2011 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay's Recent Picks for the New England Patriots

Todd McShay of ESPN Scouts Inc. went two rounds deep in his recent mock draft that he revealed Wednesday. 

McShay, who's a highly regarded mock draft analyst, made some interesting picks for the New England Patriots. Some fans may dislike his mock draft, but in many cases, I'm sure you'll be pleased.

I, for one, am extremely pleased with McShay's mockery and I'd love for the cards to fall this way for the Patriots.

However, I do question some of the selections because some players might not be available at those picks.

Allow me to take a look at and analyze McShay's picks for New England.

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @TonySantorsa.  

No. 17: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 18: J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Camp Randall Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Arizona State 20-19. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

I absolutely love this pick. I have been eying Watt for months now and my prays will be answered if the Patriots select Watt 17th overall. 

Watt is the kind of guy who will play to the whistle with a high motor and "go get 'em" attitude.

Along with the great toughness that he brings to the table, he can compete with just about anyone. He has the ability to make up for talent with his excellent fundamentals, intelligence and work ethic to compete with any player above his caliber.

If New England does call Watt's number on draft day, he'll immediately address a need that's been lacking for the Patriots over the past few seasons—pass rush. Watt has the natural ability to get to the quarterback or any ball carrier.

Watt was one of Wisconsin's team leaders and can become one of New England's leaders of the future by replacing holes that were once filled by Mike Vrabel and Willie McGinest.

NFL Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.84

Bench press: 34

Vertical jump: 37

Broad jump: 10'

Three-cone drill: 6.88

No. 28: Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Purdue

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dan LeFevour #13 of the Central Michigan Chippewas is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 20, 2008 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

McShay continues the same trend for New England at No. 28: addressing a major need—outside linebacker. 

Ryan Kerrigan out of Purdue would be a solid pick at 28th overall, but I feel that the Patriots would be able to get Kerrigan a tad bit later. 

In McShay's excerpt of Kerrigan, he writes: "He's not athletic enough to play on the outside in every 3-4 scheme but the Patriots like bigger, stronger outside linebackers who can get after the quarterback and Kerrigan has the instincts and motor to thrive in New England's system. The Patriots need to upgrade their pass rush and Kerrigan can do that."

I do like Kerrigan on the Patriots' roster; he does appear to fit the "Patriot mold"—talent, intelligence and a good work ethic.

NFL Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.71

Bench press: 31

Vertical jump: 33.5

Broad jump: 10'2"

Three-cone drill: 7.18

No. 33: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 20: Ryan Williams #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs for a touchdown during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

I am so glad to see an official "draft analyst" actually associate Ryan Williams with the New England Patriots as a possible draft pick like I have been saying. 

Williams has the potential to be a dynamite running back in the NFL for many years to come. 

Some might speculate that Williams is leaving VT too early and that his stock is pretty low for his skill set. 

Williams' first season at VT was a record-breaking one, as he set a school record with 1,655 yards in a season. Despite Williams' success in 2009, he played through an injury-plagued 2010 season and struggled at times. 

The Patriots do need some help at the running back position as Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor's futures are up in the air. 

Williams has the potential to be a workhorse for years to come as his running style is exceptional at the NFL level—he gives hits rather than absorbing them.

NFL Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.61

Bench press: 19

Vertical jump: 40

Broad jump: 10'3"

Three-cone drill: 6.96

No. 60: Marcus Cannon, OL, Texas Christian University

In my opinion, it's nothing but a guessing game this late in the draft.

New England's offensive line is possibly in shambles with the retirement of Stephen Neal and the uncertain futures of Logan Makins and Matt Light; Marcus Cannon out of TCU would be a smart choice for Bill Belichick. 

The 6'6", 358-pound senior played offensive tackle for the Horned Frogs over his collegiate career.

Cannon could be on New England's radar due to the speculation that he is verstile enough to play guard or tackle at the next level.

NFL Combine Results

40-yard dash: 5.26

Bench press: 33

Vertical jump: 30.5

Broad jump: 8'9"

Three-cone drill: 8.07