The 2014 Mock draft Thread.

[mayoclinic]

2014 New England Patriots Mock Draft - 1/8/13

Straight Up - No Screwing Around

Round 1 - Odell Beckham Jr., WR - LSU (34)

Round 2 - DaQuan Jones, DT - Penn State (69)

Round 3 - Bryan Stork, C - Florida State (113)

Round 4 - Marcel Jensen, TE - Fresno State (129)

Round 6 - Justin Britt, OT - Missouri (191)

Round 6 - Nevin Lawson, CB - Utah State (206)

Round 6 Compensatory - James White, RB - Wisconsin (220)

Round 6 Compensatory - Trey Millard, FB - Oklahoma (268)

Round 7 - Spencer Long, OG - Nebraska (284)

Parenthesis - NFLDraftScout Overall Rankings

NFL Draft - 2014 NFL Draft Prospects - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Note: NFLDraftScout Overall Rankings dated 1/7/2013

Collegiate UDFAs:

Ken Bishop, DT - Northern Illinois (286)
Jamil Merrill, DE - Rutgers (372) *
Greg Blair, ILB - Cincinnati (357)
Marcus Whitfield, OLB - Maryland (314)
Jonathan Dowling, FS - Western Kentucky (273)
Brock Vereen, SS - Minnesota (322)
Dexter McDougle, CB - Maryland (257)

* Why? Because it's Rutgers!

I love Stork in the 3rd. I have him rated just behind Swanson, and it's close. And obviously I like Millard and Dowling.

Here's a variant of my previous mock (including "screwing around") with Stork in the 3rd:

*** Pats trade Ryan Mallett to Cleveland or Houston for their 2nd round pick (33 or 36)
1. Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford (33)
2a. Your choice of OLB Kyle Van Noy (38), S Calvin Pryor (37), DB Lamarcus Joyner (52) or DB Kyle Fuller (58).
*** Pats trade their own 2nd and a 7th for 3rd and 4th round picks
3a. Brent Smith, QB, Wyoming (56)
3b. Bryan Stork, OC, FLorida St. (113) or Weston Richburg (87)
4. Richard Rodgers, TE, Cal (202, but likely will climb) or Xavier Grimble (not yet ranked for 2014 by NFLDraftScout)
6a. Taylor Hart, DE/DT, Oregon (168) if he lasts this far, otherwise Brent Urban (252)
6b. Jonathan Dowling, DB, Western Kentucky (273)
6 (comp). Trey Millard, FB/H-Back, Oklahoma (268)
6 (comp). Best available flex back or WR. Pick from WR Cody Hoffman (208), RB De'Anthony Thomas (197) or RB Storm Johnson (199) for now.

 

[ATippett56]

I love Stork in the 3rd. I have him rated just behind Swanson, and it's close. And obviously I like Millard and Dowling.

Here's a variant of my previous mock (including "screwing around") with Stork in the 3rd:

*** Pats trade Ryan Mallett to Cleveland or Houston for their 2nd round pick (33 or 36)
1. Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford (33)
2a. Your choice of OLB Kyle Van Noy (38), S Calvin Pryor (37), DB Lamarcus Joyner (52) or DB Kyle Fuller (58).
*** Pats trade their own 2nd and a 7th for 3rd and 4th round picks
3a. Brent Smith, QB, Wyoming (56)
3b. Bryan Stork, OC, FLorida St. (113) or Weston Richburg (87)
4. Richard Rodgers, TE, Cal (202, but likely will climb) or Xavier Grimble (not yet ranked for 2014 by NFLDraftScout)
6a. Taylor Hart, DE/DT, Oregon (168) if he lasts this far, otherwise Brent Urban (252)
6b. Jonathan Dowling, DB, Western Kentucky (273)
6 (comp). Trey Millard, FB/H-Back, Oklahoma (268)
6 (comp). Best available flex back or WR. Pick from WR Cody Hoffman (208), RB De'Anthony Thomas (197) or RB Storm Johnson (199) for now.

A few comments and observations:

1. I don't see the need to draft a safety since the New England Patriots currently have five (or is it six?) safeties under contract on the 53 man roster with the same five under contract for the 2014 NFL Season, six if you count Kanorris Davis.

