New England Patriots NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

Even though this is hardly the comprehensive yearlong process NFL teams go through, this draft board might not be that much shorter than the New England Patriots' actual big board.  The Pats are renowned for their smaller-than-average list of draftable prospects, a byproduct of front office stability that has allowed them to hone in on the exact kind of player they prefer.

It's anyone's best guess as to who those players are, of course, but based on what we know about New England's drafting history, roster needs and preferred makeup, we can make fairly educated projections.  Most organizations in the league don't have this large of a sample size for us to evaluate, so there's not as much guesswork with the Pats as one might think.

This particular board will look at six positions that could reasonably be deemed need spots for the Patriots and will include players who could be drafted over all three days.  No board only includes first- or second-round prospects, so consider this a deep dive into the prospects who are likeliest to become Patriots by the end of the weekend.

Guard

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From this perspective, guard is the team's biggest need.  Even if Dan Connolly re-signs in free agency, the Pats have virtually no depth behind uninspiring starters Connolly and Ryan Wendell.  Josh Kline and Jordan Devey were developmental prospects brought in before Dante Scarnecchia's retirement, and Kline in particular is not the type of powerful mauler Dave DeGuglielmo appears to prefer.  With Bryan Stork emerging as the team's center of the future last year, look for the Pats to try to rebuild their interior O-line.

1. Laken Tomlinson, Duke

Tomlinson has been my favorite guard to watch on film this draft season.  The Duke product possesses terrific strength and balance due to his technique.  He rarely bends at the waist, the ultimate no-no for offensive linemen, and demonstrates a nasty finishing touch on run blocks.

There could be pass-protection issues early on, however, as Tomlinson lacks ideal fluidity and lateral agility for an NFL starter.  He's best in a phone booth, so zone-blocking teams will likely leave him off their boards.  Even in power schemes, however, Tomlinson could have issues as a pulling guard due to his inconsistency in locating defenders on the move.

Still, the 6'3", 323-pound Tomlinson possesses ideal size for the position and overcomes physical limitations with a high football IQ and indefatigable motor.  DeGuglielmo cut down on New England's zone runs last season, so if the Patriots really are transitioning to a more power-based blocking scheme, Tomlinson might well be the top guard on their board.

2. Donovan Smith, Penn State

The Pats have had some success turning collegiate tackles into pro guards, most notably with Logan Mankins.  Smith isn't the same caliber of prospect as Mankins was, but despite inferior foot quickness, the 6'6", 338-pound tackle possesses the ideal dimensions to play guard.

Smith's biggest selling point is his functional lower-body strength, as he excelled as a drive-blocker at Happy Valley.  He maximizes his natural strength by playing with consistent bend and finding leverage underneath defenders.  When Smith gets his hands between the shoulders of the man opposite him, the play is over.

But Smith does have technique issues, particularly with his hands and blitz recognition, which will push him down to the middle rounds.  Recognizing interior stunts is an indispensable skill for a starting guard, so Smith might not be the Day 1 starter that Pats fans are clamoring for.  New England will probably get more intel on Smith than most teams, though, given that former coordinator Bill O'Brien was the one who recruited him to Penn State.

3. Daryl Williams, Oklahoma

Williams is one of my favorite Day 3 sleepers.  Another converted tackle, he made first-team All-Big 12 last year while starting every game on the right side for Oklahoma.  While his below-average athleticism will force a move inside at the pro level, Williams has the physicality that bodes well for the transition to guard, where the action happens much faster.

Already a big man at 6'5" and 327 pounds, Williams' 35-inch arms allow him to consistently stifle defenders at the point of attack and generate leverage, particularly as a run-blocker.  He also showed good blitz recognition on tape and was a true leader in the Sooners program.  In terms of character fit, Williams is an ideal Patriot.

But he's also a plodder who consistently bends at the waist, which could land him on his backside plenty of times at the start of his career.  His toughness and character will endear him to a team, however, so if the Patriots still haven't selected a guard at the end of Day 2, keep an eye on Williams.

