The 2017 Mock Draft Thread

[I.M. Fletcher]

You are 100% right with this one. No way Kraft signs off on this, the ghost of Myra would haunt him forever. I doubt anyone drafts him or even signs him as a UFA.

Decent RB are a dime a dozen, and he is just that, a decent RB, nothing special.

I agree with the first part, but strongly disagree on your assessment on his talent.

He could be in the discussion for RB1 in this draft, and will be a difference maker in the pros. There isn't a thing he can't do.

 

[manxman2601]

I tried something a little different with this mock, namely offense in the first. Re-signing Sheard would probably be a pre-condition for this mock because I couldn't find an EDGE I felt was a good fit outside the first two rounds.

Trade Jimmy G to Cleveland for 12, 53. In a bidding war, anything is possible.

Re-sign: Blount, Sheard, Harmon (?), Branch, Develin, Hightower, Floyd

Leave: Bennett, Ryan

1(12) - David Njoku, TE, Miami

I'm assuming Lattimore, Thomas and the two safeties are off the board. This pick then comes down to the two TEs, Foster and Charlton for me. I do like Foster and Charlton, but I am seriously intrigued by Njoku's upside which, for me, is top 3 TE in the NFL. Adding Njoku to Gronk could bring about a return to the Gronk/Hernandez days.

1(32) - Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

I try to talk myself out of this pick with Lewis and White on the roster but I just can't see past the fact that he is an almost perfect Patriot. McCaffrey could take Bolden (or Amendola's) spot on the roster, provide a return ability in year one whilst being ready to take up the slack when Lewis' inevitable injury comes along. These two picks solidify our offense for the next five years.

2(53) - Tyus Bowser, LB, Houston

I really like Bowser's athleticism and length. I see him as an almost like for like Jamie Collins replacement. He'll provide support in the run game, can be a very good blitzer (even a 3rd down pass rusher off the edge) and would probably be the best pass defending linebacker on the roster. I haven't seen many prospects of his size that change direction so easily. I give a slight edge to Haason Reddick, but he's gone by this point.

2(64) - Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado

One of my earliest binkies. Versatile enough to play on the outside and in the slot, I'm a big fan of Awuzie's all round game. I think he's an ideal replacement for Logan Ryan.

3(96) - John Johnson, CB/S, Boston College

Another versatile DB who's really in this draft because I don't know about Harmon's future on the team. Drafting Johnson enables McCourty to become the full time FS with Johnson becoming the nickel man coverage nickel safety. When a prospect is called a special teams monster (as Lance Zierlein describes Johnson), I do tend to pencil that prospect in as a potential pick.

3(105) - Will Holden, OL, Vanderbilt

Played LT last year and did it well by all accounts. He doesn't really have the length or athleticism for a Pats LT but could certainly play it if necessary. But he got very good reviews when he played at RG at the Senior Bowl. He's a very strong OL that can move bodies on the DL. May end up not being more than a backup swing OT but that has value for me. And if he can compete with Shaq for an OG job, then that's no bad thing.

4(136) - Deatrich Wise, EDGE, Arkansas

I don't really like this pick at this point. Whilst Wise has good things to his game with his length and run stopping ability, there's not a lot of athleticism there. What convinced me to make the pick was the knowledge that the Pats rush three more than any other team in the NFL and I like Wise's fit in that role. Strong enough to take on an opposing OL but has enough pass rushing ability that he can get home on occasion.

5(164) - Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, DT, USC

I've yet to watch him but everything I've read about him says that he's a very strong and effective NT. A longer term backup/spot starter once Valentine replaces Branch in 2018 and beyond.

5(184) - Zane Gonzalez, K, Arizona St.

Hopefully this will end up as a camp cut but Ghost hasn't been the most reliable this year so some competition is no bad thing. One long-term scout called Gonzalez the best kicker he's ever graded. so there's that.

7(244) - ?

Haven't gone that deep yet

I love the upside of the first three picks and wanted to run with those choices and see where the mock went. Johnson and Awuzie are good solid Patriot-types. But after them, I'm less sure about the mock. If we re-sign a number of our FAs, finding open roster spots becomes much harder.

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

I tried something a little different with this mock, namely offense in the first. Re-signing Sheard would probably be a pre-condition for this mock because I couldn't find an EDGE I felt was a good fit outside the first two rounds.

Trade Jimmy G to Cleveland for 12, 53. In a bidding war, anything is possible.

