Here is my Mock Draft 6.0, the final all Patriots Mock Draft before the actual event starting Thursday night.\u00a0\u00a0 I have been pouring over Mock Drafts, player evaluations, Combine, and Pro-Days.\u00a0 The Patriots Draft Board is set and I have narrowed the draft priorities down to these.\u00a0 I have six trades and select 11 players.\u00a0 Three trades were initiated by other teams and three trades were started by New England.\u00a0 I don’t believe there will be that much trading, especially in the 1st round.\u00a0 I think Bill Belichick will have a hard time finding trade partners.<\/p>\n
CB, NT, LB, OG, OT, Edge, Slot Receiver, Special Teams, and Speed at all positions<\/p>\n
My priority in the 1st<\/sup> round is a CB that can start within the 1st<\/sup> year and be a lockdown #1 corner for 5 years.\u00a0\u00a0 There are three CBs that fit that description and are within the Patriots’ grasp at #21, Washington\u2019s Trent McDuffie;\u00a0 Clemson\u2019s Andrew Booth; Florida\u2019s Kaiir Elam, and Michigan\u2019s Dax Hill.\u00a0 For some unknown reason, McDuffie has been slipping into the pick 21 range.\u00a0 I expect him to be long gone by 21.\u00a0 Andrew Booth hasn\u2019t been able to work out for anyone because of double sports hernia surgery.\u00a0 However, he is solid on tape.\u00a0 Bill Belichick does not like players from Clemson and I can\u2019t remember if he has ever taken one.\u00a0 Elam is my target.\u00a0 Dax Hill is a fallback position.\u00a0 He has been listed as both CB and S.\u00a0 He has the skills to be a slot cover corner and could transition back to Free Safety when McCourty hangs them up.<\/p>\n TRADE<\/strong> \u2013 Patriots trade pick 1-21 to Dallas for picks 1-24 and 3-88<\/p>\n This is the first of 5 trades made in this draft.\u00a0 Because Booth, Elam, and Hill are all rated similarly on their Draft Board they will listen to offers.\u00a0 This is a computer-generated trade initiated by Dallas because where there was a player available that Dallas coveted.<\/p>\n TRADE<\/strong> \u2013 Patriots trade pick 1-24 to Tennessee for 1-26 and 3-90<\/p>\n Again all three are still on the board.\u00a0 Tennessee wanted a player at 24 with a computer-generated trade interest.\u00a0 The computer notifies me that 3 teams are interested in this pick and it\u2019s up to me to structure a trade agreeable to both teams.<\/p>\n Round 1 Pick #26 \u2013 Kaiir Elam CB Florida<\/strong> \u2013 Booth was selected and I didn\u2019t want to chance losing Elam.\u00a0 He is 6\u20191 \u00bd 191lbs and a battle-tested man coverage corner from the SEC. Elam ran an unofficial 4.47 which was lowered to an official 4.39 40 at the combine.\u00a0 He did not do any other tests but looked great in the field drills.\u00a0 At his Pro-Day, the 3-cone drill was 6.99, Short Shuttle was 4.21 and he Benched Press only 10 times.\u00a0 He was often left on an island by Florida covering the top opponents WR such as Jameson Williams and Trevon Burks.\u00a0 I think he is a plug-and-play player as a rookie.\u00a0 Dane Brugler of The Athletic had this to say in The Beast- 2022 Draft Guide \u2013<\/strong> “Big athlete with an ideal build for the position \u2026 smooth strider and controlled in his turn and run to carry speed vertically \u2026 keeps his upper and lower\u00a0bodies synchronized \u2026 has the playing strength to reroute receivers at the line of scrimmage \u2026 above-average ball skills and aggressively plays through the hands of receivers \u2026 much more comfortable when he keeps things in front of him as opposed to playing with his back to the ball \u2026 eager run defender and flies downhill to make open-field stops on screens \u2026 selected by the coaches to represent Florida at the SEC Leadership Council in 2021 (former head coach Dan Mullen: \u201cHe\u2019s been a high-character, hard-working guy from the day he got here.\u201d) \u2026 grew up with an NFL player for a father and will be prepared for professional life.