4. Tre' Jackson, Florida State

Jackson is a scary prospect, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him slide into Day 3.  Bleacher Report's Matt Miller also reported that Jackson has failed multiple physicals due to chronic knee issues, which moved him down from No. 2 on this big board's original draft.  But talent-wise, the ex-Seminole is arguably the best guard in this draft due to his massive size (6'4", 330 lbs) and superior athleticism. 

A three-year starter at the nation's premier program, Jackson might be the strongest guard in this draft.  There were multiple instances on film where I saw Jackson get beaten off the snap, only to steer his helpless defender back into place with a single arm reach.  Like Tomlinson, Jackson is inconsistent in space but powerful enough to potentially thrive in a gap-blocking scheme, where he will swallow up defenders.

But it's always concerning when a player regresses in college, and Jackson was a clearly better prospect in 2013 than in 2014.  Conditioning issues may have been at the root of that problem, a red flag that has pushed him down general draft boards.  Jackson possesses more talent than any guard prospect, but there are enough concerns to leave him in a nebulous middle ground.

5. Jeremiah Poutasi, Utah

Poutasi is the third converted tackle on this list, which reflects a general league-wide trend.  Like Smith and Williams, Poutasi is moving inside primarily because of agility concerns.  And just like the other two prospects, the 6'5", 335-pounder has the size to excel in a power scheme.  Clearly there's a theme to this board.

At Utah, Poutasi started his career at right tackle before moving to the left side his final two seasons, culminating in a second-team All-Pac 12 selection last year.  Poutasi struggled in pass protection during his initial foray as a left tackle, allowing a whopping 27 sacks/hits in 2013, per his NFL.com draft profile, but he improved his footwork to cut that number down to nine last year.  The work ethic is there, which should serve Poutasi well in his positional transition.

His lack of reach, inconsistent physicality and slipshod technique combine to make Poutasi more of a project than anyone else on this list.  The Pats made a fortune off molding raw balls of athleticism like Stephen Neal and Russ Hochstein in the past, though, so perhaps they'll pick Poutasi as someone to stash away for 2016 and beyond.

Cornerback

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Cornerback has become a glamour position in today's NFL, and it catalyzed New England's Super Bowl run last season.  But no position on the Patriots roster has suffered a bigger downgrade thus far, which leaves corner as a must-add at some point in the draft.  Fortunately, this is a deep class, which could allow the Pats to double-dip as they seek to rebuild their secondary.

1. Byron Jones, Connecticut

Jones has become my favorite cornerback during this predraft process; I even advocated for a potential trade-up for the UConn product.  The 6'1", 199-pound corner has good size if the Patriots want to continue playing press principles and also the precocious route-recognition awareness that could allow him to survive a transition to zone.

Jones is not infallible—he missed seven games last year with a shoulder injury and demonstrates surprisingly poor balance for someone who put up historic combine numbers.  Consequently, NFL offenses will pepper him with double-moves until he demonstrates the ability to switch directions and play with proper angle discipline to protect himself against those route concepts.

Still, Jones possesses most of the desirable qualities in a scheme-versatile corner.  Moreover, as someone who was a team captain at Storrs, he would be an ideal program fit in Foxborough.  The Patriots probably prefer to trade out of the first round, but if Jones is somehow still around at No. 32, he might be too tempting to pass up.

2. Eric Rowe, Utah

Like Jones, Rowe started his collegiate career as a safety before making the move to corner.  At 6'1" and 205 pounds, the Utah product is bigger than most of his 2015 brethren, but no one should have concerns about his movement ability after Rowe was a top performer in every single combine drill.

Indeed, Rowe's greatest strength is his ability to play the ball at the point of attack.  He consistently disrupts receivers' timing and has the ball skills to make plays on the ball when he gets an opportunity.  His willingness to add a physical dimension in run support is also an endearing quality, one that will make opposing offenses think twice about running sweeps in his direction.

