NFL Draft 2011 Big Board: New England Patriots Big Board of Top 50 Prospects
With just over a month left until the 2011 NFL Draft, pundits like Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, Jr. have already weighed in several times on who they expect each team to pick in the first round.
Which players actually end up selected in the first round will depend entirely upon how each team ranks them on their draft board.
Every team has a big board of draft prospects, so I decided to formulate my own "mock big board" of prospects the Patriots should have their eye on come April and the 2011 NFL Draft.
This big board follows the positions of need for the New England Patriots, ranking the players at those positions.
Check out Erik Frenz's football curator page at myspace.com/football. Follow Erik on Twitter at @e_frenz.
I'm Not Saying, I'm Just Saying...
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Let me start with a little disclaimer.
"I do not claim to be an expert. I don’t have access to coaches film. This is all for fun. It can only be as accurate as the scouting reports and magazines I see." —Mike Dussault
Knowing what I know about how the Patriots draft, that they look for tough, physical guys with a high football IQ and little or no off-field concerns, this is how they rank.
Yes, there will be names missing from this list (Cam Newton, anyone?) but let me let you in on a little secret: Most teams enter the draft with just about 50-75 prospects on their board. There's just not enough time to get a good evaluation on every player, so some will be left off entirely.
No further pretense. Let's get to the prospects.
The Rest (Nos. 50-36)
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50. Andrew Jackson—G/C, Fresno State
49. Chris Carter—OLB, Fresno State
48. John Moffitt—G, Wisconsin
47. Titus Young—WR, Boise State
46. Jeremy Beal—DE, Oklahoma
45. Tandon Doss—WR, Indiana
44. Brandon Harris—CB, Miami
43. Ryan Williams—RB, Virginia Tech
42. Ras-I Dowling—CB, Virginia
41. Torrey Smith—WR, Maryland
40. Ahmad Black—S, Florida
39. Rodney Hudson—G/C, Florida State
38. Christian Ballard—DT, Iowa
37. Marcus Gilbert—G/T, Florida
36. Cliff Matthews—OLB, South Carolina
35. Jonathan Baldwin—WR, Pittsburgh
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Height: 6-4 3/8
Weight: 228 pounds
It's pretty easy to tell from the picture here that Baldwin is capable of climbing the ladder to go get a pass. Presently, the Patriots lack that true physical presence on the outside that can get off a jam and win jump balls in man-to-man situations.
Baldwin can do all those things.
He may not be a true No. 1 wide receiver in terms of his speed, but Tom Brady will certainly find a way to maximize his talents.
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34. Danny Watkins—G, Baylor
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Height: 6-3
Weight: 310 pounds
I fully understand why Watkins is high on other people's boards, and yes, I understand this board has him going early in the second round. His versatility makes him a great utility player on the offensive line, and his mean streak makes him a prime candidate for the interior of the Patriots' offensive line.
Only one problem—his age. At 27 years old, Watkins has already given up much of his NFL career. In fact, by the standards that most first-round picks are held to, he would have already entered his prime by now.
This isn't to say he can't reach his high ceiling, but he will have far less time to do it than other prospects.
33. Kyle Rudolph—TE, Notre Dame
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Height: 6-6
Weight: 260 pounds
Could the Patriots really use another tight end?
Mike Mayock said it best in his big board analysis of Rudolph: "Someone's going to get value when they pick this guy. This guy is Rob Gronkowski. He's an in-line blocker if you need him to be, but he can also get down the field and he's a tremendous athlete."
We all love Gronkowski, can anyone imagine having two Gronkowskis in the Patriots offense? In two tight-end sets, the Patriots would be a scary threat to both run the ball and pass.
32. Ben Ijalana—G, Villanova
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Height: 6-4
Weight: 317 pounds
Playing offensive tackle at Villanova is a little different than playing in the NFL. By a little, I mean a lot, but one thing that will certainly translate is his ability to not miss games. He started every game for Villanova.
