"BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE" MOCK DRAFT

Teams always use the war cry, "We Draft The Best Player Available"! Former Cowboys exec. Gill Brandt dissects the top 100 +40 players as"Best Player Available".

If we play it straight with no trades or "binkies" at least until after pick #140, these are the players that fall into the Pats Draft with the corresponding pick to what the Pats own versus the perceived "BPA" number. I have left a margin of three positions in case of a player or position that the Past are guaranteed not to Draft within the first 140 like a QB, punter etc.
Thoughts?

Round 1 (32): Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
Round 2 (64): Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke
Round 3 (96): Ali Marpet, G, Hobart
Round 3 (97):David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa
Round 4 (101):Marcus Hardison, DL, Arizona State
Round 4 (131): Tony Lippett, CB/WR, Michigan State
Round 6 (178): Ben Heeney, ILB, Kansas (POSTER'S CHOICE)
Round 7 (219): Tray Walker, CB, Texas Southern (POSTER'S CHOICE)
Round 7 (253): Tyrell Williams, WR, Western Oregon (POSTER'S CHOICE)

This is not a bad Draft if it goes that way (up to 140 anyway). My only change would be
pick #96 and pick #97. I would drop Marpet to #97 (can't trade Comp.) and use #96 to get LB Mychal Kendricks from the Eagles who is being dangled. I love Mayo but how many trust Mayo will be healthy for all 2015? I am skeptical.
Mayo has been hurt three of the last four years. DH is also coming off injury as well, so we have one healthy starting LB as of today for 2015.
They let Ayers get away (mistake) and Casillas played some. They have not been replaced as of yet.

BB has missed on at least three LBs we know of in FA. Where there is smoke.....I would say we are all set at RB. We have six right now.

Bill likes versatility:
-Hardison is very much under the radar and can play DE and DT. He might be a steal in this Draft.He is bigger and faster (4.92) than Easley with 8 sacks and 2 INTs his senior year and 24 QB pressures. I think BB has said QB pressures are as important as sacks.

-Tony Lippett is a 6'3" WR who was plugged into CB and played well. Most believe his best position is CB. He also had 56 receptions and 11 TDs on a very good MSU Team playing opposite first rounder Waynes in games. He has been praised for his desire to help his Team any way (Troy Brown?). I think he plays CB here.

-Ben Heeney can play all three LB spots and is a speedy ST projection. 6.68
three cone and 4.56 40.

Very interesting matchups. Yes? No?
DW Toys

Apart from the Eddie Goldman pick which I don't like and the absence of a quality CB it's a good mock. I'd be delighted with Marpet, Hardison, Johnson and Heeney. Put a CB in at 32 instead of Goldman and add Leterrius Walton or David Parry instead of Lippett and it would be a damn fine mock.

I'm not sure we've missed on our lb. I wonder if we're waiting until May 12th to sign Colin McCarthy. We have 3 linebackers who play in the 4-2-5. One starts in the 4-3. We really just need a backup will for the 4-3. McCarthy seems a good fit for that. If we make a trade with Philly, I think it might be for Evan Mathis. We've cleared cap space. And, I think Chip takes Jake Fisher at 20.

With his board, I can envision a move up for a cb. 32 and 96 for 25. Pick Byron Jones - CB. I'd go with Abdullah at 64. Don't need the immediate starter at G because of the trade for Mathis. Prob give up a sixth rounder. Love the Hardison pick. I want a wr so I'd take Tre McBride. My OL at 131 would be Jamil Douglas. Can be groomed as an eventual replacement for Mathis. We're going to have to score more points this year. I doubt our defense will be as good. Abdullah can give us an explosive back we haven't really had in the Belichick Era. Not since Curtis Martin. Still have the big backs like; Blount, Gray, Bolden and Gaffney.

1. Jones - CB
2. Abdullah - RB
3. Hardison - DT
4. McBride - WR
4. Douglas - OL

I'm amazed at how well people know so many college players.

