Patriots 1st round mock draft picks

[Disco Volante]

Aaron Maybin DE/OLB (Penn State)
Jerod Mayo has been great in his rookie season but the Patriots still need to start replacing the rest of their aging linebacker core. Maybin's talent probably should warrant him a pick even higher than this however due to team need he may fall into the mid-wenties.

Draft 32 - Unlimited NFL Draft Coverage of All 32 Teams

Aaron Maybin (OLB, Penn State)
Maybin (6' 4" 240 lbs), an eligible sophomore, is an ultra quick sack master. In 2008 he recorded 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss (TFLs).

2009 NFL Mock Draft

Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State
Bill Belichick added a young inside linebacker to his roster last April. He may look to upgrade the exterior this time around.

The Patriots struggled to put pressure on the quarterback at times (31 sacks) and Mike Vrabel, though still dependable, will be 34 in August. Something has to be done about this.

WalterFootball.com: 2009 NFL Mock Draft

Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
The offense can put up points with the best of them, but the defense needs some help. Jerod Mayo was a great selection last year, but more help is needed, specifically in the secondary. Size is the only glaring issue with Smith, and the Pats have proven to prefer the smaller, quicker corners. He would fit nicely in their defense and should be the big play threat they lost when Asante Samuel left for Philly last year,.

2009 NFL Mock Draft

Brian Cushing, LB, USC
The converted safety is a ball-hawking type playmaker this aging unit needs. Cushing was major factor for the Trojans top-ranked defense and joins former teammate Jerod Mayo. Once the dust settles in Foxboro following the mass exodus of coaches and front office staff, we will have a better understanding of the Patriots direction, but rest assured, they will not take a QB, though a running back might not be a call.

2009 Mock NFL Draft by FFToolbox Writer, Ben Standig

Clint Sintim, OLB/DE, Virginia
The Patriots would love to see Sintim available on draft day when they make late in the first round. He projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and he lined up as an end at Virginia several times. However, he still could play the inside linebacker spot in a 3-4 if necessary.The added presence of a pass rush will elevate the Patriots defense to new heights. Adding a linebacker here is essential as Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi are both in the final couple years of their careers.

S2S | Saturdays2Sundays.com - NFL Draft Website 2009 NFL Mock Draft

D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
An important part of the defense that lead Vanderbilt to its first bowl game since 1982, Moore is heading to the NFL -- where he could be a great pickup by New England. He has already shown that he can handle man-to-man matchups with some elite WR talent, which should make him an appealing pick for New England.

2009 NFL Mock Draft - Draft King

D.J. Moore (CB) Vanderbilt
It has to be killing Bill Belichick that Deltha O’Neal is a starting cornerback for his defense. O’Neal was jettisoned from the Cincinnati Bengals of all places. DJ Moore is an instant upgrade and, despite his limited height (5-9), plays bigger and more physical than you’d think.

2009 Mock Draft

D.J. Moore (CB, Vanderbilt)
Losing Asante Samuel didn't seem to hurt the Patriots as much as many expected it might during the 2008 season. However, Bill Belichick will know that he can't allow that to go on another season and drafting this years purest cover corner who is also an exceptional athlete will instantly help their secondary.

2009 NFL Mock Draft - Round 1

D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
An important part of the defense that lead Vanderbilt to its first bowl game since 1982, Moore is heading to the NFL -- where he could be a great pickup by New England. He has already shown that he can handle man-to-man matchups with some elite WR talent, which should make him an appealing pick for New England.

The Patriots lost CB Asante Samuel to free agency last year, and giving a boost to that position by bringing a player with Moore's shut-down ability could be great. The Patriots might also consider drafting Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith with this selection.

2009 NFL Mock Draft - Draft King

D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
Projecting what the Patriots will draft is projecting what Paris Hilton will do next. You just never know. LeSean McCoy could be a possibility, but the Pats already have a handful of solid RBs. And yes, I am a fan of Benjarvus-Green. For now though, I am going to focus on defense. The Pats are in major need of help in the defensive backfield, especially at cornerback, where Deltha O'Neal started many games for the Pats, and he was cut by the Bengals, which says something. Moore isn't the tallest CB, but has great speed, and a solid cover corner. He will challenge Vontae Davis to be the 2nd CB drafted.

2009 NFL Mock Draft - The Football Expert

Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio St.
The Patriots could go with another ILB to match up with Jerod Mayo the beast from Tennessee. However, their isn’t really someone of that value on the board. So they get the best ranked CB in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft with the 23rd pick overall.

2009 NFL Mock Draft 22-32

William More, S, Missouri
After another serious injury it looks like Rodney Harrison is about finished and even though Brandon Meriweather stepped in and did a real nice job in 2008 they could still use an upgrade over James Sanders next to him. Coming into his senior year William Moore was considered to be a potential Top 10 overall pick William Moore | Missouri Tigers but he battled some injuries and didn’t get as many opportunities to make an impact in coverage so his stock has dropped a bit. Still, with Taylor Mays going back to school Moore may end up being the first safety off the board anyway and it's hard to envision him slipping out of round one. Not only would Moore be a good value pick here but he'd also be a great fit for the Patriots organization and a perfect replacement for Harrison. For the most part New England has been able to get by without investing major resources in their cornerbacks but that might have to change because they struggled mightily after losing Asante Samuel and both Tyrone Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite disappointed as rookies. Offensive line or linebacker could get consideration here as well but the Patriots most glaring needs are undoubtedly in their secondary.

