NFL Combine 2011 Results: Possibilities for New England Patriots First 3 Picks
As the 2011 NFL Combine concludes at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the NFL draft predictions become much easier.
For the past month, fans have been hearing all about the New England Patriots needs: whether it's the pass rush or addressing the offensive line.
Now, thanks to the results of the combine, players' stock have not risen or lowered, and it's more clear to decipher who the Patriots might end up drafting.
New England has three picks in the top 33, and can make some major additions with talent selections.
Here are seven possible players that Bill Belichick might select with New England's first three picks.
NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.
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Cameron Jordan
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Out of all of the names floating around New England, this one is by far my favorite.
California defensive end Cameron Jordan would be a great addition to New England's young defense.
Jordan entered the combine standing at 6'4" and weighting in at 287 pounds. For a 287 pound defensive end, he has the feet of a linebacker.
With his great foot-work and exceptional strength, Jordan ran a quality 4.71 in the forty-yard dash.
Jordan, prior to the combine, was slotted to be drafted in the middle of the first round, right around 17, where New England sits. However, due to his impressive performance in Indy, his stock has risen and he very well could be selected before Bill Belichick gets to lay a finger on him.
Aldon Smith
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As of late, Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith has been rumored to be a favorite for New England.
Smith, who offers athleticism along with decent strength, would be a nice addition to New England's pass rush.
As projected by many, if Smith were to be selected by the Patriots, he'd likely play outside linebacker.
The 6'4" 263 pounder ran a somewhat disappointing forty time at the combine at 4.78. The rather slow time doesn't reflect Smith's performance at the college level, who was known for being extremely quick and explosive off of the ball.
Smith's stock has stayed the same, however, with impressive performances from other defensive ends could result in Smith falling a little later in the first round.
Jonathan Baldwin
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If New England were to select a wide receiver with their first three picks, it'd be Pittsburgh's Jonathan Baldwin.
There's no question that Baldwin has talent, and has been compared to former Pittsburgh great Larry Fitzgerald. However, he had a lack-luster combine performance.
It isn't that Baldwin showed up out of shape at the combine, but he just simply didn't perform well.
Baldwin was expected to be one of the speedy receivers in this years draft, but he only timed in at 4.52 in the forty-yard dash. And reportedly, Baldwin fell down in one of the receiving drills which stuck out like a sore thumb to scouts.
Prior to the draft, Baldwin was slated to go in the mid to late first round. Now, expect Baldwin to go in the later picks of the first round.
If Baldwin is at 33rd overall, expect the Patriots snag him right up.
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J.J. Watt
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Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt is New England's favorite prospect in multiple post-combine mock drafts.
Watt would be an ideal fit in New England's 3-4 defense at the defensive end position.
Working out in Indianapolis, Watt performed well.
The former Badger entered Indy measuring at 6'5" and weighing in at 290 pounds, and impressed scouts in all of his work outs.
Being 290 pounds, Watt is surprisingly explosive and fast. For the forty-yard dash, Watt recorded a quality 4.78 second time for a near 300 pound defensive linemen.
Watt would be a great addition to New England's young defense. He would bring a great work ethic with his leadership attributes.
If New England is looking for another Richard Seymour or Mike Vrabel-esque player, Watt would be the right choice.
Mikel Leshoure
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Forget Alabama's Mark Ingram, if the Patriots were to select a running back with their first three picks, it'd be Mikel Leshoure.
The former Illinois stand-out performed as expected at the combine this weekend.
Leshoure posted a better 40 time than Ingram did, and has publicly stated that he could be the first running back taken.
New England could select 28th overall, and would be a nice addition to an already strong running back group occupied with BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead.
Justin Houston
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Georgia linebacker Justin Houston had a very successful experience in Indianapolis at the combine.
The 6'3", 270 pounder finished at the top of every category among linebackers. Houston came in second in bench press, tied for seventh for his 40 time (running a 4.68), finished fourth in the vertical, and was an impressive second place finisher in the broad jump.
With great numbers posted in all categories, Houston's stock as obviously risen a bit.
New England could very well select Houston with their 28th overall pick.
Anthony Costonzo
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With complete uncertainty at the left side of the offensive line, Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Costanzo would be a smart selection in this years draft.
Costanzo is a beast, and potentially would be a nice replacement for left tackle Matt Light.
The latest linemen out of BC, also known as O-Line U, offers great size, speed, and strength.
Costanzo stands in at 6'7" which offers a great load of width and great footwork to go along with it.
As expected, Costanzo impressed NFL teams, and his stock has stayed the same.
In many mock drafts, Costanzo is slated to go in the twenties, and the Patriots could very well select him with either two of their first round picks.
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