New England Patriots Draft: Can Derek Sherrod Be Matt Light's Replacement?

As we move further and further away from the NFL Combine, more mock drafts are released and start to paint a better picture. 

In NFL Network's Charlie Davis' recent mock draft, he has Mississippi State's offensive tackle Derek Sherrod going 28th overall to the New England Patriots. 

Sherrod hasn't necessarily been a "big-name" throughout the offseason. However, Sherrod can be a franchise's future left tackle. 

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 305 lbs. 

Projection: Late First - Early Second

Strengths: Sherrod, who's leaving Mississippi State as a senior, started for the team in all of his four years. In his first year, Sherrod lined up as a right tackle, but made the switch to left tackle his final three years. 

Sherrod is a considered to be a very good athlete for his position and put up a 5.2 forty-yard dash time in this year's combine.

When run blocking, he's very fast off the ball and can deliver a nice blow right off of the bat. For pass blocking, Sherrod  flourishes against speed rushers with his elite foot-work. 

When blocking, pass or run, he always has a quality balance in his stance.

Weakness: With Sherrod's above average speed and ability, he doesn't exactly have the power. 

Previously stated, Sherrod does well against speed rushers, but has struggled with powerful defensive linemen at the college level. He will need to gain more strength to compete at a high level. 

When moving in space, he doesn't always line up his blocks correctly — he tends to lunge at defenders. 

Conclusion: Sherrod would be a nice fit for New England, and could be effective his rookie season. 

He does have speed and agility, but needs to get stronger. Unlike other linemen, who lack speed, he needs to bulk up which is always possible, especially with his large frame. 

New England's left tackle, Matt Light, isn't the biggest guy on the field, but was effective and productive as a rookie, and has had a solid NFL career. But, Light isn't getting any younger as he sits at 32 years old.

Light is a free agent, and it's unclear what the Patriots will do, but Sherrod would be a nice pick if Bill Belichick does choose to address the offensive line early in this years draft.

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

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