New England Patriots 2012 Mock Draft: 7-Round Predictions

With the NFL draft just over a month away, it's time to look at the team with the most early-round picks league-wide: the New England Patriots.

The defending AFC Champions are a quality football team already, but as exposed throughout the 2011 NFL season, they have many areas to improve.

Help along the offensive and defensive lines is very much in need, as is the addition of an outside pass-rusher, a vertical wide receiver and depth in the secondary. With six picks in the first four rounds, it's hard to imagine those positions won't be given some long-term upgrades.

Here's a projection of what might be done.

Round 1, Pick 27 (from New Orleans): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State Spartans

While defensive tackle is a major need, it's not the primary one for the Patriots. With Jerel Worthy an available option, though, there's no better choice than this.

Worthy has the size, strength and quickness to be the anchor of the Patriots' line for years to come. Alongside Vince Wilfork, Worthy could clog up running lanes from day one and make an impact in the pass-rush once given time to develop. If the Patriots pass on him, it will be a huge mistake.

Round 1, Pick 31: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse Orange

Cornerback, safety, wide receiver and offensive line are all viable options for the Patriots with this pick. With the opportunity to build your defensive line of the future in the first round, however, this is a no-brainer.

There is no better pairing of talent, need and availability than Chandler Jones. Jones has a work ethic that scouts and coaches could die for, and if not for such a deep class on the defensive line, that alone could make him a Top 20 pick. With what could be seven defensive linemen going before him, though, he's likely to fall.

Chandler would be able to start from the first snap of the season and contribute in a major way.

Round 2, Pick 16: Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin Badgers

There's a chance that Kevin Zeitler goes off of the board a few picks before this, but there's also a great chance he falls. If he falls, he's a perfect fit for the Patriots as they look to replace the aging Brian Waters.

Zeitler is a hard worker who has plenty of experience as a three-year starter at Wisconsin. He excels as a run-blocker and is sound against the pass-rush. While he might not be a star lineman, he's a guy who could start early in his career and make for a nice pairing with Logan Mankins.

Round 2, Pick 31: Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia

The Patriots are in dire need of a pass-rusher. Even with their first two picks going to defensive linemen, they could certainly use an upgrade on the exterior.

Bruce Irvin offers just that as his bread-and-butter is rushing the passer. Irvin shows great use of his hands in attacking the quarterback, using strength and finesse to maneuver his way through the offensive line.

He impressed at the combine so Irvin could actually go earlier than this. I don't imagine he will, though, and if he's on the board, he'd be a perfect fit in Foxborough.

Round 3, Pick 31: Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina Tar Heels

Dwight Jones is a big-bodied receiver who thrives in the vertical game. He has reliable hands, above-average speed and can win a jump ball when need be.

While the defenses that Dwight Jones faced were far from elite, his production has been steady for the past two seasons. In 2010, Jones caught 62 passes for 946 yards and four touchdowns. In 2011, he outdid himself by hauling in 85 receptions for 1196 yards and 12 touchdowns.

You do the math.

Round 4, Pick 31: Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette

The final pick of the Patriots' draft.

Bentley is a speedy defensive back who has a knack for coming up with the ball. He impressed at the combine and showed great burst in the open field, something the Patriots could use to complement Devin McCourty.

If the Patriots could acquire Bentley through the draft and a guy like Michael Griffin in free agency, their secondary could suddenly become a strength.