Simon Clancy's 4/12/10 Mock

[BillBelichickFan79]

Universal Draft - Simon Clancy Mock Draft

I love to read the write ups and watch the videos these guys do. I think they do an excellent job evaluating prospects.

Now to the mock, I was very content with the picks he made for the Pats.

22. Derrick Morgan DE/OLB

I cheated here somewhat given the earlier caveat about a potential Patriots trade up. I genuinely don’t believe Morgan will last to this point but I do believe that New England would like very much to add him to their defensive arsenal regardless of my questions over his ability to play the 34 defense. With the current trend towards 3-4 schemes, teams are always on the lookout for those highly successful conversion ends and last years ACC Defensive Player of the Year could certainly be one of those, especially for a team like the Patriots who are crying out for outside rush threats. The remarkable rise of Tully Banta Cain from the weak side means that Morgan will try to give Bill Belichick a very impressive and forceful pair of bookends in that 3-4. Blessed with outstanding rush ability and skills against the run, Morgan looked somewhat choppy in reverse at the Combine. However, schematically Belichick will look to use him around the formation and he should be an early contributor. While the Pats could look to add some quality at wide receiver, at corner, tight end and at tailback, they have three picks in round two where they could address a number of pressing needs. Morgan here would be impossible to pass up.

44. Arrelious Benn WR

Randy Moss isn’t getting any younger. Benn looks like a future #1.

47. Rob Gronkowski TE

Back issues resolved, he has great talent. Patriots are TE starving.

53. Jahvid Best RB

Back to back to back offensive weapons for Tom Brady. Will give them real ability out of backfield.

I think he did a great job assessing the Pats needs considering he is not a Pats reporter and/or fan, and this would be an ideal draft in my mind.

Although I don't see Morgan sliding that far, in this case we get that premiere DE/OLB who has a high motor, good technique, and is great vs both the run and the pass. Then you add a physical WR who is a perfect fit as the #2 WR for us in Benn. Gronkowski is great add at TE assuming he stays healthy. Best is that explosive playmaker at RB who is homerun hitter, makes people miss, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Suddenly life after Faulk doesn't look so grim, and some youth is finally injected into the backfield.

I assume some people would disagree with him not addressing the DL, but I think the DL is in decent shape for the most part and I would have no problems if our draft turned out like this.

 

[stinkypete]

I agree that the DL is set for 2010. I think Lewis will be an acceptable stopgap starter in the Bobby Hamilton mold, leaving Wright in the more natural position of rotational backup. Pryor looked like a very good fit in the system. If Brace can figure out the system, our 6 man rotation at DL will be set. Anyone DL the team drafts in 2010 is unlikely to contribute much as a rookie.

My question is about Gronkowski. Gronk, if healthy, is my favorite TE in this draft and exceptional value at 47. Are the questions about his back answered? What sources does this guy have?

 

[ctpatsfan77]

One thing to add:

14). [Seahawks] Mike Iupati – G – Idaho

Before I talk too much about this pick I will throw in the caveat that I believe if Derrick Morgan falls to this point, that the New England Patriots will use one of those three second rounders to move up and secure him. But as this is a trade free mock, I’ll carry on.

 

[BritPat]

And the last time the Patriots traded up in the first round of the Draft was.....

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Damned Simon's been reading my analysis, thieving Fish-fan Brit. :enranged:

 

[patchick]

And the last time the Patriots traded up in the first round of the Draft was.....

Ty Warren?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

And the last time the Patriots traded up in the first round of the Draft was.....

Daniel Graham.

 

[patchick]

Daniel Graham.

The year before Warren.

 

[upstater1]

This guy has a creative mind since his draft is all jumbled up and fun and wacky, but he gives slid reasons for his picks. A fun draft to look at, and much more useful for me than the drafts that play it safe. It's good to see people who have the gumption to drop Clausen, Kindle and JPP so far.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

The year before Warren.

My move was bigger. :snob:

 

[SeauOUCH]

I like it though I much prefer Tate over Benn if both are still on the board. I've had enough of the boom/bust reciever types, Tate will be a solid #2 at least, Benn could be another Chad Jackson.

I've read the Pats are really high on Gronkowski, back issues usually don't get better playing football though so that scares me.

I'd love to get Best if he fell to #53, this guy would bring a much needed homerun threat we've been lacking.

If BB likes Morgan for his scheme who am I to complain.

 

[patchick]

My move was bigger. :snob:

Which reminds me...isn't it funny how quickly this board has gone from the "common wisdom" that BB loves him some TEs, gotta draft one every year, to "forget TE until day 3, they just don't matter in this offense."

 

[mgteich]

Sure it also takes gumption to drop Morgan to 22. There are other words that describe for such analysis.

This guy has a creative mind since his draft is all jumbled up and fun and wacky, but he gives slid reasons for his picks. A fun draft to look at, and much more useful for me than the drafts that play it safe. It's good to see people who have the gumption to drop Clausen, Kindle and JPP so far.

 

[Marqui]

One thing to add:

Why is he assuming it'll be one of the 2nds?

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Why is he assuming it'll be one of the 2nds?

No 3, and a 4 probably wouldn't be enough.

 

[lostjumper]

I would be ecstatic if the draft fell that way. Getting Benn, Best, and Gronkowski would significantly upgrade their offense at key positions where they need some new, young blood.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Which reminds me...isn't it funny how quickly this board has gone from the "common wisdom" that BB loves him some TEs, gotta draft one every year, to "forget TE until day 3, they just don't matter in this offense."

Observed behavior change in the TE moves, since Watson BB seemed to gear down and look for more blocking skills or H-back tweeners. :confused2:

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Observed behavior change in the TE moves, since Watson BB seemed to gear down and look for more blocking skills or H-back tweeners. :confused2:

He also seems to have reverted strategy back to signing veterans (K Brady, Baker, etc.) Maybe he is looking for the next Fauria.