He's a better pass blocker than run blocker, but he plays with an edge that the Patriots could use on the offensive front. He will take some time to develop, but the Patriots have a great offensive line coach in Dante Scarnecchia, and with an abundance of veteran talent around him, Ijalana could come along quickly.
One concern with Ijalana is his endurance. He looked sluggish at the end of games, but that's what the strength and conditioning coaches are there for.
31. Cameron Heyward—DE, Ohio State
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Height: 6-5
Weight: 295 pounds
In addition to his strong bloodline (his father is fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward) Cameron Heyward is a talented linemen who can get after the quarterback. He played in different spots on a four-man front in Ohio, but could play end in a three-man front and kick inside on passing downs.
It's unclear exactly where he projects to play in the NFL, but perhaps the scariest part about him is that he looks dominant at times, while being dominated others. The Patriots must proceed with caution if they are to draft Heyward.
30. Leonard Hankerson—WR, Miami
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Height: 6-1
Weight: 209 pounds
The Patriots' current core of receivers features just two names that exceed the six-foot tall mark. Those two are Brandon Tate and Taylor Price. Price remains something of a wild card, as does Tate, but this being Tate's third year in the system, he should make big improvements this year.
Still, if the Patriots want to get back that big, physical presence they lack at receiver, Hankerson would be a good guy to get. His passion for the game is sure to strike a harmonious chord with Bill Belichick.
29. Allen Bailey—DE, Miami
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Height: 6-4
Weight: 288 pounds
I wrote a piece about Bailey a week ago that you can check out here.
He has already worked out privately for the Patriots, so there's evidence to suggest he's at least been on the Patriots radar. Where they project him out remains uncertain.
He has experience in different spots on the defensive line in a 4-3 scheme, and although he may not be the perfect build for a 3-4 defensive linemen, he has the frame to add the weight. He's the physical presence that the Patriots could sorely use at defensive end, if he's a fit.
28. Clint Boling—G, Georgia
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Height: 6-4 5/8
Weight: 308 pounds
Boling may not be the most polished prospect on the line in this draft, but he has the right mentality to make an impact early. Plus, he played against top competition in the SEC playing in Georgia his entire career.
He's versatile, playing on both the inside and outside of the line. He's also durable, having never missed a game to injury. These traits seem to have the words "Patriots prospect" written all over them, and if he falls into the second round, I wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots moved around the board a bit to get him.
27. Mikel Leshoure—RB, Illinois
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Height: 6-0
Weight: 230 pounds
What a beast this guy would be in the backfield with Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis. If he is able to beat down those defensive backs and linebackers, it will really open things up for the speedy Woodhead to hit some home runs as he usually does.
He's still a raw talent in the passing game, but he's flashed enough potential in this area to suggest he could develop with time in terms of both catching passes and making good reads in blitz protection.
26. Stefen Wisniewski—C, Penn State
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Height: 6-3
Weight: 313 pounds
In terms of Patriots prospects, Wisniewski is under the radar, but he is a smart guy who is versatile, and is capable of playing center in the NFL with some work.
He may not be the most solid prospect and he could use some improvement in his technique, but that's what Dante Scarnecchia's there for. He could reach his maximum potential learning from a solid group of veterans, Scarnecchia, Belichick, Brady and the entire Patriots organization which is known for cultivating great offensive line talent.
25. Derek Sherrod—T, Mississippi State
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Height: 6-5
Weight: 321 pounds
He may be a little rough around the edges, but Sherrod has the temperament needed to play on the offensive line in the NFL. The battle of the trenches is as much about physicality as mentality, and Sherrod is on the right side of the spectrum in both categories.
As mentioned earlier, he could develop quickly with veteran talent surrounding him and with Scarnecchia coaching the offensive line. He could play guard immediately and possibly move to tackle if and when Matt Light calls it quits.
24. Rahim Moore—S, UCLA
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Height: 6-0
Weight: 202 pounds
We all know how much the Patriots love their ball hawks in the secondary, and Moore has proven to be just that by picking off 14 passes in his college career.