Still, for someone who tested so well, Rowe demonstrates poor change-of-direction ability and straight-line speed on tape.  He's consequently a divisive player who could get pigeonholed into press hybrid coverage schemes, much like the one the Seattle Seahawks employ.  Of course, with Devin McCourty in tow, Rowe could be a nice fit as a press corner who takes away everything underneath while funneling the deeper routes to his rangy free safety.

3. Alex Carter, Stanford

At 6'0" and 196 pounds, Carter is in the same neighborhood as Rowe and Jones in terms of size.  However, he's not really a fit in man schemes because of his inability to consistently mirror routes.  Therefore, he would be more of a fit if the Patriots are willing to transition to more zone concepts.

Carter does show aggressiveness and strong zone awareness, though, making him ideal for more Tampa 2 calls.  He is similar to Rowe in that physicality is each prospect's main selling point.  The Patriots value fundamental tackling in their defensive backs, so that is a plus in Carter's column.

He will need technique adjustments in the NFL, as he often reveals his hand too soon by opening up his hips early (incidentally, this is a similar problem for Logan Ryan).  But Carter is quite good when he keeps routes in front of him and is allowed to read-and-react on route-runners.  That's the type of system New England used to run from 2008 to 2012, so Carter could be a system fit if the Patriots return to those roots.

4. Steven Nelson, Oregon State

Nelson is the first small corner on this list.  The ex-Beaver won't tower over anyone at 5'10" and 197 pounds, but like Jason Verrett from last year's class, he plays with a mauling physicality befitting of a larger corner.  With 24 passes defensed over the past two seasons, Nelson could bring an infusion of ball skills to a unit that lost plenty of that in the offseason.

Unlike the first-rounder Verrett, Nelson doesn't have the hip fluidity or speed to play pure man coverage, which is why he'll likely be available on Day 3.  However, he does have a nice closing burst to break on routes, making him another good zone fit.  A willing tackler with a tireless motor, Nelson will likely become a fan favorite wherever he ends up.

Nelson is another Tampa 2 corner, which should tell you something about the type of coverages I think the Patriots will play next year.  He can play either press or off coverage, but if allowed to roam and break on routes on the perimeter, he could be a steal in the fourth or fifth round.

5. Garry Peters, Clemson

Peters is a Day 3 corner who could have a future as a top-two corner on the perimeter.  Though he's a bit wiry at 6'0" and 191 pounds, the Clemson product excels in bump-and-run coverage, as his ability to disrupt receivers when they stem is his best ability.  His style is a bit reminiscent of Bashaud Breeland's, another Clemson corner who surprised as a rookie for Washington last season.

He's not a quick click-and-close breaker, so Peters might not be a high-interception guy in the NFL.  He also needs to improve his hand discipline, as he tends to pick up penalties downfield (also like Breeland).  Peters won't ever get the benefit of the doubt as a rookie, so he could see a litany of flags early in his career.

But Peters is also a hyperaware corner who doesn't back down from any receiver and helps out in run support.  As a developmental corner, he is an ideal bookend prospect the Pats could look for if they want to double-down on the position this year.

Wide Receiver

The wide receiver position looks well-stocked for 2015 with a top three of Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola.  But that group possesses a relatively narrow range of skill sets, which could leave the passing game toothless without a healthy campaign from Rob Gronkowski.  With Amendola also operating on a year-to-year contract, this unit could use an infusion of playmaking and youth.

1. Nelson Agholor, USC

ESPN.com's Mike Reiss recently speculated that Agholor could be the selection for the Patriots at pick 32, a sentiment that has been gaining steam the past few weeks.  Wide receiver isn't a huge immediate need, but as the Patriots attempt to provide Tom Brady more help during his twilight years, Agholor looks like an ideal fit for New England's system.