Ice_Ice_Brady said:

I'm amazed at how well people know so many college players.

Click to expand...

I'd know college players really well if there was a way to do it without watching the games. I don't think highlight tapes really tell the whole story since they have no context. A big sack in a blow out isn't the same as one on 3rd and short with the game on the line and FG range in question.

I often wonder how many of the mock picks made in drafts are made correctly after the first round.....

Not Many would be my guess......

Heck, I have trouble calling the pick by the Pats real time, and that's knowing the players that have already been drafted by the other teams !

Those who say they're good at it should contact the Patriots for a job.....

Of Course, knowing how BB has his draft board stacked helps alot

patsfaninpa said:

I'm not sure we've missed on our lb. I wonder if we're waiting until May 12th to sign Colin McCarthy. We have 3 linebackers who play in the 4-2-5. One starts in the 4-3. We really just need a backup will for the 4-3. McCarthy seems a good fit for that. If we make a trade with Philly, I think it might be for Evan Mathis. We've cleared cap space. And, I think Chip takes Jake Fisher at 20.

With his board, I can envision a move up for a cb. 32 and 96 for 25. Pick Byron Jones - CB. I'd go with Abdullah at 64. Don't need the immediate starter at G because of the trade for Mathis. Prob give up a sixth rounder. Love the Hardison pick. I want a wr so I'd take Tre McBride. My OL at 131 would be Jamil Douglas. Can be groomed as an eventual replacement for Mathis. We're going to have to score more points this year. I doubt our defense will be as good. Abdullah can give us an explosive back we haven't really had in the Belichick Era. Not since Curtis Martin. Still have the big backs like; Blount, Gray, Bolden and Gaffney.

1. Jones - CB
2. Abdullah - RB
3. Hardison - DT
4. McBride - WR
4. Douglas - OL

Click to expand...

What? Did we trade for Mathis? I would do that but it is a not yet.
I am one of those who feel RB is not a need. We have 6. White is supposed to be the explosive one. Abdullah struggled with fumbles. I can't see the Pats going for him if they do go RB especially after the Ridley pick.
DW Toys

It's a decent draft but I want the team to do more at CB than Lippett and Walker. I also want to see more at WR but I absolutely love what you did in the trenches. The OL and DL would be set for years after a draft like that (even though I'm not totally convinced Marpet would be a fit, I do like him as a prospect). What did you have for UDFA's?

BlueThunder said:

I often wonder how many of the mock picks made in drafts are made correctly after the first round.....

Not Many would be my guess......

Heck, I have trouble calling the pick by the Pats real time, and that's knowing the players that have already been drafted by the other teams !

Those who say they're good at it should contact the Patriots for a job.....

Of Course, knowing how BB has his draft board stacked helps alot

Click to expand...

Ah... but that's what makes them fun Cousin and BB usually screws up everyone's Mock. It's like he does it on purpose!
45 Million people watch the Draft. It is for the intrigue and the fact that their Team, from the Bucs to the Pats has a clean slate that day. The future is bright. It is a blend of mystery, deception and a reality show where a kid walks into a theater and walks out a millionaire.
Watching players stuck in the "Green Room" we all feel sorry for them, but they are still wealthy when and where they are chosen.
We like to challenge the so called experts like Kiper, with our predictions.
It is far from an exact science. The irony of all of this is that the average success rate of every Draft is a lowly 17%. A .170 hitter in baseball sits on the bench.

In all honesty, we as fans are amped with the same knowledge from print, electronic media and the Net, that we can make choices that might even exceed 17%. The three year Term for evaluation is sometimes challenged by injuries or misalignment of fit via each Team that might not be the players fault. But those not in the 17% are out of the League or JAGs on another Team as a roster filler. THERE ARE A LOT OF INTELLIGENT POSTERS ON THE FORUM THAT WOULD DO OVER A 17% SUCCESS RATE.