2. I see the need for a fifth cornerback on the roster more than another safety since Marquice Cole is completely worthless on defense and Justin Green was thoroughly unimpressive during preseason.

3. I'll wait until after the NFL Combine to bump up Richard Rodgers. Hopefully Rodgers will get an invite. Ditto Grimble.

4. I personally do not see the trade value whatsoever in Ryan Mallett. Mallett only completed 50% of his passes in preseason against second string defenses and his short area accuracy is questionable at best. Kirk Cousins currently has better market value in the quarterback trade market. Besides, with a strong quarterback draft class why trade for a quarterback with one year left on his contract?

5. I definitely foresee Isaac Sopoaga and Adrian Wilson as salary cap casualties. Furthermore, I can envision Tommy Kelly as a salary cap casualty as well to free up as much salary cap space to re-sign Aqib Talib. Joe Vellano gets tossed around like a rag doll at the line of scrimmage, especially against the run. Vince Wilfork is currently recovering from Achilles Tendon surgery. Armond Armstead is an unknown entity, especially against the run. Hence, the need for another defensive tackle is a higher priority than defensive end.

6. Joyner is redundant to Arrington, who has three more years left on his contract. Arrington is a liability as a boundary cornerback but excels in the slot.

7. We can agree to disagree on the need for another defensive end in this year's draft.

8. As for an additional running back, I prefer one that can run, catch, and PASS BLOCK. James White fits the aforementioned criteria and the New England Patriots need a backup to Shane Vereen with the same skill set.

 

[reaper8]

(1st post be gentle lol)

Biggest issues as I see them

Rush defense, with Wilfork out,there was simply no-one on our Dline who demanded a double team in the run game allowing free blockers

OPP 3rd down conv % Our pass rush and secondary are ok, however too many 3rd and 2,3rd and 1's because we arent stopping the run at or behind the line on 1st and 2nd down

Oline, run blocking great,40 sacks of TB not so much, interior played poorly in pass game and major injury concerns with starting tackles.

No more 2 TE offense,and with Gronk out no viable TE at all

FA

resigning Talib and Edelman,most of the money would come from cutting Sopoaga and Kelly possibly WIlfork if he dosent restructure(cutting him with a view too resigning on the cheap wont work,other teams in need with much much better cap)
Restructuring Mankins would be nice,however better next year when team in better position rather than the player.

SO biggest needs NT,C/OG,TE couldnt hurts DE OT LB



pre draft trade....Mallet too Texans for 65th pick.I dont think the Teaxans are a lock too keep 1st overall pick or draft a QB early.They are tight on the cap,JJ Watt the leagues most dominant Def player is an UFA end of 2014 and will command big$$$.Key FA's plus cuts needed to pay the man.Mallet wont command a 2nd in last year of contract in QB heavy draft and NE wont accept a low 3rd

NE tade 1st rounder too Oakland for 2nd and 4th (trading back into 1st too secure a qb)

36 Travis Swanson C Arkansas. Try getting a decent C in FA,always undervalued in the draft,Swanson best C and good value here.Fills key need.

62 DaQuan Jones NT/DT Penn St Wilfork a big ? for 2014 and we saw what happened in run game without him

65. C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa although not the speed of an Ebron, is a good all round TE who wont fall too other 3rd round pick

93. Joe Bitonio, OT, Nevada solid play at tackle on a bad team, projects as a G in NFL but ablilty too play tackle with injury concerns with both our bookends a major plus (may not be here on the rise)

4a A.J. McCarron QB Alabama with Mallet traded we need a backup, ok maybe lower ceiling than some who maybe available,but certainly has high floor essentially a cheap backup for TB

4b Taylor Hart DE Oregon Scheme versatile at 280 6-6 adds depth at DE on 1st down can kick inside on passing downs

5 Devin Street WR Pitt only ok speed but good size 6-3 195 good hands,high production (2 of 6th rounders to trade up)

6a De'Anthony Thomas RB Oregon backup for Vereen although plummeting down draft boards wont fall further in draft than this range

6b < insert random Rutgers player here>


7 <insert random Illinois player here>


sry bit of an essay in the end

 

[AQPE]

(1st post be gentle lol)

Biggest issues as I see them

Rush defense, with Wilfork out,there was simply no-one on our Dline who demanded a double team in the run game allowing free blockers

OPP 3rd down conv % Our pass rush and secondary are ok, however too many 3rd and 2,3rd and 1's because we arent stopping the run at or behind the line on 1st and 2nd down

Oline, run blocking great,40 sacks of TB not so much, interior played poorly in pass game and major injury concerns with starting tackles.