Indeed, the 6'0", 198-pounder is one of the smoothest and most complete route-runners in this class.  His high football IQ is essential for the Patriots' byzantine option-based passing game, and his ability after the catch could make him a chain-mover in Foxborough.  Agholor doesn't have the straight-line speed or leaping ability that will entice teams that are seeking a perimeter playmaker in Round 1, but the Pats system has always sought to control the area between the hash marks first.

Some will place a ceiling on Agholor because of his status as a slot receiver, but the slot is arguably the most essential spot in New England's passing game.  This looks like a classic case of best available player versus need, and if the Pats lean toward the former, Agholor could well become New England's next first-round selection.

2. Tyler Lockett, Kansas State

Lockett has become a draft darling, as the Kansas State products has endeared himself to scouts with his highly productive collegiate career and ability to play larger than his 5'10", 182-pound size. If the Pats address corner or the trenches early on, Lockett could be waiting for them at the end of Day 2.

Lockett has the burst at the stem of his routes to get open despite a lack of ideal straight-line speed, making him deadly in short-space areas.  Press coverage is an issue that will likely limit him to the slot and flanker spots, where he can generate free releases off the line.  But when he does get space to operate, he sells his routes as well as any receiver in this class outside of Amari Cooper.

As you can tell, route running, toughness and football IQ are the traits I'm emphasizing when looking for receivers who might fit well in Foxborough.  Lockett possesses all of those in spades, making him a mid-rounder who could perform at a high level in the Patriots system.

3. Tre McBride, William & Mary

McBride has generated lots of predraft hype, making numerous sleeper lists.  Transitioning from the FCS to the NFL is a big jump, but given McBride's excellent showings against FBS competition and in the East-West Shrine Game, he appears to possess top-tier talent.

With good size at 6'0" and 210 pounds, McBride's greatest strength is his ability to win at the point of attack.  He consistently high-points the ball and uses his body as leverage against man-coverage cornerbacks.  Though he won't possess the same size and athleticism advantage in the NFL, his sure hands and wide catch radius should help him survive the smaller throwing windows.

McBride would be a bit of a philosophy shift for the Patriots, who have never drafted an FCS wide receiver.  But as a potential split-end complement for LaFell, McBride could be a nice understudy who emerges in the latter half of his rookie contract.

4. Kenny Bell, Nebraska

I've become a big fan of Bell during the predraft process, which is why I mocked him to New England in the Bleacher Report community mock draft earlier this week.  Bell is another receiver who would provide a nice perimeter presence, given his excellent boundary awareness and body control.

Bell didn't necessarily run a complete route tree at Nebraska, which utilized an option-heavy running offense, but he demonstrated unexpected nuance from the film I saw.  The 6'1", 197-pound prospect had a habit of lulling the opposing corner to sleep before accelerating and separating at the route stem.  Consequently, Nebraska targeted him deep nearly every game, leading to his robust 16.8 yards-per-catch average in 2014.

Bell probably needs to add more bulk, especially if his employer wants to use him against bigger press corners as a split end.  However, with plus concentration and competitiveness, he is another solid program fit who could be a nice understudy in 2015.

5. Austin Hill, Arizona

It's hard for even college football fans to remember, but Hill was once one of the nation's most promising receivers.  His 81-catch, 1,364-yard campaign in 2012 led to an All-Pac 12 selection and made Hill a marquee name before a torn ACL caused him to miss the entire 2013 season and operate at diminished capacity in 2014.

Now two years removed from the knee injury, Hill could be an excellent buy-low candidate near the end of the draft.  His lack of explosiveness hampered his ability to separate from corners in 2014, making him appear a stiff robot incapable of creating room against NFL-caliber talent.  And yet, the same size (6'3", 212 lbs) and functional strength remain intact, which should allow Hill to win on his fair share of inside-breaking intermediate routes.

Make no mistake: He does need to regain some of his 2012 explosiveness and agility in order to provide any real return on a draft investment.  However, if Hill does return to peak form, he could demonstrate why he was once considered one of the brightest receiver prospects in the nation.

