later rounds in the first place.

i'm not sure how many roster spots are going to be open for rookies anymore, it isn't like the past few years. As evidenced by last years trading up, We're in 'win now' mode and i think the picks the Patriots make will be for guys who can contribute relatively quickly rather than longterm projects.

If you want a bunch of longshot guys, there will be plenty of undrafted free agents as always.

I think the majority of these guys would make the roster though. I think at least 2 of the 3 WR's would make the final 53, with Marquess Wilson competing with Donald Jones and Michael Jenkins for the 5th WR spot (assuming everyone stays healthy). Barkley is a straight swap for Mallett as the backup QB. Lattimore and Jones are both 1st round talents and arguably the most talented at their positions that will fall due to injuries. Both are likely PUP candidates but could be long term steals. Our safeties were terrible last year and our only addition is Adrian Wilson (who I love), but we be don't know what he has left. So I think McDonald would easily make the roster, even if it means we cut Gregory, A. Wilson or even play him as a primary special teamer early and he replaces Ebner. Michael Williams is an upgrade over Hooman as both a blocking TE and a special teamer and I addressed the LBers above. The last three are competition/developmental picks where we get in early on the late round guys instead of competing for UDFA's.

I also don't believe in building a 53 man roster in April, I think you build a 90 man roster and let camp work out the rest. Injuries will always happen so I don't think there is a position we don't need depth. Plus I don't think there is much difference between the talent in the late 1st round and the 4th round. The top 7 guys in my mock I have 1st or 2nd round grades on and Wilson and V.Williams aren't far behind.

I'd take that right now! Great job on that effort mate. My only change would probably be that I wouldn't triple dip at WR. I'd take Jesse Williams instead of Patton. Then I'd take Aaron Dobson instead of Wilson. Love so many of the picks Rogers, Slay, McDonald, Lattimore, Jones, Jenkins, V Williams and Jenkins! Great job!

Thanks buddy. I was really considering at DT in the late 2nd/early 3rd and if Barkley wasn't still on the board I probably would have taken Hankins at 66. I love Jesse Williams (being an Aussie) but I think its probably a better option looking at DT next year, hopefully when there are better pass rushing DT's available. I like Dobson, but he is probably about the 10th ranked WR for me. If Rogers doesn't check out character wise I think Dobson would be a decent option in the 3rd round as an alternative.

 

[PatsFan2]

Vince for a NG you know alot about WR's you are not a ordinary fat guy. I really think this Draft at WR is deeper than most think, like you I am also impressed with WR- Quinton Patton- Louisiana Tech I love his upside and think he could also be a downfied threat in this League. I think the Pats Coaching staff have done their homework and I also feel that Josh have some WR evaluation skills he did very good at Denver and St Louis. The Patriots are long overdue for a Good young WR.

 

[doesntmatter1]

Brandon Jenkins was a sure 1st round pick coming into this year and he is still one of my binkies and if we actually get him that late I would do more consecutive backflips than jpp.

p.s. I would probably break my neck on the first backflip.

 

[Kontradiction]

That mock would at least give us a lot of quality receivers in college to throw at the wall in our system and see what sticks. Like the selection of Slay, though I'm not entirely sure he'll be there at 59. Not a fan of Barkley, but I have an issue with USC quarterbacks. Love the MacDonald, Lattimore, and Barrett Jones picks. And I like the LB's (especially Jenkins, my boy from Florida). Don't see a DE selection so, like other mocks that didn't include one, I'm assuming you think that we'll pick up Abraham.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Pats Picks

100. RB- Marcus Lattimore- South Carolina
I love Lattimore as a player, but he might just be an even better person. This isn’t a sympathy pick though, the kid has a chance to be a special RB in the NFL. He isn’t the fastest or the most physical, but he has amazing vision and instincts for a RB and elite lateral agility. He just has the amazing ability to see a hole, lower his pads and explode through without being touched then make a man miss in the open field. I think he would be the perfect complement to our RB corps as a back somewhere between Ridley and Vereen.

101. OL- Barrett Jones- Alabama
I thought he was the best O-lineman in the country last year and I’m not going to change that now. He has the chance to be an elite C, top quality G or very serviceable RT in the NFL as long as this injury doesn’t have any long term effect. He is likely a PUP candidate but I think he can also come in and push for a starting spot from day 1 if healthy, either at C or RG. Worst case scenario he is a quality backup lineman that can cover 4 of the 5 spots (maybe even LT if really necessary).

173- TE- Michael Williams- Alabama
With Gronk and Hernandez under injury clouds and a likely reliance on rookie WRs, I think we may need to lean on the running game early in the season while we give the passing game a chance to develop. That is where Williams comes in. He will be the best blocking TE in the NFL from day 1 and is virtually an extra offensive lineman when on the field. He really adds to the run game both on the end of the line or lined up in the backfield as a lead blocker. He should be a good upgrade over Hooman and at a much cheaper price, as well as offer versatility on special teams. Will never be an All Pro or show up much in a box score, but he could make the biggest impact nobody pays attention to in this draft.

Excellent mock, really really like these three picks. If Lattimore is healthy, he could be the steal of the draft. At SC he did it all, ran, caught and blocked. Regardless of who drafts him, I hope he has a great career against everybody, except us of course.

 

[EwanSellars]

i like patton slay and the two 7th round picks but i wouldve liked to keep a one of the mid 2nd to get another player but apart from that i have no complaints i like a lot of the guys you got