No more 2 TE offense,and with Gronk out no viable TE at all

FA

resigning Talib and Edelman,most of the money would come from cutting Sopoaga and Kelly possibly WIlfork if he dosent restructure(cutting him with a view too resigning on the cheap wont work,other teams in need with much much better cap)
Restructuring Mankins would be nice,however better next year when team in better position rather than the player.

SO biggest needs NT,C/OG,TE couldnt hurts DE OT LB



pre draft trade....Mallet too Texans for 65th pick.I dont think the Teaxans are a lock too keep 1st overall pick or draft a QB early.They are tight on the cap,JJ Watt the leagues most dominant Def player is an UFA end of 2014 and will command big$$$.Key FA's plus cuts needed to pay the man.Mallet wont command a 2nd in last year of contract in QB heavy draft and NE wont accept a low 3rd

NE tade 1st rounder too Oakland for 2nd and 4th (trading back into 1st too secure a qb)

36 Travis Swanson C Arkansas. Try getting a decent C in FA,always undervalued in the draft,Swanson best C and good value here.Fills key need.

62 DaQuan Jones NT/DT Penn St Wilfork a big ? for 2014 and we saw what happened in run game without him

65. C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa although not the speed of an Ebron, is a good all round TE who wont fall too other 3rd round pick

93. Joe Bitonio, OT, Nevada solid play at tackle on a bad team, projects as a G in NFL but ablilty too play tackle with injury concerns with both our bookends a major plus (may not be here on the rise)

4a A.J. McCarron QB Alabama with Mallet traded we need a backup, ok maybe lower ceiling than some who maybe available,but certainly has high floor essentially a cheap backup for TB

4b Taylor Hart DE Oregon Scheme versatile at 280 6-6 adds depth at DE on 1st down can kick inside on passing downs

5 Devin Street WR Pitt only ok speed but good size 6-3 195 good hands,high production (2 of 6th rounders to trade up)

6a De'Anthony Thomas RB Oregon backup for Vereen although plummeting down draft boards wont fall further in draft than this range

6b < insert random Rutgers player here>


7 <insert random Illinois player here>


sry bit of an essay in the end

Welcome aboard, excellent first post, good overall analysis I think. Don't fear the posting, Reaper

 

[mayoclinic]

A few comments and observations:

1. I don't see the need to draft a safety since the New England Patriots currently have five (or is it six?) safeties under contract on the 53 man roster with the same five under contract for the 2014 NFL Season, six if you count Kanorris Davis.

BB has gone on the record that you can never have too many DBs. Right now we have 1 stud in McCourty, 1 solid backup in Harmon, 1 solid system guy who will be 31 in Gregory, and not much else. Tavon Wilson hasn't proven he belongs on the roster, Nate Ebner is still mainly a STer, and Kanorris Davis hasn't shown that he is more than PS material. Adrian Wilson will be 34 and coming off IR, with a $1.8M contract, and is a likely cap casualty. It's not the most pressing need on the roster, but I wouldn't put it out of the question, and the Pats don't draft exclusively for need. Pryor, Joyner and Fuller are all players who would fit in nicely.

2. I see the need for a fifth cornerback on the roster more than another safety since Marquice Cole is completely worthless on defense and Justin Green was thoroughly unimpressive during preseason.

We are deeper at CB than S in terms of quality players, assuming Aqib Talib is re-signed. Talib, Dennard, Ryan and Arrington give 4 good players. I agree on the need for another outside CB. Both Kyle Fuller and Lamarcus Joyner have CB/S versatility, as does Jonathan Dowling, who I've also included (as have you).

4. I personally do not see the trade value whatsoever in Ryan Mallett. Mallett only completed 50% of his passes in preseason against second string defenses and his short area accuracy is questionable at best. Kirk Cousins currently has better market value in the quarterback trade market. Besides, with a strong quarterback draft class why trade for a quarterback with one year left on his contract?