\u201d\u00a0 Pro Football Focus 2022 NFL Draft Guide<\/strong> said this about Elam. \u201cElam has played a role for Florida ever since his freshman year in 2019. However, it wasn’t until his sophomore year that he allowed the 42.6% completion percentage that put him on the map as a top prospect. Injuries limited his effectiveness this past fall, but it’s not like he was easy to throw on. He allowed only 18 catches from 35 targets for 185 yards all year, but a newfound penalty problem (seven flags in 10 games) kept his grade low.<\/p>\n I used both The Beast https:\/\/theathletic.com\/3233612\/2022\/04\/07\/2022-nfl-draft-guide-the-beast-dane-brugler\/<\/a> and Pro Football Focus 2022 NFL Draft Guide https:\/\/www.pff.com\/draft\/guide\u00a0<\/a>as supplemental data for each player.\u00a0 Both are paysites.<\/p>\n Round 2 Pick #54 \u2013 Troy Andersen LB Montana State<\/strong> \u2013 I have been pounding the table for this guy since January.\u00a0 He is an athletic freak with college production to back it up. This is what I had to say in my Mock Draft #3 \u201cThe sky is the limit with Andersen.\u00a0 He is a freakish athlete standing 6\u20193\u201d \u00bd. 243 lbs and he ran 4.42 40 tops amongst LBs.\u00a0 His 10\u2019 8\u2019 Broad jump was tied for 5th<\/sup>.\u00a0 Andersen didn\u2019t perform the weightlifting, 3-cone, short shuttle.\u00a0 The on-field drills confirmed what you saw in the testing numbers.\u00a0 4.42 for an ILB is off the charts. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0That\u2019s a sideline-to-sideline coverage of backs out of the backfield.\u00a0 He is also a downhill punishing run stopper.<\/p>\n Now hold your hat \u2013 these are Andersen\u2019s career statistics:\u00a0 He has played LB for only 2 seasons.\u00a0 He was a QB in 2018 and an RB in 2017. \u00a0He came to Montana St as an S\/QB and was converted to RB.<\/p>\n 2021 – 150 Total Tackles, 14 QB Hurries, 3 sacks, 65.2 QBR when targeted (42 targets), National FCS Defensive Player of the Year, 1st<\/sup> Team All-American LB (only FCS player), 1st<\/sup> team Big Sky Conference, 3rd-year\u00a0Team Captain<\/p>\n 2020 \u2013 Team Did Not Play- COVID 2nd<\/sup> year Team Captain<\/p>\n 2019 \u2013 54 Total Tackles in 11 games, 11.5 Tackles for Loss, 6.5 sacks, INT, PBU, 3-3 9yards 1 TD passing, 44-336 yards 6.9 avg 7 TDs rushing 1st-year\u00a0Team Captain 3rd<\/sup> Team All American \u2013 All Purpose<\/p>\n 2018 \u2013 115-208 1195 yards passing 3 TDs, 7 INT, 206-1412 yards rushing 6.9 avg, 21 TDs, 3rd<\/sup> Team All-American QB<\/p>\n 2017 \u2013 90-515 5.7 avg 5 TDs<\/p>\n That\u2019s 33 career TD rushing and 4 TDs passing<\/p>\n Can you imagine what Bill Belichick will do with this Swiss Army knife! \u201c\u00a0 Anderson ran a 3.99 Short Shuttle and 6.72 3-cone Drill at his Pro Day.\u00a0 I compare Anderson to former NFL player Luke Kuechly.\u00a0 Both were Safeties coming out of High School.\u00a0 The limitations of Anderson are his lack of playing time at the position and his lower level of competition.\u00a0 He is an athletic football player and the ceiling is so high on him I can\u2019t pass on making him a Patriot.<\/p>\n TRADE<\/strong>\u00a0 New England trades 3rd<\/sup> round picks 88 and 90 to Jacksonville for 2nd<\/sup> rd pick #65 and 5th<\/sup> Rd pick 157.<\/p>\n TRADE<\/strong> New England trades 3rd<\/sup> round # 65 and 5th<\/sup> round #157 to NYG for 3rd<\/sup> Round #67 and 4th<\/sup> round #112.\u00a0 I took a chance that Marcus Jones would still be available at 67.\u00a0 By dropping down two positions I improved my draft position by 45 spots.<\/p>\n Round 3 Pick # 67 \u2013 Marcus Jones CB Houston<\/strong> \u2013 Jones is on the smaller side at 5\u2019 8\u201d, 170 lbs, he has an estimated 4.36 40 according to NFL DraftScout<\/strong>.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t run at the combine or his Pro Day because he is recovering from surgery on both shoulders.