My 2016 Early Pats Mock:
[I'll choose according to current
CBS NFL draft prospect rankings within 5 picks up in first 3 rounds, within 10 picks up in rounds 6-7, and unlimited down, CBS prospect rank in parentheses]
Second round: 60th overall selection
Austin Johnson, DT, 6'4 314 lbs, Penn State (55)
Losing Easley instantly creates a need on the DL. Johnson has the versatility to play on multiple fronts and the thick trunk and base to stuff the run.
Second round: 61st overall selection (from Arizona Cardinals)
Braxton Miller, WR, 6'1 201, Ohio State (74)
Pats need to upgrade their longterm future at the receiver position. We have had a lot of success with QB/WR conversions, see Edelman, Miller is an intriguing conversion with amazing athleticism and size for the position.
Third round: 91st overall selection
Connor McGovern, OG 6'4 306, Missouri (96)
Offers a blend of overwhelming strength, both functional in the weight room, and even has the agility to line outside at tackle as necessary. Shows good feet to mirror in pass pro as well. Think dancing bear.
Third round: 96th overall selection (compensatory)
Willie Beavers, OT 6'5 321, Western Michigan (102)
Good, length, agility, and feet. 3 year starter at LT. Put him in the Dante school and hope he pans out.
Sixth round: 196th overall selection (from
Houston Texans)
Keith Marshall, RB 5'11 219, Georgia (200)
4.3 speed. Blazing speed. Elite burst. Was buried behind Gurley, etc. But could blossom with his speed and athleticism. Good ball security is a plus.
Sixth round: 204th overall selection (reacquired from
Chicago Bears)
Bryce Williams, TE 6'6 257, East Carolina (198)
Very productive and smooth as a pass catcher. Has a good catch radius and plays the position like a basketball player.
Sixth round: 208th overall selection (compensatory)
Joe Haeg, OT 6'6 304, North Dakota (201)
Good feet, agility, and quickness to handle the edge in pass protection. Has versatility to play RT in addition to LT. Needs to improve anchor strength and hand technique.
Sixth round: 214th overall selection (compensatory)
Daryl Worley, CB 6'1 204, West Virginia (207)
Led the Big 12 in pass breakups and interceptions. Has good size and length for the position. Talented but with some off field concerns. Worth a gamble at such a late stage.
Sixth round: 221st overall selection (compensatory)
Glenn Gronkowski, FB 6-2 239, Kansas State.
He's a Gronk. Any questions? Offers serious versatility from the position which BB would value. Could have instant chemistry in the offense with his older brother.
Seventh round: 243rd overall selection (from Houston)
Nate Sudfield, QB 6'6 240, Indiana (240)
Big with a strong throwing arm. Needs to work on accuracy and progression of reads. Considered a bit of a project.
Seventh round: 250th overall selection
Nick Vanhoose, CB 5'11 190, Northwestern (588)
Longshot, but reportedly excellent in zone coverage. Kind of awkward, unorthodox is movements. But with the 7th rounder why not take a shot? Was reportedly the best CB in the Big10 conference. And produced highest national grade according to
PFF's coverage metrics 17.7+. Might be worth a shot in the 7th or UDFA.