For your consideration
#29 JAX trade #39, 105, 144 for Patriots #29
I think the Jags are targeting Garoppolo whom they worked with at the Senior Bowl and can thus draft one of the elite guys at the top of the first. Their plethora of day three picks enables this trade.
#39 Stephon Tuitt, DE/DT, Notre Dame
I'd draft Hageman at #29 in a heartbeat but I think he's going to go much higher than expected in reality. I think BB will find Tuitt's college success, ideal length and versatility appealing. With Armstead, Kelly and Tuitt, the team would have the ability to play any front they wished.
NE trade #62, 105 for GB #53
#53 Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State
There is certainly plenty to like about Bucannon; his size and athleticism are prototypical for the position. I just question his instincts. However, in the Patriots new look secondary, Bucannon, who can challenge/sit behind Adrian Wilson for a year is an ideal specimen.
#93 Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana
A great athletic fit prospect that looks good at OLB but I think fits equally well as a MLB. Although I thought Kiko Alonso was the more instinctual and combative, I see Tripp in a similar vein to Alonso and worthy of the pick here.
**Trade** NE trade #130, 144 for MIN #108
#108 CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa
A Gronk backup is a necessity based upon the last couple of years and it boils down to Fiedorowicz, Arthur Lynch and Crockett Gilmore for me. But I think Fiedorowicz is way ahead of those two and offers more as a blocker, chain mover and redzone threat. Hence the trade up.
#140 John Urschel, OG, Penn State
Let me count the ways that this pick makes sense: 1. Hopefully BB will have got some feedback on him from BOB last year. 2. Urschel would arguably be one of the smartest guys on any NFL roster and smarts are something BB definitely cherishes. 3. Urschel was one of the few linemen at the combine who matched up well with the yardsticks that the Patriots like to see from the linemen they draft. The interior OL has never really been the highest priority draft-wise for BB and this lowly pick reflects that.
#198 Walt Aikens, CB, Liberty
A 6-1 corner who runs in the 4.4's and is being worked out by the Pats. An intriguing prospect who offers some low investment insurance against a one and done for Revis.
#206 **Trade NE trade #206 for DAL #229, 231 (Cowboys have six seventh round picks so I'm sure they'll want to use some to move up).
#229 Zach Kerr, DT, Delaware
With it looking more and more likely that Big Vince is on the way out, it might be better to draft a NT earlier. But I have faith in Siliga and Kerr is a high upside backup for him.
#231 Terrence Fede, DE, Marist
I think this is a horrible pass rushing class and I'd be quite happy ignoring it early in the draft. Based on very limited film, Fede looks a good fit for what the Patriots like on the edge. Looks like he can play inside too.
#244 Kenny Guiton, QB, Ohio State.
I've said enough about this guy who I think is fantastic value here. He'll comfortably be a candidate to replace Mallett as the sole backup in 2015.
Priority FA's
Erik Lora, WR, Texas Tech
Under 6' and a terrific 3-cone. With Amendola not a given in 2015, this signing makes sense as a future replacement.
Blake Annen, TE, Cincinnati
From a program we know, a decent blocker and possible 4.4 speed. Seems worth a signing.
Ben Malena, RB, Texas A&M
Outstanding speed and burst and good size for the position. The Patriots are clearly looking to the draft for a Vereen backup having worked out Malena, Grice and Archer.
Lawrence Virgil, DE, Valdosta State
Probably redundant with Tuitt and Armstead but I'm impressed with Virgil as a 5/3-tech. Long arms and 39 reps are a good selling point too.
Brandon Wimberly, WR, Nevada
Jeremy Butler, WR, Tennessee-Martin
Both are big receivers that lack top end speed but who are both excellent receivers all the same. Wimberly always impresses when I watch the Nevada offense and Butler was in my very first mock of this draft cycle.
Darrin Reaves, RB, UAB
Another fast RB that impresses with his receiving ability. He's also one of the most courageous blockers I've seen on film; he loves to throw himself about in blitz pickup. Battles Malena for a #4 RB spot.
