New England Patriots: Six Areas the Pats Need to Address in the NFL Draft
We’ve gone over New England’s first six draft positions so much, it feels like we’ve been sent out to play the lottery: 17, 28, 33, 60, 74, 92.
With those picks in mind, we're looking at the top six positions the Patriots need for 2011: pass rusher, defensive end, offensive lineman, wide receiver, running back and cornerback.
With plenty of help available on Day One and Day Two, the Foxboro faithful should be feeling pretty good by April 23.
Excerpts of this content appeared on www.patriotsdaily.com
Pass Rusher: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa.
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New England needs a pass rusher like a bike needs wheels: they're not going anywhere without one.
Clayborn's ability to get to the QB puts this Hawkeye on our wish list. We like him for his heft (6-3, 281 pounds) and explosiveness (7.08 seconds in his pro-day three-cone).
It doesn’t hurt that a) Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has worked with Bill Belichick, and b) the Patriots worked out Clayborn this month.
Pass Rusher, Day Two: Brooks Reed
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Reed fits the 3-4 outside linebacker profile at 6-3, 260 pounds. Running a 4.65 40-yard dash and bench-pressing 225 pounds 30 times won't hurt his status, either.
Sam Acho of Texas is another player to consider here.
Defensive End: J. J. Watt, Wisconsin
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Watt has done everything to prove his value to a 3-4 team looking to bolster its defensive end spot. His 34 bench reps demonstrate the upper-body strength necessary to hold the edge, a necessity that the Patriots often lacked last year.
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Defensive End, Day Two: Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
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Medical issues have dragged Heyward down draft boards, but teams have refocused on the Buckeye in recent weeks. It's difficult to overlook his prototypical size for a 3-4 defensive end (6-5, 295).
At least we know Belichick will appreciate the pedigree, as Heyward's father was running back/rolling boulder Craig "Ironhead" Heyward.
Though Muhammad Wilkerson might not remain available in Round Two, he had experience at tackle and end while playing for Temple and must be considered here.
Offensive Line: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
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Carimi stood out on Wisconsin's O line—an impressive feat. He has size (6-7, 314) and has shown the skills necessary to contribute right away.
With Matt Light seeing the dusk of his career, Carimi could contribute in a platooning role right away.
Offensive Lineman Day Two: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State.
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Lots to like about Mr. Sherrod, especially his size (6-5, 320) and experience (first-team All-SEC). Sherrod helped the Bulldogs lead the conference in rushing and started 34 games in his college career.
Also for your consideration, Orlando Franklin of Miami has experience both inside and out, recently converting to tackle to help the Hurricanes.
Wide Receiver: Julio Jones, Alabama
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You want size? Jones gives you 6-3, 220. You want speed? Got it: 4.34-second 40. If Jones remains available at 17, the Pats have to take a long, hard look.
On the plus side, Belichick should have a full scouting report from Jones's coach, old pal Nick Saban.
Wide Receiver, Day Two: Leonard Hankerson, Miami
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Hankerson has shot up draft boards with a successful combine performance, running the 40 in 4.40 seconds and the three-cone drill in 6.94.
A bigger guy at 6-1, 209—especially when compared to the Pats' Lilliputian Patrol—Hankerson could get on the Gillette turf immediately.
Speedster Edmund Gates of little old Abilene Christian could find his way to Foxboro as well.
Running Back: Mark Ingram, Alabama
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The consensus number one running back brings a dynamic that the Patriots lacked last year as an every-down player. He boosted his draft stock by cutting down his 40 time from 4.62 at the combine to 4.53 at his pro day.
While BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been a dependable back, he wouldn't stop Ingram from becoming a starter in September.
Running Back, Day Two: Delone Carter, Syracuse
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Carter increased his profile by improving his 40 time from 4.54 seconds at the combine to 4.43 at his pro day. He fits the mold as a consistent contributor on an inconsistent team, rising to the occasion in the Orangemen’s bowl game with 198 rushing yards.
Getting named MVP of the East-West Shrine Game heightened his status. Speaking of height, don’t let 5-foot-9 fool you. At 222 pounds, "Candlepin" Carter can bowl over opponents.
As sleepers, keep an eye on both Allen Bradford of USC and Taiwan Jones of Eastern Washington in later rounds.
Cornerback: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
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With LSU's Patrick Peterson long off the board, we look to a Prince to help the Pats add to their cornerback crew. They have to consider him if he takes a big slide to 17.
Though drafting a rookie corner drove New England fans nuts in 2010, the production of Devin McCourty proved you can't have too many corners.
Cornerback, Day Two: Curtis Brown, Texas
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In a crowded field, Brown's athleticism stands out. From his vertical leap (39.5 inches) to his three-cone drill (6.59 seconds), the Longhorn has shown he can stick with receivers.
Worth a look later: Buster Skrine of Tennessee-Chattanooga. His 40 time (4.37) and three-cone (6.44) have put lots of eyes on the Southern Conference star. Special teams prowess only adds to his luster.
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