The Patriots may not have an immediate need at safety, but with Brandon Meriweather possibly on his way out in 2011, they may look to prepare for the future by picking up Moore.
One thing to remember, though, is that he may be the best safety in this class, but he may not project out as an elite safety at the NFL level.
23. Anthony Castonzo—T, Boston College
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Height: 6-7
Weight: 311 pounds
I'm not as keen on Castonzo as many others, but with reasons. He's not a mauler, he's a finesse blocker. He could use to refine his technique against bigger, stronger defensive linemen.
He could develop under the tutelage of Dante Scarnecchia, but if the Patriots are going to spend a first-round pick on an offensive linemen who's rough around the edges, they should at least make it someone with a known mean streak who can sustain blocks consistently against bigger 3-4 defensive linemen.
22. Nate Solder—T, Colorado
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Height: 6-8
Weight: 319 pounds
Like many other offensive tackle prospects in this draft, Nate Solder has great feet but needs to get stronger and have more consistent technique. That's where the strength and conditioning coaches, as well as Dante Scarnecchia, come into play.
Pats Propaganda's Mike Dussault hearkens back to Sebastian Vollmer, as the two are practically clones of one another. The two could be the bookend offensive tackles of the future.
21. Akeem Ayers—OLB, UCLA
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Height: 6-2 1/2
Weight: 254 pounds
Ayers is a polarizing figure in this draft, because there are those who think he fits well in a 3-4 at the next level and those who think he's more suited for a 4-3. He doesn't have ideal height or bulk, but he has the kind of speed off the edge that can really make a difference in the pass rush.
Most importantly, his ability to set the edge in the running game is vastly underrated. He can force the runner back inside, and still make the play in pursuit. He may not be a 100 percent ideal fit, but hey, Clay Matthews and LaMarr Woodley weren't supposed to be, either.
20. Mark Ingram—RB, Alabama
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Height: 5-9
Weight: 215 pounds
There are two groups of Patriots fans: Those who think the Patriots need a top prospect at running back, and those who fear a repeat of Laurence Maroney. No matter which camp you fall into, you can't deny that at some point, the value of adding Mark Ingram to the stable is high enough to take a great value pick that makes the running game not just something to be respected, but to be feared.
Ingram may not be fast, but he is quick, and in the Patriots offense, that's the most important thing. If he is drafted by the Patriots, it will be his ability to get into open space and create extra yards with both agility and strength that does it for him.
19. Gabe Carimi—T, Wisconsin
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Height: 6-7
Weight: 314 pounds
Carimi plays with attitude, something I think is important to the Patriots on the offensive line. Right now, Logan Mankins is really the only enforcer they have down there. If he walks away in free agency, they have no one down there to bring that piss and vinegar.
He will need to get stronger, but his attitude would go a long way in helping him transition to the NFL level.
18. Aaron Williams—CB, Texas
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Height: 5-11 7/8
Weight: 204 pounds
Cornerback may not be one of the biggest needs for the Patriots, but Williams would solidify the nickel package in the secondary with his physical style of play and his ability to make plays in the running game.
He's an above average cover guy with good ball skills, even if he can get caught guessing too much. Honing his discipline would be the first step to building this prospect into a future starter on the outside.
17. Mike Pouncey—C, Florida
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Height: 6-5
Weight: 303 pounds
The comparisons between Maurkice Pouncey and his twin brother Mike should be kept to their relationship as twins. It's easy to say that Mike should be drafted high after the success Maurkice saw in his first year with the Steelers.
He's not, however, the same guy. He doesn't have the same toughness, the same violent edge as his brother. One thing he does share, however, is the awareness. He makes the right calls in protection, and that will earn him a lot of points with Bill Belichick in their one-on-one sessions.
16. Justin Houston—OLB, Georgia
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Height: 6-2 7/8
Weight: 270 pounds
It's clear he has the requisite explosion and production numbers for a first-round pick. The real question, as it always is, is what the Patriots are learning about him behind closed doors. No one questions his athleticism, but there are some questions about whether he took plays off in college.
