I'm using the Play The Draft big board for the first three rounds and then a combination of ESPN and CBS for the later rounds.
I'm starting off with a Trade Up. Patriots trade 60, 91, 196 (448 pts) to Washington for 53, 120, 159 (451 pts). We lose a third, but get a 4th and 5th back. Trade is necessary because the better prospects like Calhoun and Austin Johnson are likely to be off the board by #60.
#53 (Wash). Shilique Calhoun, EDGE, Michigan State
A toss up between Austin Johnson and Shilique Calhoun and I'd be fine with either one. Calhoun gets the edge here because pass rushers carry a premium and because of the depth at DT in this class.
#60 **Traded**
#61 **Traded to TB for 74, 108**
#74 (TB). Jerald Hawkins, OT, LSU
Personally I think Clark and Coleman have the better upside, but Hawkins is the better fit for our zone blocking system, is more experienced and has been worked out by Dante. And, most big boards portray him as the better value of the three with a fairly consistent mid 3rd round grade, thus allowing the trade.
#91 **Traded**
#96. Hassan Ridgeway, DT, Texas
I don't think there's a huge drop off from Austin Johnson to Ridgeway and as
@Brady6 has noted, pairing Brown and Ridgeway means pairing two players who know each other's game.
#108(TB) Connor Mcgovern, OL, Missouri
Has played LT, RT, LG, RG and is one of the most athletic linemen in the draft. And was worked out by Dante. Shouldn't need to add anything.
#120 (Wash). Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas
Maybe Procise or Howard are the more likely pick for the Pats, but based upon his 2014 tape, I think Williams is the best of the three, by some margin. A lot will depend on his medicals though. But this pick would be fantastic value.
#159 (Wash). Keivarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
Started off the year graded in the 2nd round but now is being seen as a 4th-6th round prospect because of time lost. Ran a 4.4 forty, 4.09 shuttle, jumped over 11' and 38" and had a 6.89 3-cone. Value with a capital 'V'.
#196 **Traded**
#204. Cody Core, WR, Mississippi State
Outside receiver that can get vertical and is 6'3" with big hands. Has a good reputation for character, plays special teams, ran sub 4.5 and had a 6.75 3-cone. It was between him and Chris Moore for this pick. I'd take whichever of the two was available.
#208. Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford
Hogan is one of the smartest QBs in the draft, comes from Stanford and, I believe, is the only QB we've been told the Pats have had contact with. It's well worth bringing in a developmental QB.
#214. David Morgan II, TE, Texas-San Antonio
He's slow (faster at his pro-day) but he's the best blocking TE in the draft, has good hands and a sub 7.00 3-cone. Camp competition for Michael Williams.
#221 Stephen Anderson, WR/TE, California
A move TE or big nickel. Will provide camp competition for AJ Derby and should see time on special teams. Has legitimate upside as a quick pass catcher in the nickel that is too quick for linebackers and that should give safeties consternation.
#243. Chris Swain, FB, Navy
A better runner/receiver than Develin and is no mean blocker too. I was impressed with what little I saw of him.
#250. Steven Daniels, LB, Boston College
You won't want him on the field on passing downs but you will if the opposition are playing smash mouth as he's a terrific run defender, hits like a truck.
Priority UDFA - Keenan Reynolds.
I'm not as keen on him as the Patriots seem to be so he probably needs to be included.
Priority UDFA - Kalan Reed, CB, Southern Miss
Not sure where his true value lies yet so I'm including his as a UDFA for now. I'd take him as high as the 5th personally. FWIW, PFF love him, just as they did Darryl Roberts last year. Disrupted a pass (interception/deflection) on 20% of his targets last year and is one of the better CBs against the run.
Note: I regret not being able to find a place for Daniel Braverman. It was touch and go between him David Morgan II. Ask me tomorrow and I'll probably switch them.