Defensive Tackle

What kind of defensive tackle prospect you like depends on what you think the Patriots need.  Many will point to the need for a nose tackle after Vince Wilfork's offseason departure, but Sealver Siliga has demonstrated promising flashes in that role the past two seasons.  And while every team could also use pass-rushers, 2014 first-rounder Dominique Easley should receive first reps at the 3-technique spot.  Thus, there's not one consensus type of prospect below but rather a mix of potentially useful skill sets.

1. Eddie Goldman, Florida State

Goldman has been a popular mock draft choice for the Patriots in the predraft process.  The 6'4", 336-pounder is an ideal run-stuffing successor to Wilfork, as there's little doubt that the collegiate All-American will excel as a two-gapper wherever he lands.

But while Goldman's floor is rather high, you don't need to look much higher to see his ceiling.  Apart from a nascent swim move, he is a straight-line bull-rusher without much pass-rushing upside.  Yes, Easley will ideally hold the interior rushing 3-technique spot next year.  But with Siliga and Alan Branch on the roster, Goldman's two-down skill set would be redundant in 2015.

This could be a future-minded pick, as Siliga is a restricted free agent next spring, while the Pats hold a $1.2 million team option on Branch.  Moreover, the Pats have tended to stray toward safer picks in the first round, though Easley's selection last year did buck that trend.  Despite his lack of three-down upside, Goldman is the type of player who could anchor a front seven on early downs—no small feat for New England's hybrid front.

2. Grady Jarrett, Clemson

Unlike Goldman, Jarrett is no sure thing against the run given his 6'1", 304-pound frame.  But his stout frame belies his deceptive power, and coupled with surprising quickness, Jarrett is a second-round prospect who could turn into a disruptive three-down behemoth on the interior.

He is not a high first-rounder because of the lack of diversity in his pass-rushing arsenal.  He's generally a one-trick pony, relying on his ability to beat interior linemen off the snap.  Though he has active hands that allow him to win 50-50 stalemates, Jarrett's lack of top-end size means that he often gets washed down the line if he loses the jump off the snap.

But Jarrett remains one of my favorite prospects to watch, a sentiment that national draftniks share.  An indefatigable player, Jarrett's motor runs hotter than most interior linemen who tend to tire over the course of a game.  As such, despite some physical limitations, his quickness, lower-body strength and effort could make him a fan favorite wherever he goes.

3. Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma

Phillips is a polarizing prospect who could slip down as late as the third round because of some red flags.  The 6'5", 329-pounder possesses Goldman-like size and actually has more pass-rushing upside than the Florida State product.  If a team could rely on Phillips fulfilling his potential, he'd likely be off the board within the first 15 to 20 picks.

Realistically, though, Phillips generates red flags because of his tendency to disappear and a back injury that cost him nearly the entire 2013 season.  Consequently, his 2014 tape is the only full season we have of him as a starter.  Though he was impressive in making the second-team All-Big 12, scouts like SB Nation's Stephen White have observed opposing offensive linemen neutralizing Phillips for long stretches of games.

Phillips does have a more varied pass-rushing arsenal than most nose tackles, and his long 34 ¾" arms suggest the potential to consistently create leverage against smaller interior linemen.  But because that never manifested itself consistently on tape, Phillips is a high-risk, high-reward prospect who might be a better investment if he slips towards the end of Day 2.

4. Henry Anderson, Stanford

Anderson is the classic example of the discord between collegiate production and pro scouting.  In 2014, he led Stanford with 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, earning first-team All-Pac 12 honors in the process.  And yet, all NFL scouts see is a player without the burst to play the edge or the size (294 lbs) to hold up inside.

Thus, Anderson has earned the dreaded "tweener" label.  Physically, his best fit is probably as a 5-technique in 3-4 base packages, but that two-gapping position wouldn't allow him to take advantage of his ability to penetrate the backfield and make disruptive plays.  Anderson needs more functional strength to possibly transition to the 3-technique—right now, NFL linemen will jar him with punches, and he lacks the sand in his pants to anchor against the run.