\u00a0 Pro Football Focus 2022 NFL Draft Guide <\/strong>said this about his play at cornerback:\u00a0 \u201cHe started in the slot as a true freshman for Troy in 2017 before kicking outside as a sophomore in 2018. Jones then transferred to Houston, where he’s been balling out on the outside with a 50% completion rate allowed in his coverage the last two years. Then, you have his return ability: In his four years returning kicks, Jones took back three punts and six kicks — including a game-winner against SMU last year — for scores.\u201c\u00a0 Obviously, his strength is in the Punt Return game.\u00a0 The Patriots need a Punt Returner since they lost Gunner Olzsewski.<\/p>\n The Beast- 2022 Draft Guide <\/strong>said this: \u201c<\/strong>Plays with play speed and muscle twitch \u2026 seamlessly flips his hips to attach himself to receivers without sacrificing speed \u2026 flashes a burst when undercutting routes \u2026 has a wide receiver background with outstanding on-ball production, including 10 career interceptions \u2026 always ball searching and skillfully plays through the hands of receivers \u2026 leverages his side of the field as a run defender, not allowing runners to attack the perimeter \u2026 physical play style and\u00a0competes like a much bigger player \u2026 ball carriers go backward when he strikes \u2026 elite return skills with nine career special teams touchdowns (six kickoff returns, three punt returns), which is tied for the NCAA record \u2026 averaging 28.8 yards per kickoff return (72\/2,075\/6) and 13.5 yards per punt return (65\/875\/3) during his career \u2026 had a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown with 17 seconds left to give Houston a win against SMU (October 2021), which was just the second go-ahead return touchdown in the final 30 seconds of an FBS game in the last 15 years \u2026 named the 2021 Paul Hornung Award winner as the most versatile player in college football.\u201d<\/p>\n Round 3 Pick# 85 \u2013 Sam Williams Edge Mississippi \u2013 <\/strong>This is the 1st<\/sup> time I have selected Williams, and I don\u2019t know why I didn\u2019t before this.\u00a0 It\u2019s like I discovered this player at the last minute.\u00a0\u00a0 Pro Football Focus 2022 NFL Draft Guide<\/strong> had this to say about Williams \u201c<\/strong>Williams spent two years at Northeast Mississippi Community College before three years at Ole Miss meaning he’ll be a 23-year old rookie. He’s improved considerably every single year as a pass-rusher culminating in a 2021 season where he registered 4+ pressures in 11 of his 13 games. Combine that with some serious physical tools and you have an intriguing edge project.\u00a0 One heck of a linear athlete with the speed to chase down ball carriers in the flat.\u00a0 A number of moves to win the edge already including a cheeky ghost move.\u00a0 The first step that opens up doors on tackles.\u201d\u00a0 At the combine, the 6\u20194\u201d 261 lbs Williams ran 4.46 40, 4.34 Short Shuttle, 7.06 3-cone, 36\u201d Vertical 10\u2019 3\u201d Broad Jump, and pumped 25 reps on the Bench Press.\u00a0\u00a0 The Beast Draft Guide added this about Williams <\/strong>\u201cWilliams considered offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, LSU, Texas A&M, and others before committing to Ole Miss. He was suspended from the program in July 2020\u00a0after he was arrested on a felony charge of sexual battery. The chargers were later dropped, and Williams returned to the team in September 2020. He has a one-year-old son (Sam Jr.). Williams graduated with his degree in multidisciplinary studies (May 2021). He accepted his invitation to the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and was a late call-up to the 2022 Senior Bowl.\u201d\u00a0 He had only one year of HS football and poor grades so he went the Junior College route, becoming a JUCO All-American.