Re-sign: Blount, Sheard, Harmon (?), Branch, Develin, Hightower, Floyd

Leave: Bennett, Ryan

1(12) - David Njoku, TE, Miami

I'm assuming Lattimore, Thomas and the two safeties are off the board. This pick then comes down to the two TEs, Foster and Charlton for me. I do like Foster and Charlton, but I am seriously intrigued by Njoku's upside which, for me, is top 3 TE in the NFL. Adding Njoku to Gronk could bring about a return to the Gronk/Hernandez days.

1(32) - Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

I try to talk myself out of this pick with Lewis and White on the roster but I just can't see past the fact that he is an almost perfect Patriot. McCaffrey could take Bolden (or Amendola's) spot on the roster, provide a return ability in year one whilst being ready to take up the slack when Lewis' inevitable injury comes along. These two picks solidify our offense for the next five years.

2(53) - Tyus Bowser, LB, Houston

I really like Bowser's athleticism and length. I see him as an almost like for like Jamie Collins replacement. He'll provide support in the run game, can be a very good blitzer (even a 3rd down pass rusher off the edge) and would probably be the best pass defending linebacker on the roster. I haven't seen many prospects of his size that change direction so easily. I give a slight edge to Haason Reddick, but he's gone by this point.

2(64) - Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado

One of my earliest binkies. Versatile enough to play on the outside and in the slot, I'm a big fan of Awuzie's all round game. I think he's an ideal replacement for Logan Ryan.

3(96) - John Johnson, CB/S, Boston College

Another versatile DB who's really in this draft because I don't know about Harmon's future on the team. Drafting Johnson enables McCourty to become the full time FS with Johnson becoming the nickel man coverage nickel safety. When a prospect is called a special teams monster (as Lance Zierlein describes Johnson), I do tend to pencil that prospect in as a potential pick.

3(105) - Will Holden, OL, Vanderbilt

Played LT last year and did it well by all accounts. He doesn't really have the length or athleticism for a Pats LT but could certainly play it if necessary. But he got very good reviews when he played at RG at the Senior Bowl. He's a very strong OL that can move bodies on the DL. May end up not being more than a backup swing OT but that has value for me. And if he can compete with Shaq for an OG job, then that's no bad thing.

4(136) - Deatrich Wise, EDGE, Arkansas

I don't really like this pick at this point. Whilst Wise has good things to his game with his length and run stopping ability, there's not a lot of athleticism there. What convinced me to make the pick was the knowledge that the Pats rush three more than any other team in the NFL and I like Wise's fit in that role. Strong enough to take on an opposing OL but has enough pass rushing ability that he can get home on occasion.

5(164) - Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, DT, USC

I've yet to watch him but everything I've read about him says that he's a very strong and effective NT. A longer term backup/spot starter once Valentine replaces Branch in 2018 and beyond.

5(184) - Zane Gonzalez, K, Arizona St.

Hopefully this will end up as a camp cut but Ghost hasn't been the most reliable this year so some competition is no bad thing. One long-term scout called Gonzalez the best kicker he's ever graded. so there's that.

7(244) - ?

Haven't gone that deep yet

I love the upside of the first three picks and wanted to run with those choices and see where the mock went. Johnson and Awuzie are good solid Patriot-types. But after them, I'm less sure about the mock. If we re-sign a number of our FAs, finding open roster spots becomes much harder.

Love the different slant on this.

Mocks are the ultimate "what if" question time and time again. Every pick is linked to another, and your board is linked to who you signed.

I have had similar thoughts about how free agency and re-signing our own guys could very well trigger a run of offensive picks. We end up with different players, but the thought process is the same.

Also totally agree with Njoku being compared to Hernandez opposed to other names out there. Njoku is a little taller, while Hernandez was a little wider, but there are a lot of sinilarities (only on the field I hope) that could really make things interesting. The blocking concerns both have could be chalked up to age and inexperience compared to some older prospects who just don't have the raw ability. It's easy to forget, but Hernandez didn't turn 21 til half way through his rookie season, and Njoku is only 2-3 months older.

 

[manxman2601]

Love the different slant on this.

Mocks are the ultimate "what if" question time and time again. Every pick is linked to another, and your board is linked to who you signed.

I have had similar thoughts about how free agency and re-signing our own guys could very well trigger a run of offensive picks. We end up with different players, but the thought process is the same.

Also totally agree with Njoku being compared to Hernandez opposed to other names out there. Njoku is a little taller, while Hernandez was a little wider, but there are a lot of sinilarities (only on the field I hope) that could really make things interesting. The blocking concerns both have could be chalked up to age and inexperience compared to some older prospects who just don't have the raw ability. It's easy to forget, but Hernandez didn't turn 21 til half way through his rookie season, and Njoku is only 2-3 months younger.

