My Mock

[PatsfanGlo]

I know I may get flamed for even mentioning this but what are your thoughts on Pats actually moving up few spots to grab either Gholston or C.Long? There is very good chance both would be gone at our spot and for some crazy reason, IF both are available at pick 3 with Atlanta looking to pick QB at lower spot. I know salary for that pick 3 will be steep but if the pick works out well, wouldn't it be solid investment?

 

[jeffbiologist]

Well, 3 is too high, and you are talking if both are available. What you dont want to do is pay a guy you dont want at 7(get stuck)when you could have done SOMETHING to get a guy you do want....
KC is at 5, and if 1 of these guys is available there we have to wiegh the fact that the Jets have the same D, even though to me it looks like they are lining up for DMF. I think its worth trading a 3rd to move up 2 spots to get the guy you want...You just dont take a chance unless Ryan has dropped, and you have talked with teams prior and know you have a partner moving back. To make any deal now would be crazy, there are a million different scenarios.
So, I say trade up,down or sideways but be proactive in getting the players you want because we arent far from going back to the super bowl.

 

[DocE]

Long message, so don't say I didn't warn you.

Here's my first attempt at a mock this year. Please keep in mind that I am not picking all the players I like, but rather trying to project what I think that Patriots are thinking.

I'll first go through the first 6 picks of the entire draft:

1. Miami- Chris Long DE Virginia- Could go many directions
2. St Louis- Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State- Would be a monster on the turf
3. Atlanta- Matt Ryan QB Boston College- could also take Jake Long
4. Oakland- Glenn Dorsey DT LSU- assuming his knee checks out
5. Kansas City- Jake Long OT Michigan- Get the guy they would take no.1
6. New York Jets- Darren McFadden RB Arkansas- Best Player Available

So that brings us to New England. The order might change, but I truly believe those 6 go in front of the Patriots. The Pats will want to move down, but can they? My research says 3 teams in the middle of round 1 like Ryan Clady OT Boise State (Denver, Carolina, Chicago). The question is: do they believe they need to get to 7 to take him? I think the answer is yes, because Jonathan Ogden of the Ravens might retire, making OT the Ravens biggest need at no.8.

Because Carolina picked up an extra 3rd in the Kris Jenkins trade, I project them as the likely trading partner.
New England trades no.7 overall to the Carolina Panthers for no. 13 overall, no. 67 overall, and no. 105 overall.

13. New England- Quentin Groves LB/DE Auburn- I think Belichick wants to add an impact pass rusher to the defense. This is a little high for Groves, but I think projecting two trade downs is too much to hope for. Groves has the proven track record from a big time school that the Pats usually look for.

2nd Round: I tried to project a trade up in round 2 to snag CB Antoine Cason, but I don't see him getting past the very top of the round. Pats have to sit tight at #62

62. New England- Reggie Smith CB Oklahoma- Pats need a bigger CB, but there are questions about Smith's speed as he may end up at safety

67. New England- Brad Cottam TE Tennessee- Patriots need a Big TE to offset the loss of Kyle Brady. Cottam is 6'7 1/2 270lbs.

69. New England- Trade- I see the Pats trading atleast one of these 3rd round picks if they fail to move up. Pats trade 69 overall to Kansas City for a 2009 2nd round pick.

94. New England- Beau Bell ILB UNLV- Has the size the Patriots look for at ILB, but may be a little short at 6'1

105. New England- Tony Hillis OT Texas- Former TE fits Pats mold of athletic lineman.

128. New England- Trae Williams CB South Florida- Intercepted 13 passes over the past 2 years.

168. New England- Keilen Dykes DT West Virginia- At 6'4 295lbs, Dykes is the perfect size for a 3-4 DE. 2 Time All Big East selection

202. New England- Jack Ikegwuono CB Wisconsin- Possibly a first rounder if not for his knee injury. Jack won't be able to play in '08, making him a PERFECT fit for the Pats here. Why? The Patriots can put him on IR and not risk losing him on waivers. It's unlikely that a late round pick makes this Pats team, so this is a great way to get a player with talent for the future.

239. New England- Davone Bess Wr Hawaii- Very productive, but is small and ran a super slow 40 at the combine. He did display great hands at the combine and is known for his quickness...possible PR and poor man's Welker?


I still didn't get the return specialist I believe the Patriots will target in this draft, unless Bess can fill that role. Think about it: Welker, Hobbs, and Maroney are 3 of the Patriots most difficult players to replace if they were to get hurt, and they all are on returns right now.

