Last bump before the Combine. Assume the Pats are able to keep key FAs, at least for now.
1(32) - Todd Gurley - RB - Georgia. 6' 0 3/4" 225#. For a second straight year the Pats get a top 10 talent because of an ACL injury. I don't generally believe in taking a RB in the 1st, but Gurley could easily be the BVA if he is on the board at 32.
2(64) - AJ Cann - OG - South Carolina. 6' 3 1/4" 311#. A plug and play started at LG. I don't think he's a 1st round talent, but I'd love him in the 2nd, even if we have to trade up.
3(96) - Marcus Hardison - DT/DE - Arizona St. 6' 3 1/8" 311#. The most versatile big man in this draft. Can play anywhere from the 7 to the 0/1. That versatility will allow BB to make Easley and Hardison the DL equivalent of Collins and Hightower.
3(97 - comp) - Max Valles - EDGE - Virginia. 6'5" 240#. Collinesque movement skills.
4(100 - from TB) - Ali Marpet - OL - Hobart. 6' 3 3/4" 307#. Dane Brugler calls him a "bargain basement Zack Martin". Has 5 position potential versatility, but projects best to guard. It would be poetic justice to get a stud OL with the TB pick from the Mankins trade.
4. Best available value. Guys I like include WR Tre McBride, TE Jeff Heurman, DB Josh Shaw, DB Ladarius Gunter, DL Ellis McCarthy, and LB Kwon Alexander. This pick could also be used to trade up for AJ Cann in the second round.
6 (from TB). DeAndre Smelter - WR - Georgia Tech. 6'3" 222#.
6 (comp). Nick Marshall - CB - Auburn. 6' 1 1/2" 205#.
7 (from Tenn). Best available value. Guys I like include TE Blake Bell, TE Jesse James, and DT Terry Williams.