But he also has a natural nose for the ball that you can't teach, and his high football IQ suggests someone who could learn to play multiple techniques for hybrid defenses much like the one the Patriots employ.  Anderson will need a year or two of development as he changes his body for a clearer positional fit, but he's the type of Day 3 investment who could pay dividends down the road.

5. Ellis McCarthy, UCLA

McCarthy was a much-heralded recruit when he arrived in UCLA but flamed out and is now largely living off his physical profile rather than anything he did in college.  Most underachievers continue to flame out when the competition level ratchets up in the NFL, but someone with McCarthy's tool kit will get a chance in the league.

Indeed, at 6'5" and 338 pounds, McCarthy's size is out of whack with most of the other late-round defensive tackle prospects, who are typically plodding tweeners.  A true nose tackle, he can dominate linemen at the point of attack when he's on.  He also showed the ability to play the 5-technique, making him an appealing base-package lineman for two-gapping schemes.

However, he battled constant weight issues at UCLA, which may have led to his two knee surgeries.  The knee woes also robbed McCarthy of explosiveness, making him a read-and-react player who was typically a step behind the offense.  But if he can recover some of that athleticism, McCarthy is a potential seventh-rounder who could carve out a rotational niche in the league.  

Off-the-Ball Linebacker

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The Patriots appear to have a formidable starting linebacker trio with Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower and Jerod Mayo, but the gap between the unit's ceiling and floor is larger than one might imagine.  With Mayo coming off consecutive season-ending injuries and Hightower facing a lengthy recovery period from shoulder surgery, the position could actually be perilously thin if either suffers a setback.  New England needs a fourth linebacker anyway, so developing a long-term replacement for Mayo might be in its best interests.

1. Stephone Anthony, Clemson

I haven't talked about Anthony much in the predraft process, but the Clemson product seems a fit for New England, given its recent emphasis on speedy linebackers who can make plays in space.  Anthony needs coaching to develop his hand usage and play diagnostic ability, but he's an ideal candidate to complement Hightower and Collins down the line.

At 6'3" and 243 pounds, Anthony possesses excellent size to complement his fluid movement skills.  His tape reveals a player who simply moves at a different speed, as he flies from sideline to sideline, in coverage down the seams or up the backfield on blitz calls.  He has also significantly improved his body control over the past two seasons after losing his starting spot as a sophomore in 2012, a promising sign for his work ethic and willingness to learn.

Anthony is probably a second-round prospect, which might be a bit rich for linebacker given the other needs on the Patriots roster.  However, if the Pats' strategy entails loading up on the front seven to compensate for the secondary, Anthony is someone who could immediately fulfill a sub-package niche and eventually develop into a three-down weapon.

2. Shaq Thompson, Washington

I've been high on Thompson, having mentioned him in multiple Patriots draft articles, so this likely isn't a new name for you.  It's becoming clear that his tweener positional status is going to push him down as low as the third round, which could be a steal of a price tag for someone with his explosive athleticism in space.

Thompson looks like a rawer version of Anthony, but good coaching and the ability to focus on a single position can make up for a lot of lost time.  The Washington product also likely needs another year to grow from his current 228-pound frame, but for a team that doesn't need immediate help at linebacker, the Pats can afford to wait.

Ultimately, Thompson seems like the ideal candidate to fulfill the Patrick Chung/Tavon Wilson box-safety role in sub-package personnel, which would require him to cover tight ends, provide run support and blitz.  A lot of Thompson's issues are technique-related (hands, tackling form, gap leverage) and encapsulate someone who has simply not played the position long enough.  Given New England's penchant for versatility, one would certainly expect the Pats to have the draft's most versatile athlete somewhere on their board.

3. Jake Ryan, Michigan

Ryan was another B/R community mock selection for the Patriots, as I projected him as a late fourth-rounder for New England.  A team captain at Michigan with the ability to play all three 4-3 linebacker spots, Ryan looks like a tailor-made Patriot who could become a Day 3 steal.

