5 possible first round selections

Time to speculate to fill time! This is going to be a list of 5* guys (in some cases groups) the Pats might draft. A lot of these I am against or think are reaches but I will try to justify them all. I will try to only pick players/spots that are a tiny bit outside the box cause those to me make for a more interesting read.

#1 an OT - A lot of names could be put here. Jake Fisher being my favorite option. However in a class with about 8 OTs that are fairly closely ranked fairly close this could be good value. A solder replacement for next year if the Pats decide they want to save themselves a expensive long term contract for 3-4 more years.

#2 Shaq Thompson - LB/SS - This would be kind of like the Easley pick. Invest a premium pick on an athlete that probably won't contribute much or anything this year in the hopes he is a beast there after. Shaq has a pretty rare skill set and would allow a lot of flexibility on the field once he learns what he should be doing and works out his role. I see him as a coverage LB/run stopping DB

#3 Byron Jones - CB/S? - Even if the Pats keep Revis this is a very possible pick. Byron has a skill set that is good but it does not match his talent yet. Has the potential to be a shut down corner and could be a steal here though initially will be considered a reach. Also should be noted that he has the size experience to be a safety too. Perhaps a McCourty replacement is possible though i think his CB skills end up being better than McCourty's.

#4 Dan Hunter - DE/OLB - The main knock on Dan is that he is undersized. However at 6'5 and 240-250 it is likely he can put on weight and be a very good pass rushing DE that also is stronger than he seems. It was not long ago the Pats took a chance on another undersized DE. Hunter could follow the same route.

#5 Nelson Agholor - WR - A recently added player to my board. Agholor isn't getting the recognition some other WRs are in this draft as most have him as an after thought in round 2. He could be a surprise pick here though. He ran a pro system at USC and is a more polished route runner than most other top picks in the draft. His speed while not blazing is fast at 4.42 and he runs like it on the field. Also a return man for both punts and kick offs adds value. He has a little shake and bake but is no Edelman. Catches over the shoulder consistently and locations the ball well without having to turn around. Does pretty decent damage underneath and can attack all 3 levels of the field. Seems like a good fit for what the Pats do.

Edit: never mind i will just stick with 5

I would only take three in the first round:

1. Jake Fisher - Nate Solder possible replacement, Kyle Long type OG

2. Byron Jones - So much athletic upside, excellent ball skills and already has good tape. If he runs well at his pro day he could go much higher.

3. Danielle Hunter -Don't love him in the first but I'd be OK with it if this was the pick. A slightly less exciting Chandler Jones.

I wouldn't look at Shaq Thompson (where does he play) or Agholor (don't see a first round skill set) in the first.

Byron jones has so much ability, you want him to go to a team with the proper leadership. Corner is such a demanding position, slotting first rounders in to number 1 cb is a Disaster for most it seems.

Going to a team with a bonafide top corner and safety would go a long way in easing that pressure. Many don't see the need on our team if we bring back Revis and McCourty, but I wouldn't be against taking that gamble.

manxman2601 said:

I would only take three in the first round:

1. Jake Fisher - Nate Solder possible replacement, Kyle Long type OG

2. Byron Jones - So much athletic upside, excellent ball skills and already has good tape. If he runs well at his pro day he could go much higher.

3. Danielle Hunter -Don't love him in the first but I'd be OK with it if this was the pick. A slightly less exciting Chandler Jones.

I wouldn't look at Shaq Thompson (where does he play) or Agholor (don't see a first round skill set) in the first.

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I agree pretty much. Those 2 are currently considered reaches but the Pats are not afraid to reach which is why i am going to do a few players that are "reaches". I jut hate seeing the same names over and over so I wanted to add a few more : P

BobDigital said:

Time to speculate to fill time! This is going to be a list of 10 guys (in some cases groups) the Pats might draft. A lot of these I am against or think are reaches but I will try to justify them all. I will try to only pick players/spots that are a tiny bit outside the box cause those to me make for a more interesting read.

#1 an OT - A lot of names could be put here. Jake Fisher being my favorite option. However in a class with about 8 OTs that are fairly closely ranked fairly close this could be good value. A solder replacement for next year if the Pats decide they want to save themselves a expensive long term contract for 3-4 more years.

