The Approach
I think this is my first mock draft of the year because I keep going back and forth on how to approach it. The two biggest needs are obviously LG and starting CB, but how to fill those needs is the difficult decision. LG is the easier of the two to fill because it’s more of a plug and play position, while CB will be largely dependent on scheme.
In the end I went with improving the O-Line in the 1st round because I feel it’s the safer move. The issue I see at CB is while we may be able to get one of the top guys at 32 like Byron Jones or Marcus Peters, the odds of them stepping in and being a major contributor as a rookie aren’t great. Even if they do live up to their potential early on, we still lack another quality cover corner on the other side to continue to play an aggressive press-man scheme. So I think the best option right now might be to adapt our defensive scheme and try and upgrade the secondary with one of the 2nd tier CB’s.
32. OL- TJ Clemmings- Pitt/Jake Fisher- Oregon
This pick is to fill the LG position. I like both guys although they have very different skill sets. Who I would prefer probably depends on what their plan is for Nate Solder. If they plan on extending Solder I would probably prefer Fisher because I love his toughness, selflessness and intelligence to be a better LG long term. If Solder may be gone after 2015 then I might prefer Clemmings who can be groomed to take over at LT.
64. DT- Grady Jarrett- Clemson/Michael Bennett- Ohio State
The quickest way to the QB is up the middle and I think both Jarrett and Bennett can create pressure from the inside. If he is available I would prefer Jarrett because I think he is a better pure DT, but Bennett would be a solid alternative with Dominique Easley like versatility.
96. CB- Josh Shaw- USC / Ifo Ekpre-Olumu- Oregon
Losing Revis and Browner will force us to transform our secondary as we simply don’t have the talent to play press-man anymore. Instead I would be looking at CB’s that are better suited to off-man and zone coverage. As part of that I want guys that are smart, instinctive and have good fundamentals. Both Shaw and IEO are excellent tacklers that attack the ball and play the game hard.
97. OL- Daryl Williams- Oklahoma
Williams is largely projected at RT but I love him as a mauling RG, particularly if we do continue to look for larger O-lineman than we have in the past. He may be limited athletically but once he gets his hands on you it’s all over, that’s why I’d love to move him inside. People rave about his character and work ethic and I think he would make an excellent Patriot.
101. MLB- Taiwan Jones- Michigan State
Prototypical size for a Patriots LB’er with incredible functional power. Didn’t run well at the combine but I really don’t care. He plays the game hard and tough and I think he would be an excellent backup LB’er. I see him as a more athletic Brandon Spikes without the crazy.
131. WR- Stefon Diggs- Maryland
The Pats have been heavily linked to WR’s in the lead up to the draft. Diggs is an explosive home run hitter that could add an element to the Pats offence that has been missing. He was a top prep recruit that has never lived up to his potential due to injuries but has the potential to be a better pro than college player. Can also make an impact on special teams.
178. CB- Jacoby Glenn- UCF
A redshirt sophomore who will go much later than he hoped because he didn’t run well. Glenn is still very raw with a lot of room to grow, but he fits the system I would look to play. He is at his best in zone or off-man coverage where he can keep the play in front of him and attack. He has excellent ball skills and is active in run support.
219. DT- Ellis McCarthy- UCLA
Since he was recruited to UCLA, McCarthy has been seen as a potential first round pick. Unfortunately he hasn’t put it all together yet. I love his size and he is a decent athlete, but that hasn’t translated to the field yet. I think he can step in and be a big run stuffer in the middle with the potential to develop into move as he matures as a player.
253. RB- Michael Dyer- Louisville
Oh how time can change things. As a freshman Dyer rushed for over 1,000 yards leading Auburn to a National Title. After a number of off the field issues Dyer bounced around a number of different schools before ending up in Louisville. While he was never consistently the player he was at Auburn, he did show flashes of the player projected to be a future 1st rounder, particularly with his 134 yard, 3 TD effort against Florida State. At the end of the 7th round I think he’s worth a shot
Final Thoughts
- I think a trade down from 32 is quite likely because the talent in this draft is quite flat. I think we can move down 10 spots or so and still get a similarly graded player.
- I know some people have RB as a bigger need, but I’m okay with what we currently have. If we can add another RB or two as UDFA’s to compete for camp spots I think we will be okay.
- With this draft I love the size of our O-Line. Two 6’8” tackles, two 6’5” guards and a 6’4” C
- Undoubtedly I will change my mind again in the next week and make this exercise a complete waste lol