It's a mock. That's all it is. I've included the trade because it's not out of the question, and it gives more opportunity to explore draft options. We'll find out in the next 4 months whether Mallett has significant trade value or not. Right now there is a big gap between the top 4 QBs (Bridgwater, Bortles, Manziel and Carr, in whatever order) and the rest of the field, so there will be QB-needy teams looking for talent. I'm not making predictions about what will happen, but it's not out of the question.

5. I definitely foresee Isaac Sopoaga and Adrian Wilson as salary cap casualties. Furthermore, I can envision Tommy Kelly as a salary cap casualty as well to free up as much salary cap space to re-sign Aqib Talib. Joe Vellano gets tossed around like a rag doll at the line of scrimmage, especially against the run. Vince Wilfork is currently recovering from Achilles Tendon surgery. Armond Armstead is an unknown entity, especially against the run. Hence, the need for another defensive tackle is a higher priority than defensive end.

The Pats have some work to do between now and the draft to sort out the DT position. Like you, I predict Isaac Sapoaga will be a cap casualty (and Adrian Wilson, too). Tommy Kelly could well be a cap casualty, but they could also bring him back on a reduced salary. He was playing well until he got hurt, and was open about how happy he was. Vince Wilfork has huge question marks in terms of whether he can come back from his injury and in terms of his cap hit, so re-signing Kelly on the cheap may make sense. Regardless, how the Pats sort his position out will obviously have a big impact on the Pats' approach to the draft.

6. Joyner is redundant to Arrington, who has three more years left on his contract. Arrington is a liability as a boundary cornerback but excels in the slot.

Joyner is more than a slot CB. He is a versatile DB who makes plays wherever he is lined up. The Pats were reportedly interested in Tyrann Mathieu last year, and Reiss has speculated that he could well have been the pick at #83 if he had still be on the board. Joyner offers similar versatility and play-making capability, plus he's just a born leader. I wouldn't put it past BB loving him, despite the size limitation.

8. As for an additional running back, I prefer one that can run, catch, and PASS BLOCK. James White fits the aforementioned criteria and the New England Patriots need a backup to Shane Vereen with the same skill set.

It depends on what the Pats are looking for. If a pure Vereen backup, then absolutely, blocking will be key. I had Storm Johnson listed as an alternative, and he fits that bill. But if the Pats are looking for more of a pure playmaker in space who can create mismatches 6-12 snaps/game, then someone like DAT would fit nicely, and be a steal. Obviously, it would be nice if he could block, but it's rare to find guys like Danny Woodhead.

 

[JerseyShore99]

First 2014 Mock:
1. Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech (AH replacement, great hands, speed, and athleticism)
2. Will Sutton, DT, Arziona State (Undersized but can rush the passer from the middle of the line, adds DT depth, Geno Atkins comparison)
3. Arthur Lynch, TE, UGA (*Trade Mallett to one of HOU, ARZ, or CLE, best SEC TE since 2012, can block and catch, good red-zone threat, adds depth for Gronk)
3. Jaylen Watkins, CB, UF (Adds CB depth, has been praised in a star-packed UF secondary, hits well, could move to Safety, versatile)
4. Aaron Murray, QB, UGA (My favorite QB in 2014, great passer, arguably best SEC QB ever)
6. Max Bullough, MLB, MSU (Smart leader who plays with his heart, adds LB depth, especially if Spikes leaves)
6. John Urschel, G, PSU (Adds O-line depth, especially if Connolly doesn't return, extremely smart guy, let Dante work his magic)
6. De'Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon (COMP, most explosive player in draft class, can return and catch out of the slot as well as rush out of the backfield, big-time steal)
6. Trey Millard, FB, Oklahoma (COMP, More powerful, more athletic Vereen, BB can do almost anything with weapons like Edelman, Amendola, Gronk, Amaro, Lynch, KT, Dobson, Ridley, Vereen, Blount, DAT, and now Millard)
7. Jeremy Gallon, WR, Michigan (Great steal, has great hands and is explosive)
7.??? (Rumors of a possible comp pick for Woodhead I saw) Andrew Norwell, G, Ohio State (6'6 316 monster G, could be anice pick up, especially with Brady getting older, line getting worse, and a nice run game)
UDFAs to consider (All prospects I love/Camp Invites at the least):
Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh
Connor Shaw, QB, SC
Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska
Silas Redd, RB, USC
George Atkinson lll, RB, Notre Dame
Jordan Hall, RB, Ohio State
Henry Josey, RB, Mizz
Ben Malena, RB, TAMU
Glasco Martin, RB, Baylor
Prince-Tyson Gulley, RB, Syracuse
Jake Long, TE, Nebraska
Marcus Hall, G, Ohio State
Kenarious Gates, OT, UGA
Wade Keliikipi, DT, Oregon
Chaz Sutton, DE, SC
Kenny Anunike, DE, Duke
CJ Barnett, SS, Ohio State