Thanks. Outside of probably Garrett, Hooker and Lattimore, I think Njoku might have the most upside of anyone in this class. And I'm not sure he's that far behind those three. His athleticism combined with his size/length is rare. I'd take him ahead of Howard.

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

Thanks. Outside of probably Garrett, Hooker and Lattimore, I think Njoku might have the most upside of anyone in this class. And I'm not sure he's that far behind those three. His athleticism combined with his size/length is rare. I'd take him ahead of Howard.

If gronks back was fine and you could count on him inline, I probably would too, but I don't know enough of his long term recovery to go against Howard.

I am also really interested to see how he measures out. He has strong but smaller hands it seems like, and it's hard to gauge his arm length given his thin frame.

 

[luuked]

I tried something a little different with this mock, namely offense in the first. Re-signing Sheard would probably be a pre-condition for this mock because I couldn't find an EDGE I felt was a good fit outside the first two rounds.

Trade Jimmy G to Cleveland for 12, 53. In a bidding war, anything is possible.

Re-sign: Blount, Sheard, Harmon (?), Branch, Develin, Hightower, Floyd

Leave: Bennett, Ryan

1(12) - David Njoku, TE, Miami

I'm assuming Lattimore, Thomas and the two safeties are off the board. This pick then comes down to the two TEs, Foster and Charlton for me. I do like Foster and Charlton, but I am seriously intrigued by Njoku's upside which, for me, is top 3 TE in the NFL. Adding Njoku to Gronk could bring about a return to the Gronk/Hernandez days.

1(32) - Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

I try to talk myself out of this pick with Lewis and White on the roster but I just can't see past the fact that he is an almost perfect Patriot. McCaffrey could take Bolden (or Amendola's) spot on the roster, provide a return ability in year one whilst being ready to take up the slack when Lewis' inevitable injury comes along. These two picks solidify our offense for the next five years.

2(53) - Tyus Bowser, LB, Houston

I really like Bowser's athleticism and length. I see him as an almost like for like Jamie Collins replacement. He'll provide support in the run game, can be a very good blitzer (even a 3rd down pass rusher off the edge) and would probably be the best pass defending linebacker on the roster. I haven't seen many prospects of his size that change direction so easily. I give a slight edge to Haason Reddick, but he's gone by this point.

2(64) - Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado

One of my earliest binkies. Versatile enough to play on the outside and in the slot, I'm a big fan of Awuzie's all round game. I think he's an ideal replacement for Logan Ryan.

3(96) - John Johnson, CB/S, Boston College

Another versatile DB who's really in this draft because I don't know about Harmon's future on the team. Drafting Johnson enables McCourty to become the full time FS with Johnson becoming the nickel man coverage nickel safety. When a prospect is called a special teams monster (as Lance Zierlein describes Johnson), I do tend to pencil that prospect in as a potential pick.

3(105) - Will Holden, OL, Vanderbilt

Played LT last year and did it well by all accounts. He doesn't really have the length or athleticism for a Pats LT but could certainly play it if necessary. But he got very good reviews when he played at RG at the Senior Bowl. He's a very strong OL that can move bodies on the DL. May end up not being more than a backup swing OT but that has value for me. And if he can compete with Shaq for an OG job, then that's no bad thing.

4(136) - Deatrich Wise, EDGE, Arkansas

I don't really like this pick at this point. Whilst Wise has good things to his game with his length and run stopping ability, there's not a lot of athleticism there. What convinced me to make the pick was the knowledge that the Pats rush three more than any other team in the NFL and I like Wise's fit in that role. Strong enough to take on an opposing OL but has enough pass rushing ability that he can get home on occasion.

5(164) - Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, DT, USC

I've yet to watch him but everything I've read about him says that he's a very strong and effective NT. A longer term backup/spot starter once Valentine replaces Branch in 2018 and beyond.

5(184) - Zane Gonzalez, K, Arizona St.

Hopefully this will end up as a camp cut but Ghost hasn't been the most reliable this year so some competition is no bad thing. One long-term scout called Gonzalez the best kicker he's ever graded. so there's that.

7(244) - ?

Haven't gone that deep yet

I love the upside of the first three picks and wanted to run with those choices and see where the mock went. Johnson and Awuzie are good solid Patriot-types. But after them, I'm less sure about the mock. If we re-sign a number of our FAs, finding open roster spots becomes much harder.

I like the day 1 and day 2 selections, although just in terms of archetype I wonder if Holden could also take over Cam Fleming's role as jumbo TE. Any idea ?

Gotta watch some Njoku I suppose

 

[PatsFan2]

Manx on David Njoku, TE, Miami he looks like an immense Talent but I just can't see us taking a Player so High at one of the Deepest Positions imo right now. I would rather them use that High Pick on a Pass Rusher in the Chandler Jones mold *and one who shows up in Big Games*.

