New England Patriots 2011 NFL Mock Draft: If They Actually Used All Their Picks
Every NFL Draft weekend, the New England Patriots steal from the rest of the league.
I'm not bashing them; they're genius for doing so.
They trade away draft picks to teams desperate to trade up and in return, they acquire more picks of even higher quality.
The Patriots have nine picks in this upcoming draft including two in each of the first three rounds.
If they were to actually use all their selections, which there is no way in the world they would, this is what their draft class would look like:
1st Round: Allen Bailey (DE, Miami)
1 of 9
Who: Allen Bailey is the definition of a freak. He is 288 pounds of pure muscle. His forty time is an incredible 4.65, a number unparalleled for a man his size.
Why: The Patriots are in need of a defensive end. This is the selection they received when they traded away Pro-Bowl defensive end Richard Seymour.
1st Round: Mike Pouncey (Guard, Florida)
2 of 9
Who: Mike Pouncey is the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey. He is the most talented interior offensive lineman in this year's draft class.
Why: Guard Stephen Neal will probably retire and at the same time, Logan Mankins will most likely leave New England. They must find a guard that can step in right away and protect Tom Brady effectively.
Second Round: Jeremy Beal (OLB, Oklahoma)
3 of 9
Who: Beal is an excellent pass-rushing defensive end that will be able to transition to playing 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.
Why: The Patriots pass-rush needs an upgrade. They rank 29th in the league in pass defense. The key to a good pass defense is having a quality pass-rush more than a great secondary.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Second Round: Gabe Carimi (OT, Wisconsin)
4 of 9
Who: Gabe Carimi is one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft class. At 6'8", he has loads of potential.
Why: Matt Light will become a free agent this upcoming off-season. Sebastian Vollmer, though outstanding last season, has showed inconsistency. The tackle position isn't one to leave any question marks about.
Third Round: Rashad Carmichael (CB, Virginia Tech)
5 of 9
Who: Carmichael is a ball-hawk at the cornerback position who intercepted 10 passes in his last two seasons at VT.
Why: Last year's first round selection Devin McCourty is the Patriots' only legit cornerback on the roster right now. That 29th ranked pass defense must be improved.
Third Round: Will Hill (FS, Florida)
6 of 9
Who: Will Hill is a solid free safety who has recorded two interceptions this season. Playing against future pros scattered all over SEC rosters has prepared him well for the NFL.
Why: Again, a disappointing secondary won't take much effort to upgrade. Hill may be able to compete right away for playing time.
Fourth Round: Ronald Johnson (WR, USC)
7 of 9
Who: Ronald Johnson is an explosive USC wide receiver who can also return kicks. Look for him to follow closer in the footsteps of Steve Smith than Dwayne Jarrett.
Why: The Patriots don't have much talent on the outside besides Brandon Tate and aging Deion Branch. Tate is solid enough to be a part of the team's future plans, but they need someone talented opposite him.
Fifth Round: Quizz Rodgers (HB, Oregon State)
8 of 9
Who: JaQuizz is the brother of James Rodgers as the two form the Beavers explosive duo. At 5'7" he has his doubters, but he's proven he can carry the workload with 884 touches in his college career.
Why: All four of the Patriots running backs are free agents next off-season with BenJarvus Green-Ellis as the only one restricted. Even if they didn't have a lack of bodies, they would have a lack of talent.
Sixth Round: Brandon Saine (HB, Ohio State)
9 of 9
Who: Brandon Saine is a solid rusher, but he's an even better receiver. He has remarkable ball skills for a halfback.
Why: With Kevin Faulk set to become a free agent, Saine would be an ideal replacement as the Patriots' third down back of the future.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