Houston is the safest pick of the outside linebackers in terms of his transition to a 3-4, and without a true veteran presence at outside linebacker, the Patriots need to get someone who already understands his responsibilities in that front.
15. Ryan Kerrigan—DE, Purdue
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Height: 6-4
Weight: 263 pounds
Kerrigan reminds me a lot of Clay Matthews as a prospect coming out of college. He's got a lot of talent as a pass rusher, but the question is whether he translates as an outside linebacker in the 3-4.
If Bill Belichick seeks a perfect fit in his 3-4 scheme, Ryan Kerrigan may not be the answer. If the Patriots are looking for a guy who can harass the quarterback, though, he can provide a ton of pressure in obvious passing downs.
And who knows, maybe Kerrigan will develop into a versatile linebacker. He looked good in coverage drills at the combine, but we all know that the real battle for draft positioning is won and lost on the field in pads, and that nothing beats solid tape.
14. Brooks Reed—DE, Arizona
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Height: 6-3
Weight: 263 pounds
Brooks Reed has been skyrocketing up mock drafts and boards recently. He has the explosion to suggest he'd be a good selection as a first-rounder.
He is a down pass rusher that projects as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 at the NFL level. He had the fastest 10-yard split at combine.The fact that he looks like Clay Matthews Jr. out there only adds to his perceived value, but the evidence is there to suggest he'd make a good prospect in the NFL.
It's not just his talent that puts him so high on this board. His motor and passion for football are second to none.
13. Muhammad Wilkerson—DT, Temple
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Height: 6-4
Weight: 315 pounds
In terms of his measureables, not many are a better fit in the three-man front of the Patriots' scheme. As if the above weren't enough, his 35-inch arms will surely keep blockers at bay and allow for the linebackers to make plays behind him.
He can contribute as an interior pass rusher on obvious passing downs, as well. He would make a great addition to the sub package, which the Patriots were in 57 percent of the time last year.
12. Aldon Smith—DE, Missouri
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Height: 6-4
Weight: 260 pounds
Aldon Smith said earlier last week, "The more I learn about the 3-4, the more I'm intrigued by it." This quote shows just how raw he is as a 3-4 prospect, but he has the right size to be a good fit. His long arms also make him a great prospect as a pass rusher in the Patriots' 3-4 system.
Pats Propaganda's Mike Dussault had this to say: "raw, but potential is there, would need time, wonder if he has the FBI to fit in New England."
11. Tyron Smith—T, USC
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Height: 6-5
Weight: 290 pounds
He may not have the ideal size for an offensive tackle in the NFL, but he is one of the most athletic offensive tackle prospects to come through the draft in recent memory. Matt Miller hearkens back to Ryan Clady and I second that motion.
His injury concerns could be enough to deter some teams, but if he checks out, it will be hard to pass on what could be the franchise left tackle of the future.
10. Cameron Jordan—DE, California
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Height: 6-4
Weight: 287 pounds
Jordan is somewhat of a polarizing figure in this draft. There are those who think he is an excellent fit as a 3-4 defensive end, having played there in his college years. There are others who think he is more of a fit as a 4-3 defensive end. Others seem to think he could drop some weight and play outside linebacker in a 3-4 system.
Whatever the case, he has displayed some measure of versatility and would provide a presence on the interior of the line as a pass rusher.
9. Da'Quan Bowers—DE, Clemson
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Height: 6-4
Weight: 280 pounds
Who knows whether Bowers projects out as a starter for the Patriots. Recent reports suggest that they're looking for a new "Elephant" linebacker for their 3-4 scheme. The big-bodied Bowers could most certainly fill the role once occupied by Willie McGinest, although he'd have to drop some weight.
He played almost entirely defensive end at Clemson, and though he has some experience dropping into coverage, he would be best suited as either an end in a 4-3 or a five-technique in a 3-4. What he would bring as a pass rusher, though, would make him a great addition to the Patriots front seven.