 

[Keyser Söze]

Manx on David Njoku, TE, Miami he looks like an immense Talent but I just can't see us taking a Player so High at one of the Deepest Positions imo right now. I would rather them use that High Pick on a Pass Rusher in the Chandler Jones mold *and one who shows up in Big Games*.

How is it deep? Bennett is probably gone and Gronk is injury prone to say the least.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

How is it deep? Bennett is probably gone and Gronk is injury prone to say the least.

He means TE is a deep position in this draft. I agree.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Check out @j_fid's Tweet:

He's from Texas and a different cat.

Might come off wrong way to some.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Check out @j_fid's Tweet:

He's from Texas and a different cat.

Might come off wrong way to some.

Yo, you have your own twitter with draft info?? I figured you seemed pretty legit, but I didn't realize I was chatting with someone in the big leagues.

 

[luuked]

He means TE is a deep position in this draft. I agree.

To be fair a true blocking/receiving double threat TE is maybe the most sought-after piece on offense there is (ignoring QB obviously). And we have seen pretty uninspiring TEs in the first half of the first round, so just because the draft is deep it doesn't mean that there really is a lot of NFL talent out there.

 

[manxman2601]

Manx on David Njoku, TE, Miami he looks like an immense Talent but I just can't see us taking a Player so High at one of the Deepest Positions imo right now. I would rather them use that High Pick on a Pass Rusher in the Chandler Jones mold *and one who shows up in Big Games*.

Wasn't really meant to be a predictive mock. Before the combine and free agency any mock I do is really meant as nothing more than exploring different values and options. Any mock before free agency can't be predictive. I think the point of this mock was to point out that a) I really rate Njoku and Bowser's upside and b) as much as I try to persuade myself out of it, I just think McCaffrey is the perfect Patriot.

 

[manxman2601]

He means TE is a deep position in this draft. I agree.

So is DE. Doesn't mean you turn your back on a top talent like Garrett though. I really do think Njoku has top TE in NFL type upside.

 

[PatsFan2]

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford Manx I love this kid he's the complete package but the only way we get him is if we have the 12th Pick. Cannot see him getting pass The Giants or Greenbay. The Pack have a lot of Defensive problems but they had a hole at RB too. I would hate to see Rodgers paired with McCaffrey.

 

[patsinthesnow]

The reported Bears/Browns bidding war for Jimmy G seems to point to a haul for the Pats. Schefter seems adamant it will be a large haul. My prediction is the Browns win out with pick 12, 2017 4th, and a 2018 2nd.

Trade: Patriots Trade Pick #12 and 5th round pick to Broncos for picks #20 & #51. BB trades again with the aggressive John Elway at GM.

Pick 20: EDGE Takkarist McKinley UCLA

High upside pass rusher that can make an impact as a situational player in year 1. He seems very confident in his abilities on twitter for what it's worth.

Pick 32: LB Haason Reddick Temple

Siding with the draftniks on the board as well as Matt Miller here. He fills a big void and for some draftniks isn't that far off from Foster. The Patriots could really use this skillset.

Patriots Trade Pick 51 and Browns 4th round pick to Carolina for Pick 40

Pick 40: CB Desmond King Iowa

My early binky in this draft. Great instincts, hits and tackles like a safety, can cover outside/slot, and a natural leader. I've seen reports that he's a zone CB/S and I don't buy it from what I've seen. This kid will be a captain in some team's secondary & a very good starter in the NFL for a long time.

Pick 64: TE Evan Engram Ole Miss

A move TE in the mold of the prisoner/Reed. The Ole Miss HC said he'd be a great fit in New England and I've read comparisons to Quincy Enunwa. A player similar to him would add another dimension to the offense.

Pick 96: Traded in 2018

3rd round (Jamie Collins Trade): Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming

A power RB in the Patriots mold of a main RB. I didn't bother to check where he's projected so this may be a reach but from the little I've seen Hill can be a solid starting RB that can handle the load as a workhorse in a power running scheme.

4th round pick (Seattle Trade): Ryan Switzer WR UNC

Not much needs to be said. A player with a high floor that can learn behind Edelman and provide WR depth in 2017.

7th round pick (Van Noy Trade): QB Chad Kelly Ole Miss

Holy smokes this kid can throw the football. His accuracy and mobility are solid too. The injury and his off-field problems have pushed him down this far. If he wants to take his job serious welcome to a great situation. If not, cut after camp.