Don't believe all the "I have been a scout for 50 years" crap. No Team can interview over 2,000 players eligible for every Draft class. Guess what , they go to the same resources we do...."What do Kiper and Mayock say?"

They only advantage a Team has is communication with other Teams, Coaches of said player and individual meetings. Most kids that are interviewed are never Drafted by that Team! Solder was never interviewed or came for a visit as another example. At the end of the day you are dealing with two things, the luck of the draw and the human element of theses "Draftees" . You can check their stats and physical dimensions but who knows their heart?

DW Toys

I've heard the Pats very much like Tomlinson.

If I had to pick one player I expect to be drafted by the Ptriots, it's Ali Marpet - smart, eager to learn, all the measureables.

I was listening to a good analysis yesterday in the car - someone from the Ravens front office, who do things much like the Pats. he said he thinks they'll move up, given Caserio's comments that they already have 75 on the roster and it's going to be hard for all these draft picks to come in and have a chance at making the team.

They'll move up or trade into next year.

manxman2601 said:

Apart from the Eddie Goldman pick which I don't like and the absence of a quality CB it's a good mock. I'd be delighted with Marpet, Hardison, Johnson and Heeney. Put a CB in at 32 instead of Goldman and add Leterrius Walton or David Parry instead of Lippett and it would be a damn fine mock.

Click to expand...

After reading the following, I agree on Goldman. Although, who knows how good McGinn's sources are...

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/pack...-defensive-linemen-b99487236z1-301384351.html

For what it's worth, this seems like a deep draft & I'd be fine with any of the following at 32:
Cameron Erving - C/G
Nelson Agholor WR
Jalean Strong - WR
Landon Collins - S
Jalean Collins - CB
Kevin Johnson - CB
Marcus Peters - CB
Byron Jones - CB
Todd Gurley - RB

sportnik said:

After reading the following, I agree on Goldman. Although, who knows how good McGinn's sources are...

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/pack...-defensive-linemen-b99487236z1-301384351.html

For what it's worth, this seems like a deep draft & I'd be fine with any of the following at 32:
Cameron Erving - C/G
Nelson Agholor WR
Jalean Strong - WR
Landon Collins - S
Jalean Collins - CB
Kevin Johnson - CB
Marcus Peters - CB
Byron Jones - CB
Todd Gurley - RB

Click to expand...

Agreed on all but Strong. His strongsuits won't make him a good fit in this offense. His route running is extremely sloppy as well and that wouldn't sit well with Brady.

patsfaninpa said:

I'm not sure we've missed on our lb. I wonder if we're waiting until May 12th to sign Colin McCarthy. We have 3 linebackers who play in the 4-2-5. One starts in the 4-3. We really just need a backup will for the 4-3. McCarthy seems a good fit for that. If we make a trade with Philly, I think it might be for Evan Mathis. We've cleared cap space. And, I think Chip takes Jake Fisher at 20.

With his board, I can envision a move up for a cb. 32 and 96 for 25. Pick Byron Jones - CB. I'd go with Abdullah at 64. Don't need the immediate starter at G because of the trade for Mathis. Prob give up a sixth rounder. Love the Hardison pick. I want a wr so I'd take Tre McBride. My OL at 131 would be Jamil Douglas. Can be groomed as an eventual replacement for Mathis. We're going to have to score more points this year. I doubt our defense will be as good. Abdullah can give us an explosive back we haven't really had in the Belichick Era. Not since Curtis Martin. Still have the big backs like; Blount, Gray, Bolden and Gaffney.

1. Jones - CB
2. Abdullah - RB
3. Hardison - DT
4. McBride - WR
4. Douglas - OL

Click to expand...

I don't need to tell you what I think of this mock but I will anyway. LOVE IT!

Is it draft day(s) yet?

DWToys...

Every year I pour thru the Draft mags.....read up and watch videos of players......watch a few college games.....record visits.....and try to make list of players that I think BB will draft .