#2 Shaq Thompson - LB/SS - This would be kind of like the Easley pick. Invest a premium pick on an athlete that probably won't contribute much or anything this year in the hopes he is a beast there after. Shaq has a pretty rare skill set and would allow a lot of flexibility on the field once he learns what he should be doing and works out his role. I see him as a coverage LB/run stopping DB

#3 Byron Jones - CB/S? - Even if the Pats keep Revis this is a very possible pick. Byron has a skill set that is good but it does not match his talent yet. Has the potential to be a shut down corner and could be a steal here though initially will be considered a reach. Also should be noted that he has the size experience to be a safety too. Perhaps a McCourty replacement is possible though i think his CB skills end up being better than McCourty's.

#4 Dan Hunter - DE/OLB - The main knock on Dan is that he is undersized. However at 6'5 and 240-250 it is likely he can put on weight and be a very good pass rushing DE that also is stronger than he seems. It was not long ago the Pats took a chance on another undersized DE. Hunter could follow the same route.

#5 Nelson Agholor - WR - A recently added player to my board. Agholor isn't getting the recognition some other WRs are in this draft as most have him as an after thought in round 2. He could be a surprise pick here though. He ran a pro system at USC and is a more polished route runner than most other top picks in the draft. His speed while not blazing is fast at 4.42 and he runs like it on the field. Also a return man for both punts and kick offs adds value. He has a little shake and bake but is no Edelman. Catches over the shoulder consistently and locations the ball well without having to turn around. Does pretty decent damage underneath and can attack all 3 levels of the field. Seems like a good fit for what the Pats do.

Will do 5 more later.

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If I look at old tape, the cb that jumps off the screen to me is peters. But he has a ton of immaturity issues and bb does not okay that game.

Hunter looks like Tarzan, tests like Tarzan, plays like Jane.

I.M. Fletcher said:

Byron jones has so much ability, you want him to go to a team with the proper leadership. Corner is such a demanding position, slotting first rounders in to number 1 cb is a Disaster for most it seems.

Going to a team with a bonafide top corner and safety would go a long way in easing that pressure. Many don't see the need on our team if we bring back Revis and McCourty, but I wouldn't be against taking that gamble.

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I'd be absolutely fine drafting Jones. Like pass rushers, you can never have enough corners.

Agholor is a binky of mine but I think everyone would be mad if we took him in the first.

As of right now the big potential holes I see are interior line (Connolly), DT (Wilfork, Branch), 3rd Down/receiving back (Vereen) and S (McCourty). LB is also a spot where the depth is shaky (Ayers) + the oft injured and huge cap hit that accomponies Mayo.

There are good players and options behind alot of these guys (Fleming, Cannon), (Siliga, Jones), (Gaffney, White), (Harmon, Wilson) but I think there will be a player who fits the BPA/Need mold. I think for a first round pick it's always a combination.

OhExaulted1 said:

As of right now the big potential holes I see are interior line (Connolly), DT (Wilfork, Branch), 3rd Down/receiving back (Vereen) and S (McCourty). LB is also a spot where the depth is shaky (Ayers) + the oft injured and huge cap hit that accomponies Mayo.

There are good players and options behind alot of these guys (Fleming, Cannon), (Siliga, Jones), (Gaffney, White), (Harmon, Wilson) but I think there will be a player who fits the BPA/Need mold. I think for a first round pick it's always a combination.

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I think Nate Solder should also be a consideration. There's no guarantee he's back in 2016. That's why I'm looking at potential LGs that showcase LT size and athleticism with that first pick.

manxman2601 said:

I think Nate Solder should also be a consideration. There's no guarantee he's back in 2016. That's why I'm looking at potential LGs that showcase LT size and athleticism with that first pick.

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Don't see this happening, not after DeGuglielmo gave that interview a few weeks back where he called him one of the elite tackles. Unless someone offers a big, big price in a trade.

2016 is a different story altogether.

For the most part, the Pats don't usually "reach" in the first round. On the other hand, in the 2nd round, they have proven they have NO conscience whatsoever. No pick is too outrageous for them in the 2nd. . If Vince doesn't eventually return, then adding some size to the DL becomes more of a priority.

I don't think that means that they'll automatically take the best DT on their board regardless of who it is. But certainly will if its a guy that they have rated a first round value, say Goldman or Phillips. Also a lot of what happens in this draft is going to depend on what happens with Revis, McCourty and several other of our own FA's. But more and more I'm beginning to think that BB is taking this recent college tour with the idea to find that hidden gem in the 2nd and 3rd round, likely someone we've never heard of until it happens.