Any questions or comments please post

 

[ctpatsfan77]

A few comments and observations:

4. I personally do not see the trade value whatsoever in Ryan Mallett. Mallett only completed 50% of his passes in preseason against second string defenses and his short area accuracy is questionable at best. Kirk Cousins currently has better market value in the quarterback trade market. Besides, with a strong quarterback draft class why trade for a quarterback with one year left on his contract?

As I've said before, if Mallett is that terrible, why have the Patriots made no serious efforts to find someone else?

Joe Vellano gets tossed around like a rag doll at the line of scrimmage, especially against the run.

Given that there's no benefit to cutting him now, I can't imagine him getting cut before TC. I don't think you want him as a starter, but I think he can be a good third-down DL.

And with the draft a bit later this year, the Patriots will have a better handle on Wilfork's (and Armstead's) recovery.

 

[ATippett56]

As I've said before, if Mallett is that terrible, why have the Patriots made no serious efforts to find someone else?

The New England Patriots made an attempt to find someone else and Tim Tebow was a train wreck.

Given that there's no benefit to cutting him now, I can't imagine him getting cut before TC. I don't think you want him as a starter, but I think he can be a good third-down DL.

And with the draft a bit later this year, the Patriots will have a better handle on Wilfork's (and Armstead's) recovery.

I'm not advocating cutting Joe Vellano right now. However, based upon his rookie season, I do not foresee Joe Vellano as the long term solution to the 0-technique or 1-technique defensive tackle position.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

The New England Patriots made an attempt to find someone else and Tim Tebow was a train wreck.

I said a serious attempt. Tim Tebow doesn't count.

 

[ATippett56]

As I've said before, if Mallett is that terrible, why have the Patriots made no serious efforts to find someone else?

Nor does Ryan Mallett's performance in the regular season warrant a high second round draft pick unlike Matt Cassel.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

5. I definitely foresee Isaac Sopoaga and Adrian Wilson as salary cap casualties. Furthermore, I can envision Tommy Kelly as a salary cap casualty as well to free up as much salary cap space to re-sign Aqib Talib. Joe Vellano gets tossed around like a rag doll at the line of scrimmage, especially against the run. Vince Wilfork is currently recovering from Achilles Tendon surgery. Armond Armstead is an unknown entity, especially against the run. Hence, the need for another defensive tackle is a higher priority than defensive end..

I think a run stuffing DT is a huge priority. Unfortunately anybody we draft will need a few years to get really good at it.

If you remember Wilfork's rookie year, he played on skates and got dragged down field on also every play. He wound up being platooned with Traylor for the season.

This is where drafting all those DB's in the early rounds instead of DT's has come back to bite BB.

So best to get one in this draft and then hope Wilfork can return next season.

 

[mayoclinic]

I think a run stuffing DT is a huge priority. Unfortunately anybody we draft will need a few years to get really good at it.

If you remember Wilfork's rookie year, he played on skates and got dragged down field on also every play. He wound up being platooned with Traylor for the season.

This is where drafting all those DB's in the early rounds instead of DT's has come back to bite BB.

So best to get one in this draft and then hope Wilfork can return next season.

I really like Linvale Joseph from the Giants as a run-stuffing DT. If the Pats don't feel that Wilfork is likely to come back from his injury, or if he won't restructure, then cutting Wilfork and signing the 25 year old Joseph would save a fair amount of cap $$$ and be a long-term solution.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Nor does Ryan Mallett's performance in the regular season warrant a high second round draft pick unlike Matt Cassel.