The ex-Wolverine is not nearly as fluid an athlete as Thompson or Anthony is, but he does possess sideline-to-sideline range and potential three-down ability if he learns to better diagnosis run plays.  Ryan does have the size (6'2", 240 lbs) to hold up in the box and should be a plus asset in coverage against tight ends and running backs in underneath zones due to his awareness.

Most fans would probably prefer for the Patriots to wait until Day 3 to address linebacker given their more pressing immediate needs, though we know New England ultimately adheres to its own agenda.  If the Pats do wait, though, Ryan makes a ton of sense as an eventual "Sam" linebacker, perhaps also freeing Hightower and Collins to play more snaps on the edge.

4. Ben Heeney, Kansas

Like many projected late-rounders, Heeney (6'0", 231 lbs) faces size-strength-speed questions at the NFL level.  But his relentless motor suggests a potential core special teamer, and his leadership at an otherwise moribund Kansas program is a plus intangible that bodes well for his chances of making a roster.

A three-year starter at Lawrence, Heeney posted 11.5, 11.5 and 12 tackles for loss over the past three seasons.  He's resembles a heat-seeking missile who throws his body at blockers and ball-carriers, a mentality that should translate well to punt and kickoff coverage units.  With a nose for the ball, Heeney often outperformed his physical limitations even against stellar Big 12 competition.

Of course, his lack of size and functional strength will likely prevent him from carving out a meaningful defensive role in the NFL.  But Heeney is a potential star in the game's third phase, and given his excellent testing numbers in the scouting combine agility drills, perhaps he eventually develops into a zone-coverage specialist in nickel and dime personnel.

5. Mike Hull, Penn State

Despite the alma mater, I'm not dipping back into the Bill O'Brien connection here, as Hull barely played during O'Brien's two years at Happy Valley.  His breakout year came in 2014, when he emerged as a full-time starter for the first time and became a third-team All-American and the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year.

Indeed, Hull's 140 total tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss are eye-popping numbers for someone who had been a part-time niche player during his first three collegiate seasons.  For someone without much game experience, Hull demonstrates excellent control, instincts and tackling form, all critical to the "Mike" linebacker position.  He also has the speed and agility (6.99-second three-cone drill time) to cover the seams in zone coverage, which made him a productive three-down star last year.

Of course, Hull (6'0", 237 lbs) is probably too small to play that role in the pros, and his tiny 30 ½" arm span isn't going to help him shed blocks from bigger O-linemen.  But his instincts are a big plus, and given the promising flashes he showed during his only season as a full-time starter, Hull deserves consideration as a late-rounder who can contribute on special teams right away.

Running Back

Given the remarkable running back depth in this year's class, this is a position where the Pats could probably wait until at least the third round, provided a premium talent like Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley doesn't slip to them.  New England isn't necessarily aiming for a specific skill set given its plethora of young backs, but with no surefire long-term asset on the roster, this might be an area to address.

1. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama

Belichick's connection to Nick Saban ensures that the Patriots will get all the intel they need on the Crimson Tide's top running back.  An explosive and versatile back at Tuscaloosa, Yeldon compiled 6.8 yards per carry on 576 career carries and 10.7 yards per catch on 46 career receptions, all topped off by 39 total touchdowns.  In terms of production, few can match Yeldon's three-year output.

But recent Alabama backs have suffered to transition to the NFL without superior surrounding talent, and Yeldon has some technique issues that could represent red flags.  He runs upright and won't break tackles from sound NFL defenders, and he tends to improvise too much for someone his size.  Yeldon can be terrific when he gets in a north-south rhythm, but it's fair to worry that he'll start pressing if things don't go his way.

And yet, at 6'1" and 226 pounds, Yeldon's size falls into the sweet spot that Belichick has traditionally sought from his backs.  He might not ever develop into a three-down back, but that's not really a concern for a Patriots team that has routinely employed a heavy rotation in the backfield.  If Yeldon falls to Day 3, don't be surprised if the Pats snap him up because of the value he'd provide.

