Using Dane Brugler’s 7 round mock from yesterday, here’s my latest.
23. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville
Has a lot of the traits B.B. likes from his cornerbacks, especially his athleticism. I don’t think CB is the biggest need but I do think this and next years draft should be about rebuilding the roster for the next generation. Alexander should be a serious consideration for CB2 or for the slot. I seee this as a BPA pick.
31. TRADE: Cleveland trade 35, 150, 175 And 188 for pick 31. Browns trade up ahead of Eagles for Derrius Guice.
35. Lorenzo Carter, LB, Georgia
Ours is a defense that desperately needs athleticism in the front 7 and Carter provides that. I can see him being used similarly to Jamie Collins and provides the additional benefit of being a LB of the edge on pass rush downs. That athleticism and versatility are why he’s my pick.
43. Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Adding Reid and Alexander to this defense really shores up the Long-term future of this secondary whilst adding quality pieces in the shot-term. Reid also adds the leadship element that B.B. appreciates so much.
63. Duke Ejiofor, DE, Wake Forest
Fits what the Pats look for in a DE - long arms, plays the run well, can move inside on pass rush downs, a disciplined skilled pass rusher. Pats pass rushers are rarely the super athletic speed rushers. It’s unlikely we’ll have anyone on the roster who would get more than 10 sacks individually but Carter, Rivers, Ejiofor, Flowers,Wise and Clayborn is certainly a deep roster of pass rushers.
95. DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
With Jordan Matthews on the roster, this is more a pick for the future but Hamilton could step straight into Matthews’ shoes at the end of this year whilst providing cover this year.
TRADE: Patriots trade 150 & 175 for pick 130
130. Luke Faulk, QB, Washington State
I like Lauletta, I really do but his lack of arm strength really does concern me in so far as becoming a future NFL starter is concerned. Faulk has some flaws, but I really do like his pocket presence and his purported intelligence. With a couple of years of development, I do see a future starter in him. But, the lack of draft capital spent here doesn’t preclude us from going QB next year or the year after either.
188. Tremon Smith, CB, Central Arkansas
A long very athletic corner with the ability to get his hands on the ball. Good job we’ve shown interest in him. Love the competitive secondary we’d have in camp.
198. Russell Gage, WR, LSU
I’ve mocked him simply because he’s a special teams demon. If he can be a future slot WR too, all well and good.
210. Julian Taylor, DL, Temple
Long (6’4”), strong (31 reps) and very athletic (33 vert, 4.83 forty at 294lbs). 3-tech developmental prospect.
219. Phillip Lindsay, RB, Colorado
Tiny but extremely physical and an excellent blocker and receiver. A Danny Woodhead clone. If this mock was how the draft goes, Lindsay may bee my favourite player of all - a fan favourite in the making.
So the obvious thing from this mock is no OT and TE. It’s a bad year to need an OT so the news about Garcia being back to full strength is hopeful. I’m OK to roll with Garcia and Waddle for a year rather than reaching for someone like Kolton Miller. As for TE, I’d love to have taken one but I loved the players I took at the different picks over the TE. Leave that position to be a priority next year.
Note: For trades I used Rich Hill’s draft trade chart which maps trades since 2012.