The only reason the Pats got as little for Cassel as they did—yes, little—is that whoever took him had to take his $14.6M salary for 2009 onto their cap, and had to guarantee him at least that much.

If the Pats had somehow signed him for an extra couple of years at small money, they would have gotten a first for him.

 

[ATippett56]

2014 New England Patriots Mock Draft - 1/10/14

Straight Up - No Screwing Around

Round 1 - Odell Beckham Jr., WR - LSU (33)

Round 2 - Troy Niklas, TE - Notre Dame (51)

Round 3 - Bryan Stork, C - Florida State (114)

Round 4 - Ryan Carrethers, DT - Arkansas State (163)

Round 6 - James White, RB - Wisconsin (187) or Rajion Neal, RB - Tennessee (197)

Round 6 - Nevin Lawson, CB - Utah State (206) or Andre Hal, CB - Vanderbilt (231)

Round 6 Compensatory - Austin Wentworth, OT - Fresno State (209)

Round 6 Compensatory - Trey Millard, FB - Oklahoma (268)

Round 7 - Spencer Long, OG - Nebraska (262)

Parenthesis - NFLDraftScout Overall Rankings

NFL Draft - 2014 NFL Draft Prospects - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Note: NFLDraftScout Overall Rankings dated 1/10/2013

Collegiate UDFAs (potential diamonds in the rough):

Garrett Gilbert, QB - SMU (271)
Keith Price, QB - Washington (301)
Zac Kerin, OC - Toledo (279)
Antwan Lowery, OG - Rutgers (318)
Matt Patchan, OT - Boston College (260)
George Atkinson III, RB - Notre Dame (332)
Roderick McDowell, RB - Clemson (406)
Ted Bolser, TE - Indiana (296)
Kaneakua Friel, TE - BYU (320)
Quincy Enunwa, WR - Nebraska (269)
Tracy Moore, WR - Oklahoma State (283)
Beau Allen, DT - Wisconsin (388)
Jamil Merrill, DE - Rutgers (378)
Greg Blair, ILB - Cincinnati (336)
Marcus Whitfield, OLB - Maryland (339)
Jonathan Dowling, FS - Western Kentucky (273)
Brock Vereen, SS - Minnesota (288)
Dexter McDougle, CB - Maryland (257)

 

[mayoclinic]

Nor does Ryan Mallett's performance in the regular season warrant a high second round draft pick unlike Matt Cassel.

If you look at the final 8 teams in the playoffs, they all have a common thread: they've hit on a QB, whether a top pick (Andrew Luck, Cam Newton, Phillip Rivers), winning the lottery with a later pick (Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and to some extent Colin Kaepernick) or FA (Peyton Manning).

Teams will do ANYTHING to get stability at QB with someone who can take them to the playoffs. It's fashionable to bash Andy Dalton right now, but he'd taken the Bengals to the playoffs 3 straight years (something they'd never done before) as an early second round pick. Teams will spend 1st round picks on QBs like water, make ridiculous reaches, and roll the dice again when things don't work out. A 2nd round pick is a cheap price for a chance at such stability if you're convinced that what you currently have doesn't work. It's a gamble, but what better options are there? There's no one in FA who is a long term QB to build around. Beyond the top 4 QBs there is a huge gap. It's possible that 1 or more of Zach Mettenberger, Aaron Murray, Brent Smith, Jimmy Garropalo and AJ McCarron will turn out to be a quality starting QB in the NFL, but no one has any clue which of them it will be, and none of them have 3 years of development under a NFL coaching staff which has shown that it can develop QBs.

I'm not saying it's going to happen, but it's not absurd. It just takes 1 team to be willing to gamble. Nick Foles is a good example of how a guy sitting on the bench can turn to gold when given the chance. Aaron Rodgers had 35 completions in his first 3 years sitting behind Brett Favre, and no one except the GB coaching staff knew whether he was a bust or not. If you wait until a player has proven himself, the price goes up significantly, or, more likely, their out of reach entirely.