I have a hard time thinking about the OL in the first, though we've certainly done it in the past. I can't get past the fact that there is always a LOT of value in the OL clear through the 5th round, as we saw last year. Quality defensive linemen are the rarest commodity in the league next to QB's and true 2 way TE's. Unfortunately, this isn't a well kept secret. So if there is one available at #32 we'd have to take it.

luuked said:

Don't see this happening, not after DeGuglielmo gave that interview a few weeks back where he called him one of the elite tackles. Unless someone offers a big, big price in a trade.

2016 is a different story altogether.

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I said 2016. I think he's back next year and I hope he's back in '16. I'm just not convinced he will bee. His agent will want top LT money I suspect.

patfanken said:

For the most part, the Pats don't usually "reach" in the first round. On the other hand, in the 2nd round, they have proven they have NO conscience whatsoever. No pick is too outrageous for them in the 2nd. . If Vince doesn't eventually return, then adding some size to the DL becomes more of a priority.

I don't think that means that they'll automatically take the best DT on their board regardless of who it is. But certainly will if its a guy that they have rated a first round value, say Goldman or Phillips. Also a lot of what happens in this draft is going to depend on what happens with Revis, McCourty and several other of our own FA's. But more and more I'm beginning to think that BB is taking this recent college tour with the idea to find that hidden gem in the 2nd and 3rd round, likely someone we've never heard of until it happens.

I have a hard time thinking about the OL in the first, though we've certainly done it in the past. I can't get past the fact that there is always a LOT of value in the OL clear through the 5th round, as we saw last year. Quality defensive linemen are the rarest commodity in the league next to QB's and true 2 way TE's. Unfortunately, this isn't a well kept secret. So if there is one available at #32 we'd have to take it.

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My issue with the available first round DTs is that none of them are pass rushers per se or able to take on double teams. So what real value do they offer?

I took a look at DTs in the NFL a couple of years ago. Unless you are getting a DR in the top 15, there's as much value drafting one in the 4th round as there is in the second half of the first round.

manxman2601 said:

My issue with the available first round DTs is that none of them are pass rushers per se or able to take on double teams. So what real value do they offer?

I took a look at DTs in the NFL a couple of years ago. Unless you are getting a DR in the top 15, there's as much value drafting one in the 4th round as there is in the second half of the first round.

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I think that brings up an interesting philosophical question, manx.

Do you really think that in today's game there is no use for a premier interior DLman with the skills of a Wilfolk, or Knighton anymore? Not just "a" guy, but "the guy" who can take on multiple blockers, push the pocket and open space for your LB's. Do you think that there are any guys like that who might be available at the end of the first. Guys like Phillips, Goldman or Davis who would be worth the pick?

Or do you believe that the future of the interior defensive lineman is finding guys like Donald, or Easley (we hope) Do we eschew the big bodied guy and go after everyone's favorite binky, Hardison in the 2nd or 3rd. Do you think we should be looking for the quick twitch penetrator, the guy who doesn't need to be 320, but can run sub 5 forty and show explosive tendencies.

I get your point- You definitely don't want to draft a guy who you have with a 2nd round grade strictly because of his position, especially if you have a guy who HAS that first round grade, but perhaps in at a position of less need. (say RB ) However when you are drafting #32, you are pretty much in the 2nd round already. Unless some one slips severely (like Easley did last year) pretty much everyone from about 20-50 is going to have a very similar grade. You can't count on that happening again.

I would opine that the pendulum is just now starting to swing back towards the running game. I would think that the wealth of good running backs in this draft will only continue to accelerate that swing. 320 OLmen will eventually get the better of those 285 lb DT's, especially over the course of a long season.

My ideal is to match Easley up with that big space eating pocket pusher, not only to solidify the run D, but to create opening for our DT's Ends, and LB's to create havoc and confusion to the offense. So I ask you again, given the criteria of skills I've set down, IS there a DT in the first round who has the chance to get to us, that would be worth the #32 pick??????

These are just five guys I would like

1. AJ Cann G
2. Todd Gurley RB
3.Dan Hunter DE
4. Bud Dupree DE
5. Jordan Phillips DT

1 & only option: Trade up for Danny Shelton

patfanken said:

My ideal is to match Easley up with that big space eating pocket pusher, not only to solidify the run D, but to create opening for our DT's Ends, and LB's to create havoc and confusion to the offense. So I ask you again, given the criteria of skills I've set down, IS there a DT in the first round who has the chance to get to us, that would be worth the #32 pick??????

