Bleacher Report Mock Draft
 

I represented the Patriots for the Bleacher Report "Writers Mock Draft". Here is the order of the first 7 picks.

J. Long
Dorsey
Ryan
C. Long
Ellis
McFadden

And I took Gholston. While our 3 trade-down targets are gone (Ellis, McFadden, Ryan) Gholston is a nice consolation prize.

Re: Bleacher Report Mock Draft
 

good pick Gholston's #1 on my draft wants...

I really hope Oakland takes Gholston instead.

Re: Bleacher Report Mock Draft
 

In that case are you advocating we take C. Long or McFadden? Or trade down?

Re: Bleacher Report Mock Draft
 

Naah Gholston is a fine pick. He does have to convert to play OLB... and I'm not sure how he will do in coverage, but I think if we draft him we'll just use his superior athleticism to get after the QB. Let him pin his ears back and make Peyton Manning eat some nice FieldTurf. ;)

Re: Bleacher Report Mock Draft
 

Speaking for myself, I'd be very happy if BB could trade into 4 or 5 and get Chris Long, I just believe he could start as a rookie. I'd be content with Gholston because I believe teaming him with the 'backerhood' would give him the support structure to help him develop into a Patriots' mainstay - but based on the one game I saw him in (National Championship - LSU), he's two years away from being a full time contributor. I still consider him my #2 LB prospect in this draft, but as the draft nears I'm starting to get cold feet about drafting "potential" at #7 (that holds for the talk of drafting Albert too). McFadden holds no interest for me. Given the scenerio of the mock you're in, I'd look for a trade down with someone who wants a stud DE like Gholston, just to see how much they'd pay (then make my final decision).

Re: Bleacher Report Mock Draft
 

Here is the "smart' draft which I don't expect to see happen but if teams were smart that 's how they would go.

1. Fins- Jake Long- as long as their OL is bad they can have Ronnie Brown and Ricky and still suck. They need this guy.

2. Rams- Dorsey- This kid is the real deal and they really need him.

3. Atlanta- Ryan- they have no QB and need one to start their climb out of the hole.

4. Raiders. Ellis. Their D-line stinks. C Long would also be a smart choice.

5. Chiefs- same as the Raiders- which one the Raiders don't pick they should.

6. Jets- McFadden- They had a good draft last year and looks like a good FA class this year. They need a play maker on O. Without that they might make it to 8-8.

7. Patriots. Rivers or Gholston. Rivers is the more NFL ready right now. Gholston has the most upside if he decides to play every play and learn from the best.

Re: Bleacher Report Mock Draft
 

I would go Rivers over Gholston.

Re: Bleacher Report Mock Draft
 

who is your first lb?

Re: Bleacher Report Mock Draft
 

Gholston has 25 lbs on Rivers, runs just as fast, and is far better at getting after the QB. Why on earth would you take Rivers over Gholston?