 

[ATippett56]

2014 New England Patriots Alternate Mock Draft - 1/10/14

Straight Up - No Screwing Around

Round 1 - Odell Beckham Jr., WR - LSU (33)

Round 2 - DaQuan Jones, DT - Penn State (70)

Round 3 - Bryan Stork, C - Florida State (114)

Round 4 - Richard Rogers, TE - California (251)

Round 6 - James White, RB - Wisconsin (187) or Rajion Neal, RB - Tennessee (197)

Round 6 - Nevin Lawson, CB - Utah State (206) or Andre Hal, CB - Vanderbilt (231)

Round 6 Compensatory - Austin Wentworth, OT - Fresno State (209)

Round 6 Compensatory - Trey Millard, FB - Oklahoma (268)

Round 7 - Spencer Long, OG - Nebraska (262)

Parenthesis - NFLDraftScout Overall Rankings

NFL Draft - 2014 NFL Draft Prospects - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com

Note: NFLDraftScout Overall Rankings dated 1/10/2013

Collegiate UDFAs (potential diamonds in the rough):

Garrett Gilbert, QB - SMU (271)
Keith Price, QB - Washington (301)
Zac Kerin, OC - Toledo (279)
Antwan Lowery, OG - Rutgers (318)
Matt Patchan, OT - Boston College (260)
George Atkinson III, RB - Notre Dame (332)
Roderick McDowell, RB - Clemson (406)
Ted Bolser, TE - Indiana (296)
Kaneakua Friel, TE - BYU (320)
Quincy Enunwa, WR - Nebraska (269)
Tracy Moore, WR - Oklahoma State (283)
Beau Allen, DT - Wisconsin (388)
Jamil Merrill, DE - Rutgers (378)
Greg Blair, ILB - Cincinnati (336)
Marcus Whitfield, OLB - Maryland (339)
Jonathan Dowling, FS - Western Kentucky (273)
Brock Vereen, SS - Minnesota (288)
Dexter McDougle, CB - Maryland (257)

 

[AzPatsFan]

Nor does Ryan Mallett's performance in the regular season warrant a high second round draft pick unlike Matt Cassel.

That is merely because there was no reason to reveal his talents until he is fully groomed, or desperately needed.

 

[Wilfork#75]

Looking at the amount of Underclassmen that have declared, this is a very deep and talented draft class. That also mean that next year’s draft could be quite weak in comparison, especially with a number of RS Sophomores declaring this year. For that reason I would have no problem with BB going all out on this draft, trading back to accumulate picks or even trading forward future picks to take advantage of that now. I’m generally not in favour of trading future picks, but for this draft I would make an exception. With that being said:

Trades

*Trade QB Ryan Mallett to Houston for 2(33)*
Mallett seems to be the type of QB Bill O’Brien likes and it would make sense for him to go for a guy he is familiar with, while also allowing him to take Clowney #1.

*Trade 1(32) + 3(96) to KC for 1(23)*
There are two guys I really want in this draft, Ra’Shede Hageman and Louis Nix. If they are both gone early I would trade out of the 1st, but if either is there in the early 20’s I would make a move up for them. I think Nix is more likely and trading with Andy Reid just seems natural.


1(23)- NT- Louis Nix III- Notre Dame
I think he is the best NT prospect since Haloti Ngata and would be a perfect replacement for Big Vince. Give him some time to develop and he could be the best NT in the NFL.


*Trade 2(33) to Jax for 2(39) + 4(101)*
Trade back, grab another pick while Jax moves up to get someone who fell out of the 1st.


2(40)- C- Travis Swanson- Arkansas
Swanson is the best C in this draft class and has the potential to be very good, if not elite. Smart, instinctive, athletic and technical, he seems a perfect fit for the Pats.


*Trade 2015 1st to Stl for 2(44)*
Stl already has two 1’s this year, why not move their 2nd for a future 1. This is where I wouldn’t have a problem moving a future pick. I think the mid-2nd round could have similar talent to the end of the 1st round next year, so I think the value is okay.


2(44)- OG- David Yankey- Stanford
How did I not know this guy was an Aussie? I loved him before I found that out now I must have him. Arguably the top OG in the draft, he also has the versatility to play OT. I think he is a perfect fit for our blocking scheme and would step in and start at RG from day 1.