I do think the bottom of the 2nd round is not the place for the Patriots to be if they don't take a CB in round 1. I am not sure they value the position as much as we (fans) do, so it might not bother them. The drop off from the top 5 CB's to the next group appears to be severe.

 

[ALP]

owww, you were thorough, lol....

but i dont think i like your mock, though it is very realistic....i just want cason and jon goof....badly

(wiht those two if we get groves, i would be pretty set)

 

[dryheat44]

So that brings us to New England. The order might change, but I truly believe those 6 go in front of the Patriots. The Pats will want to move down, but can they? My research says 3 teams in the middle of round 1 like Ryan Clady OT Boise State (Denver, Carolina, Chicago). The question is: do they believe they need to get to 7 to take him? I think the answer is yes, because Jonathan Ogden of the Ravens might retire, making OT the Ravens biggest need at no.8.

Because Carolina picked up an extra 3rd in the Kris Jenkins trade, I project them as the likely trading partner.
New England trades no.7 overall to the Carolina Panthers for no. 13 overall, no. 67 overall, and no. 105 overall.

The Panthers #1 need is defensive line help, in particular defensive end. They're sitting pretty for Groves right now, so I seriously doubt they package two picks to get Clady. Smart move would be take Groves (or Harvey if Groves is gone) and pick up a guy like Collins, Cherilus, Nicks, Otah or Baker in round 2.

168. New England- Keilen Dykes DT West Virginia- At 6'4 295lbs, Dykes is the perfect size for a 3-4 DE. 2 Time All Big East selection

Interesting pick. He's not even on my radar screen...which means nothing except I have to take a look at him.

239. New England- Davone Bess Wr Hawaii- Very productive, but is small and ran a super slow 40 at the combine. He did display great hands at the combine and is known for his quickness...possible PR and poor man's Welker?

Ummmm, no. Welker has amazing quickness. Bess does not. In fact, you can throw production out the window when discussing Hawaii (and Texas Tech) wide receivers (and quarterbacks). My disgraced former ex-partner's ******ed gay niece would be a productive receiver in a system that throws 70 passes a game. The only skill guy I can remember from either program to make the NFL as of late is Ashley Lelie, and he's been a huge bust.

I still didn't get the return specialist I believe the Patriots will target in this draft, unless Bess can fill that role. Think about it: Welker, Hobbs, and Maroney are 3 of the Patriots most difficult players to replace if they were to get hurt, and they all are on returns right now.

Since the trade with Carolina's not going to happen, You could take McKelvin somewhere between #7 and #10. Other guys in play for returners are Tracy Porter, Lavelle Hawkins, Quentin Demps, Jack Williams, Tyvon Branch, Jalen Parmele, Terrence Wheatley, Eddie Royal, Jeremy Trimble, Dwight Lowery. Bess returned punts for Hawaii

If we want to dedicate a roster spot on a guy to do returns exclusively, we could spend a late pick on Kevin Robinson WR Utah St, Derrek Richards WR Utah, or Curtis Francis RB Central Florida.

On balance, a very interesting and thoughtful mock draft, which is always appreciated.

 

[DaBruinz]

13. New England- Quentin Groves LB/DE Auburn- I think Belichick wants to add an impact pass rusher to the defense. This is a little high for Groves, but I think projecting two trade downs is too much to hope for. Groves has the proven track record from a big time school that the Pats usually look for.

2nd Round: I tried to project a trade up in round 2 to snag CB Antoine Cason, but I don't see him getting past the very top of the round. Pats have to sit tight at #62

62. New England- Reggie Smith CB Oklahoma- Pats need a bigger CB, but there are questions about Smith's speed as he may end up at safety

67. New England- Brad Cottam TE Tennessee- Patriots need a Big TE to offset the loss of Kyle Brady. Cottam is 6'7 1/2 270lbs.

69. New England- Trade- I see the Pats trading atleast one of these 3rd round picks if they fail to move up. Pats trade 69 overall to Kansas City for a 2009 2nd round pick.