NOT EVEN CLOSE on my part...LOL

Then, when Collins was picked, I finally got one right.....

I guess it's the thrill of the hunt ...

Going to enjoy this year's as well...tho after the 4th round, It gets murky and I usually am drafted out by then...but I always enjoy it.

if the Pats pick a receiver, I think they'll go with mighty midget Tyler Lockett...best route-runner in the draft, round 3 trade-up.

He's this year's TY Hilton.

50-yard-line said:

if the Pats pick a receiver, I think they'll go with mighty midget Tyler Lockett...best route-runner in the draft, round 3 trade-up.

He's this year's TY Hilton.

Click to expand...

This is how I rank the WR's that I prefer in no particular order...

1. DGB
2. Algohor
3. Devin Smith
4. McBride
5. Coates
6. Lockett
7. Bell

Of course, I would love Cooper, White, or Parker, but I can't see the Pats trading up for them.

The Eddie Goldman pick...eh, he gets wired in blocks a little more than I'd like. But I don't hate the pick.

I love the Laken Tomlinson pick. Right place, right player.

Ali Marpet: I don't know if he would fit from a ht/wt/system standpoint. Even though I think he did damn well vs Shelton in Senior Bowl practices I'm a bit leery of him. Because he's a fun story from a D III school, I'm concerned he's a bit of a media creation like Danny Watkins from a Canadian school to the Eagles a few year ago. As a late round flyer? Definitely! As a day 2 guy? I'd rather not.

David Johnson is one of my favorite players in the draft. I think he's an upgrade from Vereen (better college production, better combine numbers and I've soured on James White).

I like the Tony Lippett pick. I'd like it even more a little later. Versatility and a player willing to go wherever a coach puts him, just makes me smile. His hands are a bit suspect for a WR. But at the very least he could eventually be a big/fast CB.

The other guys I don't know well enough to comment. But as others have said, more cowbell...err, I mean more Cornerbacks would be a good thing.

[QUOTE="DW Toys, post: 4184260, member: 6360"

Don't believe all the "I have been a scout for 50 years" crap. No Team can interview over 2,000 players eligible for every Draft class. Guess what , they go to the same resources we do...."What do Kiper and Mayock say?"


DW Toys[/QUOTE]

This is absolute nonsense. Some teams join forces to subscribe to a scouting service (not one that reports to the public). The patriots relay on their own set of scouts, who they rely on much more that Mayock and Kiper.

If Mayock and Kiper are useful for anything, they are useful for information of how other teams view the prospects and where other teams might draft the players.

For example, if the media experts all have Marpet being drafted in the top 60 picks, Belichick might consider it unreasonable to expect to draft Marpet with his 96th pick (as some here seem to think will happen).
========
It is not unusual to think that fans can do better than the top 5 effort of Belichick since 2001. I agree that there are several posters who might be valuable in evaluating players and could do well as part of the very large group of folks that evaluate players for the patriots.

You may feel that these fine posters can better evaluate which offensive linemen will be productive for the patriots. For me, I think that Belichick, Scar, Gooch and the scouting staff can do that job better.

I'm not sure exactly who I want right now, but YOUR mock today was OUTSTANDING. I know some might want a CB up top, but I can could let it go.

Goldman fits a bigger need than I think most Pats fans understand. Some of our run stats from last season were fairly scary even with Vince and need to be addressed.

I think the Duke kid is a fine pick but I think he's a luxury if we pick Marpet. Instead, I'd stay with DT and grab Grady Jarred with the #2. He's a guy who can help on the run, but create inside pressure on the run.

Your RB is a good choice with good hands and I've ALWAYS been a big fan of Marcus Hardison.

Now I want to thank you for giving me my new super binky in Tony Lippett. a 6'3 CB was exactly what I was looking for and couldn't find. That kind of potential is well worth the risk even if we don't see much out of it for a few years. Great find DW.

IF that were our draft I'd be thrilled Congratulatrions