\u00a0 The Beast went on to say \u201c\u00a0 Well-built with adequate length and muscle tone … explosive out of his stance … hard-charger upfield with above-average rush acceleration to skim the corner … uses forward flexibility and raw power to create knock-back with his violent hands and stab moves … creates inside burst with his plant-and-go cuts … works well laterally and is able to bounce off blocks while maintaining his play radar … his revved-up motor expands his range to chase down plays outside the numbers …\u00a0has some experience dropping into space … has a gritty play personality and doesn\u2019t make things easy on blockers … had the productive senior year that NFL teams were hoping to see from him. \u201c Williams will be 23 at the time he gets drafted.\u00a0\u00a0 Initially, he will be a pass-rushing specialist and Special Teams player as he learns the game at the NFL level.<\/p>\n Round 4 Pick #112<\/strong> \u2013 Kevin Austin WR Notre Dame<\/strong> – \u00a0The Patriots have a lot of big WRs that play the slot (Parker, Meyers)\u00a0 they need a pure X receiver with speed and Austin fits that bill.\u00a0 Austin stands\u00a0 6\u20192 3\/8\u2019 \u00a0208 lbs,\u00a0 ran 4.41 40,(NFL Network had him at 4.37 unofficial) \u00a04.21 Short Shuttle, 6.71 3-cone, \u00a011\u2019 Broad Jump, 37\u201d Vertical Jump, and has 33\u201d arm length.\u00a0 He was one of just three wide receivers to run the 3-cone drill under 7.\u00a0 The three-cone drill watermark for receivers is 7.\u00a0 Pro Football Focus 2022 NFL Draft Guide<\/strong> \u201cAustin flat out couldn’t see the field his first three years on campus.\u00a0 Can be a bully at the catch point. The majority of contested catches came well downfield. Rocked up build. Barely an ounce of fat on him.\u00a0 Ascending in a big way.\u00a0 Made massive strides from the beginning to the end of 2021.\u00a0\u00a0 Receptions\/Targets 48\/82 — Yards 888 18 — Yards per Catch 18.5\u00a0 — Touchdowns 7.\u00a0 Of the 668 offensive plays, only 138 were in the slot.\u00a0 He had a tremendous amount of contested catches downfield.\u00a0\u00a0 The Beast Draft Guide<\/strong> said this about Austin, \u201cMuscular body type with size and definition … head-turning athletic testing numbers … has build-up momentum to power through routes … functional play strength to get off the press or win body position mid-route … able to stack and track in order to win on deep balls (three catches of 50-plus yards in 2021) … smooth body adjustments to reach back and pull in throws … impressive short-area burst to help create room to work at the top of routes … remarkable first-down rate in college … an above-average blocker with the skills to be even better … worked back from several roadblocks earlier in his career to have a productive 2021 season.\u201d Austin received a suspension for a violation of team rules that would take him out for the entire 2019 campaign. In good standing academically, Austin remained enrolled at Notre Dame and came back in 2020 to rejoin the offense.\u00a0 In 2020 he injured his foot in the second game, came back a few weeks later and re-injured the foot again, and was lost for the year.\u00a0 Coming into 2021 Austin had just 6 catches.\u00a0 For the most part, he is a one-year wonder that showed very well at the Combine.\u00a0 Austin graduated this winter and passed on his final year of eligibility.\u00a0 Excellent blocker that reminds me of former Golden Domer David Givens.<\/p>\n Round 4 Pick #127 \u2013 Spencer Burford OT University of Texas-San Antonio<\/strong> – \u00a0\u00a0Burford is the cousin of former NFL players Sam Hurd and former Patriot LaAdrian Waddle.\u00a0 Dane Brugler loves Burford and has him ranked as the #12 OT.\u00a0 The Beast Draft Guide <\/strong>said this about Burford \u201cBroad-shouldered frame with an outstanding wingspan … explodes out of his stance to mirror, square and engage different types of pass rushers … rarely beaten by edge speed to the corner … recovers well in space … physical hands and keeps them tight to frame rushers with his punch … mobile in the run game with his ability to reach, pull and climb … able to create knock-back when he rolls his hips into contact … plays with a fierce demeanor and keeps busy … has the body type to get stronger and add mass … trusts his coaching and was awarded a single-digit jersey (though he couldn\u2019t wear it as an offensive lineman) … started 20-plus\u00a0games at both left tackles and left guard in college with a few starts at right tackle.