NFL Mock Draft 2011: Analyzing Pat Kirwan's New England Patriots Picks

Anytime you see a 2011 NFL mock draft, you immediately scroll to the selection(s) made for your favorite team. I am guilty of doing the same thing with the New England Patriots.

It's fun for Patriots fans, especially this year, with two picks in the first round.

So when Pat Kirwan did a two-round mock draft on NFL.com, I was anxious to see who he picked with the Patriots' four selections in those two rounds.

Let's take a look at one of my favorite writers' mock selections for the Patriots.

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17. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 311 pounds

With Matt Light nearing the end of his career, now may be the time to focus on stocking the offensive line with talented youth. Even still, Light's more of a finesse blocker than a power blocker at this stage.

With the Patriots in the league's only division where every defense features a 3-4 alignment, finesse may not be the way to go for the Patriots' future on the offensive line. The Patriots should focus on getting maulers down there.

It may be a feel-good hometown pick, but I'd be surprised if the Patriots went with Castonzo.

Grade: B+

28. Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 315 pounds

From a standpoint of his dimensions, he's a perfect fit for a five-technique defensive linemen in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme. As Kirwan mentions, his 35-inch arms give him a massive advantage over whomever he may be matched up against.

He may not have experience in the 3-4 scheme, but there'll be plenty of time to mold him into an ideal fit. As it is, he'll be a great addition to the Patriots' interior pass rush, but he will also be able to use his big frame to soak up the blockers like a sponge and open things up for the linebackers.

Although Wilkerson's explosion number suggests he's not a strong first-round prospect, his production ratio, however, can't be ignored. He produced 1.19 plays per game behind the line of scrimmage in his 36-game collegiate career.

Grade: A

33. Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Harry How/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins attempts to break free from James Dockery #4 of the Oregon State Beavers at the Rose Bowl on November 6, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 254 pounds

Ayers may not be the ideal fit for the Patriots as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but the presence he would bring to the edge of that defense as a pass rusher could make him worth the pick at No. 33.

Even with a smaller frame than you'd like to see, his ability to set the edge is underrated. He can force a running back inside and still get there in pursuit.

Oh, and did I mention he can rush the passer?

Still, the Patriots had a chance to get Brooks Reed in this mock draft, and he seems a better fit for the Patriots' 3-4 system.

Grade: B+

60. Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma

Doug Benc/Getty Images

MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Quinton Carter #20 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks on during warm ups against the Florida Gators during the FedEx BCS National Championship game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 208 pounds

In terms of a second-round prospect, he grades out well with Scouts, Inc. as their 63rd-best prospect, and he's ranked as the second-best safety in the draft.

We all know how much the Patriots love their ball hawks in the secondary, and Carter has proven to be just that by picking off eight passes in the past two seasons. And this description from Scouts, Inc. has "Patriots prospect" written all over it:

"One of the most active Sooners in community service. Has started his own foundation for underprivileged kids. Intense competitor both on the playing field and during practice."

The Patriots may be looking to get a safety for the future if they don't think Brandon Meriweather is it. So far, all indications are that's not the case.

Grade: A-/B+

Your Thoughts?

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots stands on the field during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa

Who do you think the Patriots will draft?

What do you think of Pat Kirwan's picks? What did you think of my grades of his picks?

I welcome any and all thoughts.