New England Patriots Mock Draft (Rounds 1-4)

(Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Round 1, Pick No. 23 Overall: Clint Sintim, Virginia, DE/OLB

Sintim is the prototypical Bill Belichick defensive player. He is versatile and quick enough to play offensive linebacker in the 3-4 scheme, as well as having the size—at 6’3, 254 pounds—to play and excel at defensive end.

Sintim is wrapping up his four-year career with Virginia averaging 6.5 sacks a season, topped off by a stellar senior season in which he racked up 10 sacks, 69 tackles, and a forced fumble.

With experience in a 3-4 defense and the ability to move to the outside, as well as playing on the end, Sintim seems like the perfect fit for a Bill Belichick defense.

Round 2, Pick No. 34 Overall: Connor Barwin, Cincinnati, OLB/DE

It might be a bit of a reach to think that the Patriots would take two DE/OLB with they’re first two selections in the draft, but from a pure value standpoint, Barwin is worth the selection here.

That is, of course, if he doesn’t slip into the first round of the draft.

While Sintim could just as easily fit into the DE role, Barwin has drawn comparisions to Mike Vrabe. After an incredible pro-day in which he put up 41.5-inch vertical while running a 4.47, Barwin would be a welcomed addition to any team's core of linebackers.

Round 2, Pick No. 58 Overall: William Moore, Missouri, SS

While not exactly a jaw-dropping athlete, as evidenced in his workouts, Moore is a true ball hawk who seems to be in on just about every play.

Moore's senior season was quite a bit of a drop off from his junior year, in which he grabbed eight interceptions and cracked the 100-tackle mark.

He has shown tremendous upside, and if the Patriots could find Moore on the board here, they could walk away with a real steal.

Round 3, Pick No. 89 Overall: Pat White, West Virginia, QB/WR/HB

It might be a pure pipe dream for me to think that Pat White will last on the board until the 89th pick, but after being worked out by New England, and the tremendous potential he’s shown at quarterback and wide receive, it would be tough to pass on a player of his potential.

A dual threat QB in college who has been worked out at WR, half back, and even defensive back, White ultimately projects at WR at the NFL level.

But no matter where you put him, he’s going to make plays and has an uncanny ability to make tacklers miss in the open field.

Round 4, Pick No. 97 Overall: Nic Harris, Oklahoma, SS/LB

A bit of a tweener, Harris could ultimately play either linebacker, strong safety, or both depending on the defensive scheme.

Harris is a hard hitter, forcing three fumbles last season, while grabbing one interception and compiling 65 tackles in his senior year as a Sooner.


Stay tuned for Rounds 4-7, coming soon...

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