But with only one year of solid production (15.5 sacks last year, four sacks in two years combined before that) there is room to wonder if he was just a one-year wonder.
8. Prince Amukamara—CB, Nebraska
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Height: 6-0
Weight: 206 pounds
Prince Amukamara ranks out as the ninth overall prospect on Scouts Inc's board. He may not get a lot of interceptions—five total, all in 2009—but that is more a result of teams not throwing to his side of the field like with Nnamdi Asomugha and Darrelle Revis.
The Patriots had problems in the secondary last year, and though getting Leigh Bodden back will help, it never hurts to have a little more talent back there.
7. Von Miller—OLB, Texas A/M
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Height: 6-2 5/8
Weight: 237 pounds
Von Miller isn't exactly a perfect fit at outside linebacker in a 3-4. He does, however, get after the quarterback.
With 83 plays (32.5 sacks, 50.5 tackles for loss) behind the line of scrimmage in his collegiate career, he averaged 1.77 per game. That many games with that kind of production also suggests he's not a one-year wonder like some.
If the Patriots were going to take Mike Reiss' advice, they might draft Miller to contribute to the Patriots' sub package, which they were in 57 percent of the time last year.
6. Julio Jones—WR, Alabama
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Height: 6-2 3/4
Weight: 220 pounds
People try to nitpick Julio's game, but one thing that can't be denied about him is that he has the toughness and the competitive nature necessary to make the transition to the NFL.
He participated in the combine on a foot with a stress fracture.
There's no doubt that he would bring back the big play "field stretcher" element that the Patriots lost when they traded Randy Moss.
5. J.J. Watt—DE, Wisconsin
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Height: 6-5 3/8
Weight: 290 pounds
My love affair with J.J. Watt is well-documented to this point.
I don't think it's a stretch to call him the second coming of Richard Seymour. This should have Bill Belichick salivating at the thought of getting Watt into his system.
As four-technique defensive linemen go in this draft, J.J. Watt is the creme of the crop.
4. Robert Quinn—DE, North Carolina
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Height: 6-4
Weight: 265 pounds
Quinn's ceiling is very high in terms of what he brings to the table as a pass rusher. The question is whether he translates to outside linebacker at the next level.
Not only that, we also must wonder whether he has the "football IQ" that Belichick looks for in players he's bringing into his system.
His production throughout college was outstanding, as evidenced by his production ratio of 1.54.
It looks like he could finally be the replacement at the "Elephant" position vacated by Willie McGinest several years ago.
3. A.J. Green—WR, Georgia
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Height: 6-3 5/8
Weight: 211 pounds
Green ranks just a shade below Julio Jones in terms of his production in college. One thing Green did better than Jones, however, was catch touchdowns. He had 23 touchdowns in his collegiate career vs. Jones' 15.
One deterrent, however, has to be injuries. He had two of them in 2009 that kept him out of three games.
No matter how much the Patriots do or don't need a receiver, any offense with an opportunity to add an explosive threat like Green needs to seriously consider the option.
2. Patrick Peterson—CB, LSU
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Height: 6-0
Weight: 206 pounds
No one doubts Peterson's ability to translate his cover skills from college to the NFL. He covered the two receiver prospects I just mentioned, and did so very well.
Even the possibility of Peterson going No. 1 overall to the Panthers has been bounced around.
Improving in the front seven may be imperative for the Patriots, but getting a second lock-down cornerback would make the Patriots secondary even more intimidating than their league-leading 25 interceptions last year.
1. Marcell Dareus—DT, Alabama
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Height: 6-3
Weight: 319 pounds
Dareus' status as one of the draft's top selections is in no doubt, but he is more of a run-stuffing defensive tackle. The Patriots sorely need a pass rushing presence on that defensive line, and although Dareus could occupy plenty of blockers with that 319 pound frame, he's not getting after the quarterback any time soon.
The bottom line for my No. 1 prospect is that he would wreak havoc in the trenches, and Belichick understands how important trench play is to building a winning team.
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