 

[Wilfork#75]

Nice mock @Wilfork#75 . I have no issues with any player you picked and that will fill out the team nicely.

I just watched Wise. Weird player. I love his size and length - so very Patriots and he has a hell of a bullrush. But my goodness, he's unathletic - he's slow for a 3-4 end. But, for a team that rushes 3 a lot, I wouldn't have an issue with him on day three. Having said that, he's so slow, I wonder if he could even make special teams.

I completely agree with the lack athleticism. He's not very explosive, he doesn't bend the edge. He actually reminds me a bit of Chandler Jones at Syracuse except we found out later that Jones was limited by a back injury. There are a lot of things Wise can't do, but as Mike Lombardi says, the Pats don't look at what players cant do, they look at what a player can do and how they could contribute to the team.

I love Wise for two main reasons, his length and his bullrush. I think his length and the way he uses it can lead him to being an excellent run defender and edge setter on early downs. He's very good at using his long arms, keeping OL away from his body, controling the line of scrimmage and shedding blocks to make a tackle. On passing downs I don't think he will put up big sack numbers but I think he could put up good pressure stats. Move him inside and let him use his excellent bullrush to push the OG into the QB's lap. Sacks are great but I put a high value on the ability to be able to collapse the pocket even if you don't get to the QB. He won't be a star, but I think he could be a valuable role player.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

The reported Bears/Browns bidding war for Jimmy G seems to point to a haul for the Pats. Schefter seems adamant it will be a large haul. My prediction is the Browns win out with pick 12, 2017 4th, and a 2018 2nd.

Trade: Patriots Trade Pick #12 and 5th round pick to Broncos for picks #20 & #51. BB trades again with the aggressive John Elway at GM.

Pick 20: EDGE Takkarist McKinley UCLA

High upside pass rusher that can make an impact as a situational player in year 1. He seems very confident in his abilities on twitter for what it's worth.

Pick 32: LB Haason Reddick Temple

Siding with the draftniks on the board as well as Matt Miller here. He fills a big void and for some draftniks isn't that far off from Foster. The Patriots could really use this skillset.

Patriots Trade Pick 51 and Browns 4th round pick to Carolina for Pick 40

Pick 40: CB Desmond King Iowa

My early binky in this draft. Great instincts, hits and tackles like a safety, can cover outside/slot, and a natural leader. I've seen reports that he's a zone CB/S and I don't buy it from what I've seen. This kid will be a captain in some team's secondary & a very good starter in the NFL for a long time.

Pick 64: TE Evan Engram Ole Miss

A move TE in the mold of the prisoner/Reed. The Ole Miss HC said he'd be a great fit in New England and I've read comparisons to Quincy Enunwa. A player similar to him would add another dimension to the offense.

Pick 96: Traded in 2018

3rd round (Jamie Collins Trade): Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming

A power RB in the Patriots mold of a main RB. I didn't bother to check where he's projected so this may be a reach but from the little I've seen Hill can be a solid starting RB that can handle the load as a workhorse in a power running scheme.

4th round pick (Seattle Trade): Ryan Switzer WR UNC

Not much needs to be said. A player with a high floor that can learn behind Edelman and provide WR depth in 2017.

7th round pick (Van Noy Trade): QB Chad Kelly Ole Miss

Holy smokes this kid can throw the football. His accuracy and mobility are solid too. The injury and his off-field problems have pushed him down this far. If he wants to take his job serious welcome to a great situation. If not, cut after camp.

Great effort on the mock. I like the Broncos trade.

Qb Kelly is an interesting guy. He's not really a system guy, which we generally tend to draft, but he has that intangible that I like qb's to have. Good call!

 

[AzorianPats]

Any mock that has us taking McCaffrey I'm liking.

Doubt he can be a bell cow in the pros, but his versatility in this offense would bring out the best of him.

Between rushing and receiving he'll average over 1,100 yards, combine that with his St play he'll get over 10 TD's.

Not to mention as great as Lewis is, he's just not reliable. And White not really a guy that can run in the inside (did a great job in the SB though)

 

[luuked]

Doubt he can be a bell cow in the pros, but his versatility in this offense would bring out the best of him.

The question for me is if the margin of upgrade we get from McC over the combination of Blount + White/Lewis is worth using an early pick. I am fully aware that having McC would make our offense even more deadly because e.g. you are taking away a way to key on run/pass for the opponents. But is upgrading this aspect worth the lack of upgrades for e.g. our LBs ?

Given the relative exodus of talent (Jones, Collins, Hightower now or in a year ?) on the defensive side I kinda feel that putting our resources there would provide a bigger jump overall.

All that being said, I would love to get McC onto our team somehow..