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Eddie Goldman, if he drops. I doubt that will happen, and I wouldn't count on it, but there's a chance.

Carl DAVIS could be a first round pick. Otherwise trade down and pick Jake FISHER.

patfanken said:

I think that brings up an interesting philosophical question, manx.

Do you really think that in today's game there is no use for a premier interior DLman with the skills of a Wilfolk, or Knighton anymore? Not just "a" guy, but "the guy" who can take on multiple blockers, push the pocket and open space for your LB's. Do you think that there are any guys like that who might be available at the end of the first. Guys like Phillips, Goldman or Davis who would be worth the pick?

Or do you believe that the future of the interior defensive lineman is finding guys like Donald, or Easley (we hope) Do we eschew the big bodied guy and go after everyone's favorite binky, Hardison in the 2nd or 3rd. Do you think we should be looking for the quick twitch penetrator, the guy who doesn't need to be 320, but can run sub 5 forty and show explosive tendencies.

I get your point- You definitely don't want to draft a guy who you have with a 2nd round grade strictly because of his position, especially if you have a guy who HAS that first round grade, but perhaps in at a position of less need. (say RB ) However when you are drafting #32, you are pretty much in the 2nd round already. Unless some one slips severely (like Easley did last year) pretty much everyone from about 20-50 is going to have a very similar grade. You can't count on that happening again.

I would opine that the pendulum is just now starting to swing back towards the running game. I would think that the wealth of good running backs in this draft will only continue to accelerate that swing. 320 OLmen will eventually get the better of those 285 lb DT's, especially over the course of a long season.

My ideal is to match Easley up with that big space eating pocket pusher, not only to solidify the run D, but to create opening for our DT's Ends, and LB's to create havoc and confusion to the offense. So I ask you again, given the criteria of skills I've set down, IS there a DT in the first round who has the chance to get to us, that would be worth the #32 pick??????

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There are three types of defensive tackle that I would draft in the first round:

1. An athletic 5-tech that can rush the passer (Fletcher Cox)

2. A 3-tech that projects to be a consistent disrupt or in the backfield ;Aaron Donald)

3. A NT type that is athletic and strong enough to defeat double teams (Vince Wilfork).

My issue with the DTs available in this draft is that I don't really think any of them fit the bill. Eddie Goldman and Malcom Brown are good when taking on single-blockers but I see both getting put on skates by double teams although Brown is a little better in that regard.

Jordan Phillips could potentially be that Wilfork/Poe/Lotulelei type but I think he's very raw. I don't see him making a serious contribution for at least a year.

I think Carl Davis is the closest to being first round worthy because he has the quickness and strength to be potentially dominant as he showed at the Senior Bowl and he fits the 3-tech/5-tech qualifiers above. Unfortunately, Davis' tape was not as good as his performance in the Senior Bowl and there are questions about laziness.

The upshot is, I have doubts about all the DTs, much more so than I do OTs like Clemmings or Fisher or an Odighizuwa or Gurley. That's why I have 2nd round grades on all of them.

I would say this though. Firstly, I've tended to be less enamoured by defensive tackles than most in this forum and I'm quite happy to recognise that this might be a blind spot of mine. And secondly, whilst there are prospects I like more, it's not that I dislike these guys. I had a second round grade on Easley last year but was ultimately fine with the pick and I would be with any of Davis, Phillips, Goldman or Brown. It's just that I don't think they'll have been optimal picks.

I think you are right about the pendulum swinging back to the running game. It's why I'm both concerned and excited by Hardison. Initially, I don't think he has the ability to play the run effectively. But if he can be taught to do so then he already has the size to be an effective run stopper whilst having the speed and quickness to be a constant disruptor in the backfield. For me, that's the holy grail - a DT big enough and strong enough to take on blockers in the run game and quick enough to get into the backfield consistently.

At #32, you're not going to find the dream 1st-rounder -- a ready-to-start player at a high-value position with elite potential. But 2 out of 3 of those qualities seems a fair target. With that in mind (and assuming that a few of the players coveted in this thread, like Shelton and Dupree, will be long gone), I'll offer:

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE -- a potential Ninkovich heir
Jake Fisher, OL -- technique and intangibles make him one of the highest-floor players available
Cameron Erving, OL -- a potential Mankins heir
Byron Jones, CB -- a swing-for-the-fences pick at the most sought-after defensive position

Like manxman, I just don't love the DTs here, but could live with Carl Davis.