2012 NFL Draft: Predicting New England Patriots Full 7-Round Draft

Admittedly, Bill Belichick is a bit of an enigma when it comes to NFL drafts. He’s shown fans that he is not one to shy away from trading down in the draft in order to pick up new pieces to the puzzle, usually while still getting his man.

In fact, sometimes you wonder if Belichick just wants to gather as many players in the draft as he can muster.

Despite being a bit of a loose-cannon on draft day, Belichick has found a lot of success (see: Jerod Mayo, Vince Wilfork, Rob Gronkowski, Devin McCourty and Aaron Hernandez).

With two first-round picks in this year’s draft, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Belichick once again decided to make a trade in order to acquire more total picks.

That, however, is just about impossible to predict. So here’s a complete mock draft for the New England Patriots if they decide to keep all of their current draft positions. (Note: the Patriots only have picks in Rounds 1 through 4).

Round 1, Pick 27: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida

The New England Patriots have a pressing need in terms of adding a pass-rusher. Be patient, we’ll get to that.

As for their choice at No. 27, I think they go with pure talent.

In addition to the needs the Pats have on their front line, they need to address their pass defense in the secondary as well.

The Pats selected Brandon Meriweather at pick No. 24 in 2007 and Devin McCourty at pick No. 27 in 2010.

If Janoris Jenkins’ off-field issues drop his draft stock to the late first round, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Pats pull the trigger, adding to their secondary once again.

They showed a few years ago with their choice of Meriweather that they’re willing to overlook players with off-field issues if the talent makes up for it. And while you may say, “Yeah, a lot of good that did us, we just released Meriweather,” he was still a solid player for the Patriots.

Jenkins ranks as the third-best cornerback prospect in this year’s draft according to Walter Football. If those off-field issues do indeed drop his stock, I don’t think Belichick will be able to resist adding a very talented corner.

Off-field issues add a huge risk, but Jenkins was projected as a Top-15 talent before those concerns arose. If he falls to 27, it would sure be tempting.

Other options:

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

Both are likely to be selected before the Pats choice at 27.

Round 1, Pick 31: Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson

After losing defensive end Mark Anderson to the Buffalo Bills in free agency, I think it’s pretty clear that one of the Pats’ two first-round choices will have to be a pass-rusher.

Insert Andre Branch from Clemson.

While some Patriots fans would like to see the pipe dream of landing Michael Brockers out of LSU possibly at No. 27, I simply don’t see that happening. Brockers’ stock has fallen some as a result of his combine performance (a slow 5.36 40-time and only 19 bench reps), but dropping to the late first round is a huge stretch.

Branch brings something that Belichick loves: versatility.

He can fit comfortably in a 4-3 or a 3-4 system because he has the footwork necessary to play as a pass-rushing outside linebacker.

Branch led Clemson in sacks a season ago (10.5) as well as in tackles for a loss (17).

As an NFL prospect, he’s been considered raw skill-wise, but that’s not something that usually deters the Patriots.

Other options:

Nick Perry, OLB, USC

Devon Still, DE/DT, Penn State

Round 2, Pick 48: Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma

Going after another prospect with pass-rushing ability in the second round of the draft would be a smart move for the Patriots, especially if they use one of their first-rounders on a piece to their future secondary.

Ronnell Lewis is an athlete, plain and simple.

Questions have been raised about what position he fits best at as a player, but the Patriots’ coaches should be able to figure that out.

On the negative side, Lewis does have an injury history. He underwent minor knee surgery in 2010 and injured his neck in the 2011 Fiesta Bowl.

Despite the injuries, he’s fast, explosive and has a great motor. Lewis is certainly raw as far as football IQ, but the athleticism is something you can’t teach.

If he falls to No. 48, the Pats should give him a look.

Other options:

Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall

Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Syracuse

Round 2, Pick 62: Brandon Taylor, S, LSU

Unless the Patriots make the decision to move Devin McCourty to safety for next season (certainly an option if they draft a cornerback like Jenkins), it's a position they need to address.

The Pats have a lot of players in the secondary who are tolerable playing in stints, but nobody is bona fide starter.

Despite missing a good chunk of last season due to a leg injury, Taylor took advantage of the combine to improve his draft stock. His 4.58 40-yard dash time was better than expected in the eyes of scouts and you have to believe he'll come into the league with a chip on his shoulder.

Could Brandon Taylor be the starter at safety? Maybe not right away, but at least he gives the Patriots another body in the secondary to utilize.

The Patriots ranked 31st in the NFL against the pass last season, so improving that should be a focal point come draft day.

At this spot the Pats could go in a different direction by targeting a wide receiver or a cornerback.

Round 3, Pick 93: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

Juron Criner was a stud at the University of Arizona catching passes from quarterback Nick Foles.

Unfortunately for Criner, his draft stock took a hit after minor injuries and an appendectomy kept him off the field.

If Criner falls to the Pats all the way at pick No. 93, I think this choice is a no-brainer.

The addition of Brandon Lloyd to the Pats' receiving corps should help, but Deion Branch and Chad Ochocinco are both on the decline and getting up there in age.

Wes Welker may hold out to start the season in order to get paid, and Rob Gronkowski is coming off of what proved to be a pretty severe ankle injury that hindered him greatly in the Super Bowl.

Pairing Criner on the field with another UA player in Gronkowski would only help Tom Brady.

Other options:

Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas

Round 4, Pick 126: Michael Brewster, C, Ohio State

It appears that the long-time anchor of the Patriots' offensive line, Dan Koppen, may be headed out the door. So at some point in this draft, the Pats would be wise to bring in an offensive lineman.

I think New England will target the leader of the Ohio State offensive line, Michael Brewster.

Brewster made 48 straight starts for the Buckeyes, so there aren't the worrisome questions of durability.

If the Pats are going to let Koppen walk, I think they can address the offensive line later in the draft with a player like Brewster.

Other options:

David Molk, C, Michigan

Phillip Blake, C, Baylor