New England Patriots Ultimate 2012 NFL Mock Draft

Bill Belichick knows what's best for the New England Patriots, and his mantra is that he's always doing what's best for the team. While I may not be Belichick, that doesn't mean I can't take a stab at improving the squad.

The goal here is to come up with the best possible mix of realistic need-based picks for each team, assuming no trades.

Here we go.

No. 27 (first round): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

This might be a wishful thinking pick for Patriots fans, as Upshaw will likely be gone, but if he's available, the Patriots can't pass up the opportunity to get a long-term answer off the edge. He has experience in a 3-4 front and is a protegé of Belichick's good friend Nick Saban. The Patriots lost Mark Anderson already, and Andre Carter's future is uncertain coming off knee surgery.

No. 31 (first round): Devon Still, DT Penn State

Whether or not the Patriots switch back to the signature 3-4 alignment, they could use some talented depth on the interior of the defensive line. Still is scheme versatile and will improve the Patriots in the trench one way or the other.

No. 48 (second round): Janoris Jenkins, CB Northern Alabama

The more I think about this pick, the more it makes sense. The Patriots have taken a chance on Florida prospects with marijuana-related issues in the past, and it always amazes me how character issues simply fade away in New England. Jenkins' upside is high enough and his talent is great enough to warrant the second-round selection, but only if the Patriots are confident he can clean it up off the field.

No. 63 (second round): Brandon Washington, OG Miami (FL)

With Brian Waters likely playing the final year of his career in 2012, a guard for the future should be on the menu of needs. The Patriots love their linemen to have the versatility to play different spots on the line in case of an injury, and he has the ability to play both guard and tackle. 

No. 94 (third round): Marvin Jones, WR California

After going big on wide receivers in free agency, it may seem like the Patriots are done at the position for this offseason. From what Doug Kyed of NEPatriotsDraft.com tells me, Jones has experience running option routes and playing in a pro-style offense similar to what he'll play in with the Patriots. He can play both inside and outside, so there's no question Josh McDaniels can find a place for him in the offense.

No. 126 (fourth round): Christian Thompson, FS South Carolina State

This is the type of raw, risk-reward prospect the Patriots like to take in the fourth or fifth round. He's a good athlete with the range to play sideline-to-sideline, but his footwork and ball skills need some work. At this point, the Patriots would just be adding another body to the battle at safety.

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