\u00a0 Raw in the run game.\u201d\u00a0 He stands 6\u20194\u201d 304 lbs, a little short for OT.\u00a0 At the combine he ran 5.19 and Bench Pressed 25 times.\u00a0 Burford has long arms, nearly 35\u201d and an 82\u201d wingspan.\u00a0 Needs functional strength.\u00a0 Dante Scarnecchia was asked what his keys to a good offensive lineman draft choice were.\u00a0 He stated that the lineman had to be tough, had to be smart, and athletic enough to mirror the defensive lineman.<\/p>\n Round 5 Pick # 158 \u2013 Thomas Booker DT Stanford<\/strong> \u2013 Another player that I added at the last minute.\u00a0 I had read good things about Booker from the East \/ West Shrine Bowl \u00a0 The Beast Draft Guide<\/strong>\u00a0 said this about Booker \u201cLooks the part with his dense, athletic frame and packed on muscle, especially in his legs and bubble … athletic, a loose mover with the initial quickness to penetrate gaps … flashes an explosive, upward punch to jolt blockers off balance and reset the line of scrimmage … his hands are active and persistent off the ball … flashes a closing burst down the line in the run game … three blocked extra-point attempts in his career … two-time team captain and NFL coaches will appreciate his sharp attitude … highly accomplished in the classroom as a double major (economics and communications) with a 3.88 GPA, twice earning CoSIDA Academic All-American honors.\u201d\u00a0 Bill Belichick likes those smart players.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Pro Football Focus 2022 NFL Draft Guide <\/strong>states \u00a0\u201cA former top recruit, Booker has seen significant time ever since his true freshman year in 2018 and been a starter ever since 2019. Unfortunately, he never quite lived up to that lofty recruiting status as Booker’s best year came as a sophomore. That year he posted his career-high for sacks (6) and stops (32) despite playing 262 snaps fewer than this past fall. He’s got athletic tools to work with and versatility that will be coveted.\u00a0 A nightmare to handle on slants. First step quicks are tremendous for a 300+ pounder.\u00a0 Thick lower half that stands out immediately on the Stanford defensive line.\u00a0 The versatile body type that can and has filled every alignment on the interior.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0Booker stands 6\u2019 3\u201d 302lbs, ran a 4.94 40 at the combine.\u00a0 At the East \/ West Shrine Bowl practices Booker stood out for his consistent pass rush.\u00a0 \u00a0Booker was a Junior Captain for Stanford and a three-year starter.<\/p>\n Round 6 Pick #183 Matt Araiza P Arizona State<\/strong> \u2013 \u00a0Left-footed punter and also a very good Kicker as well.\u00a0 Booming kickoffs are his specialty.\u00a0 Competition for Jake Bailey who had a sub-par year. \u00a0Cutting or trading Bailey would save $4M off the salary cap. \u00a0\u00a0Araiza is 6\u20191\u201d 200 lbs, he averaged 51.2 yards per punt for his career and broke the single-season record.\u00a0 In back-to-back weeks he had an 81-yard punt and an 86-yard punt.\u00a0 The record he broke, he had 51 more punts than the previous record holder.\u00a0 Araiza can also kick-off and kick FG and extra points.\u00a0 The Athletic\u2019s Dane Brugler projects Araiza will be a 3ed of 4th<\/sup> round selection.<\/p>\n TRADE \u2013 <\/strong>New England trades N\u2019Keal Harry to HOU for pick 6-211<\/p>\n Round 6 Pick #200 \u2013 Zach Thomas OT San Diego State<\/strong> \u2013 Thomas can play all 5 O-line positions, starting at RT and then moving to LT in 2021.