New England Patriots: Analyzing Recent Mock Draft Selections 17th and 28th

I recently completed my second mock draft, and I have quite the selections for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.

At 17th overall, I have New England slotted in as drafting Wisconsin's defensive end J.J. Watt and at 28th selecting Boston College's offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo.

However, I strongly believe that New England will trade their No. 28 selection, but I do not incorporate trades in my mock drafts.

If New England does choose to go down their road, here are two scouting reports on Watt and Castonzo—this is what kind of production you can expect out of the two prospects. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @  TonySantorsa.

17. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin, Defensive End

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 18: J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Camp Randall Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Arizona State 20-19. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

Strengths

Watt has NFL-ready size and is expected to be an impact player his rookie year. He can succeed in both the 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. However, many experts have Watt playing in a 3-4 defense such as New England.

Unlike many defensive ends in the draft, Watt is a three-down player, and his skill set is well-rounded.

One of Watt's greatest strengths is that he uses his hands to his advantage—he always has leverage and uses his hands as weapons.

Along with Watt's stellar skill, he's a very intelligent player and would have no problem fitting in Bill Belichick's 3-4 defense. 

Weaknesses

Prior to being a defensive end, Watt was a tight end—which means Watt has little experience at defensive end.

He does not have any glaring weaknesses besides needing to improve his tackling skills—but who doesn't?

NFL Combine Results

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 292 lbs.

40-yard dash: 4.84

Bench press: 34

Vertical jump: 37

Broad Jump: 10'

Three-cone: 6.88

20-yard shuttle: 4.21

28. Anthony Castonzo, Boston College, Offensive Tackle

Elsa/Getty Images

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Anthony Castonzo #74 of the Boston College Eagles congratulates teammate Montel Harris #2 after Harris scored a touchdown in the first quarter against the Florida State Seminoles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Che

Strengths

BC’s Castonzo sits atop the draft board for offensive tackles along with Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi. Both players have a tremendous amount of potential, but they use very different styles.

Castonzo is a quick and explosive tackle that will likely line up as a left tackle in his career. He's fast off the ball and can keep up with just about every speed rusher.

When moving backwards and laterally, he possess great footwork, putting him above all tackles in this year's draft.

Castonzo is one the draft's preimere talents on the offensive line but is also extremely intelligent—which is something Belichick looks for.

Weaknesses

The only glaring knock on Castonzo is his questionable strength. Some scouts question if Castonzo will be able to over-power other 300+ lbs defensive linemen.

Castonzo will need to add more muscle, which is possible because of his large frame, to be able to be a dominant run blocker in the NFL.

NFL Combine Results

Height: 6’7″

Weight: 308 lbs.

40-yard dash: 5.23

Vertical jump: 29.5

Three-cone drill: 7.25