2(64)- TE- Troy Niklas- ND
This TE class quickly became loaded, which would make me less inclined to use a 1st round pick on someone because of the depth at the position. Niklas has 1st round talent though and if he had of returned to ND he would likely be the #1 TE next year. He is the best blocker in this draft class which I love and he is still so raw as a receiver that he is only scratching the surface of his potential. A Gronk/Niklas tandem could be amazing.


*Trade 4(101) to 4(115) + 5(146)*
Moving on back to grab another pick


4(115)- WR- Brandon Coleman- Rutgers
The WR class has to be the deepest I have ever seen it with so many underclassman declaring for 2014. That pushes down guys like Coleman who has a ton of upside but could never put it together in college for whatever reason (QB play?). I have been wanting a big target on the outside ever since Randy Moss left and Coleman could be it. He has issues with his hands and route running but you can’t teach 6’5” with speed.


4(128)- DE- Aaron Lynch- South Florida
I love taking chances on guys and Lynch seems like a perfect choice. As a freshman at ND he was seen as a future 1st rounder and dominant D-Lineman. After some issues at ND and moving back to Florida he never quite reached that level again. He has the athleticism and physical talent to do it though he just needs to figure out what type of player he is.


5(146)- QB Aaron Murray- Georgia
This is a pretty solid QB class and QB’s tend to fall on draft day. Murray has a ton of experience in the SEC, playing in big moments of big games. I like his arm and his leadership and think he would be a great developmental guy.


*Trade 6(182) + 6(192) to Phil for 5(150)*
The 4th/5th round is where I see good value, and with likely 2 6th round compensation picks our two 6th rounders are expendable


5(150)- RB- James Wilder Jr- Florida State
Highly recruited out of HS, Wilder never became ‘the guy’ in a talented FSU backfield. He is extremely talented though and I think he will be a better NFL player than college player.


6c- FB- Trey Millard- Oklahoma
I don’t need to say much about this guy, love him.


6c- OT- Cornelius Lucas- Kansas State
Big, long and athletic. Lucas is huge at 6’8” and has fantastic feet for his size. Give Dante some time with him and he could be a steal.


7- OG- Spencer Long- Nebraska
Former walk on turned All American, Long was seen as top 100 draft pick before he got injured. Now he could be a steal in the later rounds. He seems like a great fit for the Pats system.

Picks
1. DT- Louis Nix III- ND
2a. C- Travis Swanson- Arkansas
2b. OG- David Yankey- Stanford
2c. TE- Troy Niklas- ND
4a. WR- Brandon Coleman- Rutgers
4b. DE- Aaron Lynch- South Floruda
5a. QB- Aaron Murray- Georgia
5b. RB- James Wilder Jr- FSU
6c. FB- Trey Millard- Oklahoma
6c. OT- Cornelius Lucas- Kansas State
7. OG- Spencer Long- Nebraska
UDFA- QB- Keith Price

 

[ctpatsfan77]

*Trade 2015 1st to Stl for 2(44)*
Stl already has two 1’s this year, why not move their 2nd for a future 1. This is where I wouldn’t have a problem moving a future pick. I think the mid-2nd round could have similar talent to the end of the 1st round next year, so I think the value is okay.

While this isn't a bad mock, I think there's a better chance of Belichick trading Tom Brady this offseason than trading next year's first for a second this year.

 

[Wilfork#75]

While this isn't a bad mock, I think there's a better chance of Belichick trading Tom Brady this offseason than trading next year's first for a second this year.

I agree with you that trading a future 1st isn't a BB move. Normally it's not something that I would entertain either, but I see this as potentially an exceptional circumstance. The amount of underclassman declaring this year (including some RS Sophomores) not only makes this years draft much stronger, but also makes next years draft weaker. If there is someone there in the middle of the 2nd that would likely go late in the 1st next year (Yankey?) then I think the value is decent. I also have confidence we will be picking late again next year so I'm not too concerned about a Wash/Stl type situation.

The other thing I would take into consideration is what long term needs we would have going forward. With this mock I think we solidify our O-line, we get a long term replacement for Wilfork and we get a few more weapons for Brady. I know there are always needs but I think with this draft there wouldn't be any positions we are in dire need to address with a 1st round pick in 2015. The only exception could be OT if Solder or Vollmer have a significant injury.