94. New England- Beau Bell ILB UNLV- Has the size the Patriots look for at ILB, but may be a little short at 6'1

105. New England- Tony Hillis OT Texas- Former TE fits Pats mold of athletic lineman.

128. New England- Trae Williams CB South Florida- Intercepted 13 passes over the past 2 years.

168. New England- Keilen Dykes DT West Virginia- At 6'4 295lbs, Dykes is the perfect size for a 3-4 DE. 2 Time All Big East selection

202. New England- Jack Ikegwuono CB Wisconsin- Possibly a first rounder if not for his knee injury. Jack won't be able to play in '08, making him a PERFECT fit for the Pats here. Why? The Patriots can put him on IR and not risk losing him on waivers. It's unlikely that a late round pick makes this Pats team, so this is a great way to get a player with talent for the future.

239. New England- Davone Bess Wr Hawaii- Very productive, but is small and ran a super slow 40 at the combine. He did display great hands at the combine and is known for his quickness...possible PR and poor man's Welker?


I still didn't get the return specialist I believe the Patriots will target in this draft, unless Bess can fill that role. Think about it: Welker, Hobbs, and Maroney are 3 of the Patriots most difficult players to replace if they were to get hurt, and they all are on returns right now.

I do think the bottom of the 2nd round is not the place for the Patriots to be if they don't take a CB in round 1. I am not sure they value the position as much as we (fans) do, so it might not bother them. The drop off from the top 5 CB's to the next group appears to be severe.

Not a bad 1st attempt. A few things.

I don't see Reggie Smith as a fit for the Patriots. Also, drafting a guy this high that you'd have to move to safety where he's be a back-up behind Harrison, Sanders and Meriweather isn't a good move. BTW, if you look around the league, many of the BEST CBs are only 5'11.

Brad Cottam isn't worth that high of a 3rd round pick. Plus there are too many injury flags on him.

Beau Bell would be a horrible pick. Jonathan Goff would be a much better fit.

Hills is a horrible fit for the Patriots. Again, MAJOR injury flags. Has issues recognizing defensive alignments. That is a KEY issue for the Pats O-linemen. Particularly in a zone blocking scheme.

Williams - You complain about the size of the Pats corners and then draft another one? That doesn't make any sense.

Dykes - Why take ANOTHER 3-4DE? The Pats currently have 5 on the roster in Warren, Seymour, Green, Wright, and L. Smith.

Jack Ikegwuono may be doing jail time by the time the draft rolls around.

Davone Bess? Does he return kicks? How about punts? Is he actually quick or fast? The answer, unfortunately, is NO to all of those. If you are going to add another WR, you need to figure out where he fits on the team. The fact is that the only way another WR is going to see the field is if he does KR and/or Punt returns. Davone Bess ran in the 4.7's at the combine. He's going to need some major help on his pro-day to even be in consideration for a 7th round pick.

I will give you the credit for making the attempt. However, I think you need to do some more research on the guys you look at, taking into consideration their strengths and weaknesses, playing style, and the needs of the Patriots. I don't know if I can say you really did that outside of Gholston.

 

[DocE]

The Panthers #1 need is defensive line help, in particular defensive end. They're sitting pretty for Groves right now, so I seriously doubt they package two picks to get Clady. Smart move would be take Groves (or Harvey if Groves is gone) and pick up a guy like Collins, Cherilus, Nicks, Otah or Baker in round 2.

I know for a fact that Panthers are very interested in Clady. John Fox was at his pro day, and the Offensive Line is their NO.1 priority. Check Carolinagrowl.com for the local perspective. The current vision of their Oline has Warton moving from LT inside to LG. I am sure you are aware that the Panthers have Julius Peppers at DE and just recently signed Tyler Brayton as well.


Ummmm, no. Welker has amazing quickness. Bess does not. In fact, you can throw production out the window when discussing Hawaii (and Texas Tech) wide receivers (and quarterbacks). My disgraced former ex-partner's ******ed gay niece would be a productive receiver in a system that throws 70 passes a game. The only skill guy I can remember from either program to make the NFL as of late is Ashley Lelie, and he's been a huge bust.

Ummmm, strange thought since Welker himself played at Texas Tech. If you read the NFLDraftScout profile of Bess it notes that he impressed with his soft hands and quickness at the combine. I don't disagree that his production is inflated given the system he played in (and the competition they played against). FWIW, I looked up Welkers speed in one of my old draft magazines and it was listed at 4.7.

 

[DaBruinz]

The Panthers #1 need is defensive line help, in particular defensive end. They're sitting pretty for Groves right now, so I seriously doubt they package two picks to get Clady. Smart move would be take Groves (or Harvey if Groves is gone) and pick up a guy like Collins, Cherilus, Nicks, Otah or Baker in round 2.