\u00a0 The Beast Draft Guide<\/strong>\u00a0 said this about Thomas \u201cOwns a broad waist, long arms and large hands … generates force in the run game with his hand timing and leg drive … his lock-on strength is persistent,\u00a0 keeping defenders from re-leveraging once he connects … comfortable as a climber and stays dialed in at the second level … uses short, controlled steps in pass protection with the body control to cut off pass rush angles … redirects well vs. inside moves … lower body bend to maintain low pad level at contact … peppers defenders with his reach to jolt at contact … versatile experience with double-digit starts at both tackle spots and functional time inside at guard.\u201d\u00a0 He stands 6\u2019 47, 308 lbs, and ran a 4.96 40, which is why I project him as Guard.\u00a0 I think it will be a competition between Burford and Thomas for that starting LG position.\u00a0 At the very least, Thomas can be the backup for all O-line positions.\u00a0 Team captain and played 6 years (red shirt and medical re-shirt) will be age 24 when the season begins. \u00a0Thomas has that tenacity and toughness Dante Scarnecchia was talking about.<\/p>\n Round 6 Pick# 210 – Marquan McCall NT Kentucky<\/strong>\u00a0 I wrote this about McCall in my Mock Draft #3.\u00a0 ‘McCall dropped considerable weight, down from 346 lbs in season.\u00a0 His official combine measurements are 6\u20192 \u00bd\u201d 324 lbs.\u00a0 McCall participated in the medical exams and interviews but did not perform any testing or fieldwork.\u00a0 He is recovering from a late-season ankle injury.\u00a0 McCall is a true Nose Tackle and I think we need someone to spell or eventually replace Godchaux.\u00a0 He played in the SEC so you know he went against the best week in and week out.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He is raw and has a great initial step for a big man.\u00a0 Right now, he relies on a bull rush and will need to develop some secondary moves.\u00a0 He has big hands but doesn\u2019t use them as he should.”\u00a0 \u00a0The Beast Draft Guide stated, \u201c<\/strong>Wide-framed nose tackle with heavy mass and giant hands … lost weight as a senior and was sub-350 pounds for the first time since high school … looked quicker and more efficient with his initial steps on the 2021 tape … flashes an occasional burst to squeeze gaps … maintains his body position vs. double-team blocks and clogs up interior lanes … powerful upper half to shock and shed or control the point of attack … his nickname in the Kentucky program was \u201cbully\u201d for a reason … shows the ball awareness to find and track … his coaches say that no player in the program showed more improved maturity the last four years\u201d.\u00a0 Pro Football Focus 2022 NFL Draft Guide <\/strong>wrote this about McCall \u201c<\/strong>offensive line recruit before switching to the defensive side of the ball. As a sophomore in 2019, McCall showed promise with a 76.5 overall grade on 229 snaps. Unfortunately, he never built upon that as he couldn’t keep his weight in a position where he could stay on the field. Hopefully, that changes at the next level because there is enough physical ability there to make an impact. Plays with a feisty attitude. Tone setter. Can really get off the ball for a man his size. Can execute stunts\/slants. \u00a0Massive mitts that pack a punch when timed up well.\u201d \u00a0Right now he is a 1st<\/sup> and 2nd<\/sup> down player only.<\/p>\n Round 6 Pick#211 \u2013 Markquese Bell S Florida A&M \u00a0<\/strong>One of three players from Historically Black Colleges and universities that is expected to be drafted this year. \u00a0Pro Football Focus 2022 NFL Draft Guide<\/strong> Said this about Bell \u201cLong-limbed athlete with galloping strides to eat up grass quickly \u2026 has a sideline-to-sideline range with the speed to make up a hesitant start \u2026 widens his feet as a tackler, drops his pads and keeps his hands extended at contact \u2026 has a knack for putting his hat on the ball mid-tackle to knock it loose (seven forced fumbles in two seasons) \u2026 uses his long arms to punch off blocks and work laterally near the line of scrimmage \u2026 has the physical traits to match up with tight ends in coverage \u2026 comfortable covering from depth and patrolling the deep third \u2026 able to show off his ball skills and catch radius when the pass goes in his direction \u2026 reignited his career at FAMU, and he earns rave reviews from his coaches.