Draft Countdown - 2009 NFL Mock Draft

William Moore, S, Missouri
The Patriots secondary is a big concern, especially with the uncertain future of Rodney Harrison. Moore's hard knocks style will fit nicely in NE.

Scout.com: NFL Draft: 2009 Mock Draft

 

[bakes781]

So D.J. Moore can cross off the Patriots on his list of hats to get on draft day.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

maybin sounds good.........other than the fact that people mention gholston when they talk about him

 

[JoeShmoe]

Amazed no-one has us taking Sean Smith .. bet that changes after the combine ...

 

[tombonneau]

Great summary. Thanks.

 

[upstater1]

Maybin = Shawn Crable.

Why draft another one of those?

 

[spann31]

I like one person has us getting Malcom Jenkins

 

[spann31]

who do u guys like better DJ Moore or ALphoso Smith

 

[notex]

Brian Cushing, LB, USC
The converted safety is a ball-hawking type playmaker this aging unit needs. Cushing was major factor for the Trojans top-ranked defense and joins former teammate Jerod Mayo. Once the dust settles in Foxboro following the mass exodus of coaches and front office staff, we will have a better understanding of the Patriots direction, but rest assured, they will not take a QB, though a running back might not be a call.

Gotta love this...really well done mock draft...Mayo didnt play at USC - was pretty sure he played at Tenn.??

Unless they played highschool together...

 

[Nestapats]

who do u guys like better DJ Moore or ALphoso Smith

I just saw the senior bowl and Alphonso Smith really looked the prototypical pats corner, so i wouldn't be surprised at all if we would take him if he falls to us. DJ Moore from what i've seen and heard is a very versatile guy, who played a number of positions in college, so i think Bill likes this guy too

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Gotta love this...really well done mock draft...Mayo didnt play at USC - was pretty sure he played at Tenn.??

Unless they played highschool together...

Nope; I'm guessing they meant someone else.

 

[dryheat44]

Gotta love this...really well done mock draft...Mayo didnt play at USC - was pretty sure he played at Tenn.??

Unless they played highschool together...

Probably thinking of OJ Mayo.

 

[Finnbar007]

I wanted to know if anyone thought we could still get Cushing in round 1. After he played so well in MObile at the Senior Bowl, he seems to be thought of as too high a pick for us. The only recent mock I have seen that gives us Cushing is at draftzoo and I hope they are right. I think having him and Mayo would automatically rejuvenate our LB corps. And he just seems like a good guy that would not cause any off field trouble. I like the pick, but if he is gone I am still good with Sean Smith.

 

[Brettlax3434]

Cushing would be great for us, but dont sweet it if we dont get him. Its a very deep 3-4 linebacker draft.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

RealGM Football: Feature Article - Post Senior-Bowl Mock Draft, Version 5.0

23. New England Patriots: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

If they gave a “Mr. Congeniality” award at the Senior Bowl, Delmas would wear the crown. He is a smart, physical safety who showed he can run with receivers and make plays on the ball. Don’t tell him I said this, but Rodney Harrison is at the end of the line, and Delmas provides a very capable replacement with the football smarts Belichick covets.

This pick makes a great deal of sense if you look back to the Mankins pick of the 2005 draft. 3rd round projection on many boards who had a good All-Star game and addressed a position of need for NE while being just the kind of player they covet...

48. New England Patriots (from SD): Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia

55. New England Patriots: Fili Moala, DT, USC

87. New England Patriots: Brandon Gibson, WR, Washington State

I don't buy the Moala pick, too inconsistent, but they go after a S, LB, and WR in the first three rounds, and a potential 3-4 DE, all help I've been shopping for.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Maybin = Shawn Crable.

Why draft another one of those?

Is he really? I think they're two different players.

Crable
Shawn Crable Scouting Report - 2008 NFL Draft Prospect

"Crable looked solid running position specific drills as both an outside linebacker and as a defensive end. He is still likely a third round pick."

Crable was considered a 3rd round prospect and that's where he was taken.

Maybin
Aaron Maybin Scouting Report - 2009 NFL Draft Prospect

"Maybin will likely be the first defensive end taken this spring, but NFL teams will likely have to wait for him to develop. He can help a team as a third down pass rush specialist in the beginning, but if he reaches his potential he could be a future NFL sacks leader. "

Maybin on the other hand is considered possibly the 1st player at his position taken off the board and his upside is NFL SACKS LEADER. Quite a difference in evaluation and upside imo.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I love the one mock that has Malcolm Jenkins magically falling to us at 23.

 

[MetalBleachers]

First off: thanks for the research. Much appreciated.

If the Pats draft two defenders out of their first three picks (as of today), I'll be happy. As said before in this thread, it's a deep draft for 3-4 OLBs, so I'd rather see a DB taken in Round One as that talent isn't quite as deep.

Now watch them take a running back.