6 2015 NFL Draft Picks Who Could Be Opening-Game Starters for the Patriots

Every year, the NFL draft gives us a look at the stars of tomorrow.

There's no rule, however, that they can't also be the starters of today.

The New England Patriots are not typically a team that inserts its rookies into the starting lineup from Day 1, holding a rookie's feet to the fire and hoping he rises to the challenge. They prefer to take the slow approach, allowing their younger players time to learn the complicated system and to get up to speed with the fast-paced NFL.

With a few high-profile departures, however, the Patriots may be feeling a little stronger sense of urgency to address those needs now. 

Which players will the Patriots target in their endeavor to avoid a Super Bowl hangover? Here's a look at some of those prospects who could come in and immediately start for the Super Bowl champs. 

Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Replacing cornerback Darrelle Revis is going to be like replacing a steak from Smith & Wollensky with one from Golden Corral. It's simply not going to be a smooth transition. That being said, if the Patriots want to find someone who could contribute right away, and might eventually develop into a shutdown No. 1 cornerback, Washington's Marcus Peters would make a good addition to the roster.

Peters already has the physical tools. At 6'0" and 197 pounds, he ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and he packs enough punch to jam receivers off the line in press-man coverage. Those physical tools will not be enough to get him by at the NFL level, though, and he'll need to be more receptive to his coaching staff.

That's especially true if he's to be considered by the Patriots, who will not put up with the grief he gave Washington coaches that led to his dismissal from the team.

With NFL.com's Lance Zierlein comparing him to former Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib, it may be the perfect fit for the Patriots to grab Peters with their first-round pick. 

Duke Johnson, RB, Miami (FL)

J Pat Carter/Associated Press

One by one, the Patriots have added to their stable of running backs over the past 14 months: Jonas Gray, James White, Travaris Cadet and Tyler Gaffney have all been added. LeGarrette Blount was lost and reunited with the Patriots in that span, while Brandon Bolden received a contract extension. Yet, still, it feels as though the Patriots have unfinished business at running back.

They have plenty of backs who master in a particular trade, but they still need that jack of all trades.

Miami running back Duke Johnson has the ability to do just about anything he'd be asked to do in the Patriots offense. He'll never be a dominant between-the-tackles runner but could certainly be used in that role. Where he will excel, however, is in the passing game, where he can use his lightning-like quickness to make defenders miss in the open field, and his gazelle-like long speed to pull away from them.

His performance at the scouting combine was not otherworldly; he ran only a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, but he's more explosive in pads than he is in shorts and sweats.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein compared him to New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller for his "explosive quickness and elusiveness," as well as his "feel and courage as a one-cut runner."

Johnson and Blount would compete for a starting spot, but it's safe to say Johnson would earn his fair share of starts due to his superior ability in the passing game. 

Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State

In a recent "best- and worst-case scenario" mock draft, I pegged Arizona State's Jaelen Strong as a potential pick for the Patriots at the end of the second round. That would be quite the pipe dream, and there's a case to be made that the Patriots should consider Strong in the first round if he's available. 

With Brandon LaFell, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola already in the fold, and with Aaron Dobson returning from injury, the Patriots appear to have plenty of help at the receiver position, but Strong could give them a boundary presence to complement LaFell, allowing Edelman and Amendola to do their thing in the slot. 

At 6'2" and 217 pounds, he has the frame to win matchups on the outside. His 42" vertical jump is proof positive of his leaping ability, which allows him to win contested jump balls. After running a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, he proved he has the speed to test defenses vertically. 

He isn't quite the polished receiver the Patriots prefer in their offense, and he may struggle initially as a result of route running that needs some improvement, but he could immediately contribute as a deep threat and in the red zone. The Patriots coaches could always work with him to improve the nuances of his game in the process.

A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina

John Raoux/Associated Press

Inexplicably, the Patriots still have not re-signed guard Dan Connolly. Drafting a guard is not a luxury; they will need to draft one, unless they want Jordan Devey, Josh Kline or Marcus Cannon to be their starter on the left side.

South Carolina's A.J. Cann has plenty of starting experience in the SEC, with four years atop the Gamecocks' depth chart. He was also voted to the All-SEC first team and All-American second team in 2014, and he has the all-important leadership qualities as a team captain for South Carolina beginning in 2013.

He also has a quality that most coaches love in their offensive linemen: not standing out. Typically, if no one is saying your name, that means you're doing your job.

"Nothing about him gets you really excited and nothing about him gets you really down," said an NFL offensive line coach, according to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. "He's just a steady player and will probably be a nine- or 10-year starter. I'll take that."

The Patriots would also take that, as Devey's and Cannon's names were spoken all too frequently in 2014.

Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

With no Vince Wilfork, there are few things the Patriots need more than big-bodied defensive tackles to plug the middle of the line. Yes, they already have young up-and-comer in Sealver Siliga, and yes, they have veteran Alan Branch behind him, but another young defensive tackle could be an important piece on the roster.

In the case of a player like Florida State's Eddie Goldman, the Patriots could find a use for him regardless of their scheme—which will change from week to week, series to series and even play to play, depending on their opponent. He could play the nose in a 3-4 or one of the two defensive tackle spots in a 4-3.

Goldman has the size at 6'4" and 336 pounds, and while there are some concerns over his lack of pass-rushing ability, he's just the kind of two-gapping defensive tackle that could open things up for other Patriots defenders.  

He would be part of a rotation, as is almost always the case with the Patriots and their defensive linemen, but he could be a big part of that rotation from Day 1. 

Landon Collins, SS, Alabama

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

As one of the only top-notch safety prospects available in this year's draft, Alabama safety Landon Collins may not be available by the time the Patriots pick at No. 32. That being said, if he's available, the Patriots' interest could be piqued by his ability to start from Day 1 in their defense.

Collins is an upgrade over current starter Patrick Chung, and although the Patriots' veteran safety has the all-important experience in the defense, Collins has experience in a similar setting and similar scheme with Nick Saban's Crimson Tide. 

At 6'0" and 228 pounds, Collins has the stocky build of an enforcer in the box, and with a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, he showed he has enough speed to cover—though his tape shows that coverage will never be his strongest suit. 

For that reason, CBS Sports' Rob Rang and Dane Brugler compared Collins to Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward, calling him an aggressive, physical safety who will need to "be complemented with other speedier options in the secondary." With Devin McCourty already roaming deep, the Patriots have their bases covered in that respect.

Unless otherwise noted, all scouting combine information and draft notes provided by CBSSports.com and NFL.com.