Actually, I think they'd jump all over Ellis at 7.

Interesting pick. He's not even on my radar screen...which means nothing except I have to take a look at him.

Why draft another DE when the Pats already have 5 of them?

Ummmm, no. Welker has amazing quickness. Bess does not. In fact, you can throw production out the window when discussing Hawaii (and Texas Tech) wide receivers (and quarterbacks). My disgraced former ex-partner's ******ed gay niece would be a productive receiver in a system that throws 70 passes a game. The only skill guy I can remember from either program to make the NFL as of late is Ashley Lelie, and he's been a huge bust.

I have to agree with you here.

Since the trade with Carolina's not going to happen, You could take McKelvin somewhere between #7 and #10. Other guys in play for returners are Tracy Porter, Lavelle Hawkins, Quentin Demps, Jack Williams, Tyvon Branch, Jalen Parmele, Terrence Wheatley, Eddie Royal, Jeremy Trimble, Dwight Lowery. Bess returned punts for Hawaii

I think the trade with Carolina could, very well happen. Especially if they are high on Ellis.

If we want to dedicate a roster spot on a guy to do returns exclusively, we could spend a late pick on Kevin Robinson WR Utah St, Derrek Richards WR Utah, or Curtis Francis RB Central Florida.

You never dedicate a spot to exclusivity except for LS, P, and K. You dedicate it to someone who could move up and chip in amongst the the rotations. That is why I'd rather see the Pats take someone like a Dexter Jackson or a Chris Johnson.

On balance, a very interesting and thoughtful mock draft, which is always appreciated.

Its definitely an interesting draft. But, to me, there see to be too many issues that were over-looked. Particularly with the likes of Hills, Jake Ikegwuono, and Cottam.

 

[DaBruinz]

I know for a fact that Panthers are very interested in Clady. John Fox was at his pro day, and the Offensive Line is their NO.1 priority. Check Carolinagrowl.com for the local perspective. The current vision of their Oline has Warton moving from LT inside to LG. I am sure you are aware that the Panthers have Julius Peppers at DE and just recently signed Tyler Brayton as well.

They Panthers could also be looking at Ellis since they just traded Jenkins.

Ummmm, strange thought since Welker himself played at Texas Tech. If you read the NFLDraftScout profile of Bess it notes that he impressed with his soft hands and quickness at the combine. I don't disagree that his production is inflated given the system he played in (and the competition they played against). FWIW, I looked up Welkers speed in one of my old draft magazines and it was listed at 4.7.

Welker ran a 4.65 at his Pro-Day.. Bess ran in the high 4.7s at the combine. Welker ran a 4.01 in the shuttle and a 7.09 in the 3-cone. Bess ran a 4.27 in the shuttle and a 6.97 in the 3 cone.

Also, if you are going to quote NFLDraftScout, how about this tidbit:

[FONT=Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-2]A 4.7 time for an NFL wide receiver, however, may be a showing that even his most ardent supporters have to review Bess' prospects for the next level.

[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

[patsfaninpa]

I think you have the right idea. I posted it under my Worse Case Scenario Mock. I think S.Ellis is going to be the target not R.Clady. There is a bigger dropoff from S.Ellis to the next DT...K.Balmer...Than there is from R.Clady to C.Williams. I've never seen Vandy play. But, some think C.Williams is nearly as good as Clady. I think Denver,Carolina and even Chicago would be interested in S.Ellis. Maybe, Detroit too since they traded S.Rogers.

I would like to get that 2nd instead of 3 and 4. I would throw in a 4 or 5 to do. I feel you're right about Cason. He ain't lasting until the end of the 2nd. But, if we're picking 13 and 44. We might be able to get our pass-rusher and cb. I wouldn't be against going CB in Round 1. Then, C.Avril in Round 2. Talib supposedly had a great workout yesterday. I'm not writing him off of our draft boards. 0

 

[ALP]

ellis or clady....as long as carolina pulls the trigger, i will be extatic....(and their 2nd round pick too of course)

 

[alvinnf]

I like these picks as well, however I don't think grove is a top 20 pick, Cason is long gone by 44 and Jonathin Goff is off the borad earlier as well. One edge pass rusher I rarely hear people talk about, that I think would be a great pick if he were available to us with the 2nd or first 3rd pick is Bruce Davis out of UCLA, he's played OLB an DE while there and his sack numbers are off the charts the last two years, He's not playing in the sunbelt conf. they knew he was coming and could'nt stop him.