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The Beast Draft Guide <\/strong>said this \u201croute to becoming a potential 2022 NFL Draft pick. He started out at Maryland in 2017 where he was suspended for undisclosed reasons prior to his first collegiate game. He then abruptly left the program before playing a snap and transferred to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. After one year there, Bell transferred to Florida A&M where he’s been starting ever since. We only have one full season of Bell graded and his 2020 season was canceled due to COVID.\u00a0 A lanky frame that he already uses well to take on blockers.\u00a0 Kind of speed that can makeup up steps on vertical routes. Aggressive filling the run. Three forced fumbles in 2021.\u201d Bell is 6\u20192\u201d 212 lbs., 4.41 40, and 15 reps.\u00a0 I would expect that Bell would be a core special teams player immediately, learning the pro game and giving the team depth at S.<\/p>\n Round 7 Pick #245<\/strong> – Isaih Pacheco RB Rutgers<\/strong> – This is a typical Rutgers connection.\u00a0 Pacheco ran a 4.37 40 at the combine.\u00a0 The Beast Draft Guide said this about Pacheco “Ripped physique, and clearly focuses on weight\/strength training \u2026 excellent short-area agility to make lateral cuts away from congestion as he looks for greener pastures \u2026 transfers his run energy between cuts to brush off arm tackles \u2026 outstanding acceleration once he finds a speed track \u2026 physical finisher and fights through contact, especially in the open field with a head of steam \u2026 durable and dependable: logged 100-plus carries each season and fumbled only once the last three years \u2026 voted a team captain as a senior \u2026 was the featured kick returner as a freshman at Rutgers, averaging 19.3 yards per return (18\/348\/0) \u2026 didn\u2019t give up many pressures in pass protection on tape.”\u00a0 His Pro Days numbers included 7.09 3-cone, 4.27 Short Shuttle, and an impressive 27 reps on the Bench Press.\u00a0 \u00a0He didn’t have great production at Rutgers even though he led the team in rushing for three straight years.\u00a0 2442 yards rushing, 18 Tds, and 47 catches for a career.\u00a0 Played in the NFL Collegiate Bowl and the East\/West Shrine games.<\/p>\n There you have it!\u00a0 I stress speed and that is what this NE Team needs.\u00a0 I am thinking this is another bridge year and the development of young players will be paramount.\u00a0 \u00a0The Special Teams need to be rebuilt starting with Punt Returner, Marcus Jones was the best in the country the last three years.<\/p>\n Patriots Hall of Fame Finalist<\/strong> – Congratulations to Mike Vrabel, Vince Wilfork, and Logan Mankins for being nominated finalists for the Patriots Hall of Fame.\u00a0 My money is on Vince Wilfork.\u00a0 A curious thing, both Chuck Fairbanks and Bill Parcells have made the Semi-finalists.\u00a0 I don\u2019t think either should be considered for the Hall because of the way they left the team.\u00a0 One coach I think belongs there is Dante Scarnecchia.\u00a0 Scar was with the Patriots for 34 years and was one of the most respected O-line coaches in NFL history.<\/p>\n Look for my complete 1st Round projection on Thursday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Here is my Mock Draft 6.0, the final all Patriots Mock Draft before the actual event starting Thursday night.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":28199,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_pfeai_meta_description":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[22767],"tags":[22796,22829,44],"class_list":["post-40640","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2022-patriots-draft","tag-2022-nfl-draft","tag-2022-patriots-mock-draft","tag-new-england-patriots"],"yoast_head":"\n