2. David Johnson, Northern Iowa

The small-school back is one of the position's more intriguing sleepers.  Johnson is essentially the same size as Yeldon at 6'1" and 224 pounds, but was significantly more impressive in combine testing, rating out as a top performer in five of the six tests.

Football Outsiders' Speed Score metric, which takes weight into account when measuring 40-yard dash times, portrayed Johnson as one of this class' best values.  Speed is also far from his only asset, as he is also a pass-catching weapon on third down.  With surprising agility that enables him to out-leverage linebackers, Johnson's tools give him as much upside as any running back in the second tier.

However, his stock could also move him into Day 2, which is probably a little too rich for New England's liking, and there are issues about his vision.  Given that the play speed will increase exponentially from the FCS to the NFL, that's a legitimate concern for Johnson.  Nevertheless, as one of the draft's more versatile backs (he also returns kickoffs), he is somewhere on New England's board.

3. David Cobb, Minnesota

Cobb is a similar facsimile of what the Pats just lost in Stevan Ridley.  Possessing a similar compact build at 5'11" and 229 pounds, Cobb is not going to break many long runs, but his hard-nosed between-the-tackles style could make him a reliable early-down back capable of churning out plus yardage and creating more favorable down-and-distance situations for the offense.

Given his lack of receiving experience, lateral agility and shoddy pass protection, Cobb is unlikely to ever become a factor on passing downs, which places an anchor on his upside.  But few running backs would be better suited for a gap-blocking power running game, something the Pats have trended toward more in recent seasons with Ridley and LeGarrette Blount.

Unfortunately, Cobb is also like Ridley in regard to ball security, as he had one stretch last season where he fumbled four times in six games.  From this view, Ridley was always an underrated talent who never quite fulfilled his potential in Foxborough.  Both sides needed a change of scenery this offseason, but perhaps the Pats can extract more success from his younger prototype.

4. Mike Davis, South Carolina

Much like Tre' Jackson, Davis is a player whose draft stock fell after his 2014 season represented a regression from his 2013 performance.  Davis' yards-per-attempt average dropped from 5.8 his sophomore season to 4.9 last year.  That number is hardly anything to scoff at, but the film suggests a runner who fatigued easily and was considerably more sluggish.

He did play through injuries, but conditioning issues are never going to please an NFL team.  However, even a more languid Davis was a hard runner who consistently fell forward and found a way to get skinny through holes.  His vision needs work—Davis has an annoying habit of stutter-stepping before picking a hole—but that's an important skill to have, given how quickly gaps in the pros close up.

His lack of fluidity likely limits him to an early-down role, even after 70 career collegiate receptions, but that won't be an issue if he recaptures his 2013 form.  If Davis is still sitting around in the fourth or fifth round, the Patriots might want to gamble on their ability to harness that skill set.

5. Malcolm Brown, Texas

Not to be confused with his projected first-round teammate, the offensive version of Malcolm Brown is a nice sleeper prospect in his own right.  A second-team All-Big 12 selection two years in a row, Brown got a bit lost in the shuffle amid a dysfunctional Longhorns program.  However, with an impressive 6.86 time in the three-cone drill at the combine, Brown raises intrigue for a late-round prospect whose primary liability is his lack of speed.

Brown is not creative enough to pick up yards that his offensive line does not create for him, likely limiting him to power-running schemes.  However, he is a Swiss Army knife in that he's above-average as a pass-blocker and receiver, utilizing shifty jump cuts and plus instincts to create separation.  A true north-south runner, Brown's decisive style might be appealing to Belichick, whose backs don't often stray outside the play structure.

He'll likely start out as a special teamer, but Brown possesses a useful array of skills that could make him a nice rotational back in the future.  As a high-character leader, he's also a good program fit the Pats could find as late as the seventh round.

*All measurables and combine stats via NFL.com.