2011 NFL Draft: 10 Players the New England Patriots Should Be Targeting

As the 2011 NFL draft is only a few weeks ago, we are all well-aware of the top prospects in this draft and the likely selections made by our favorite team.

However, that cannot be said about the New England Patriots—they're the most unpredictable. 

Last season, Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick decided to draft Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty with the 27th pick of the draft—no one expected that. These so-called draft "experts" projected McCourty as a special teams player. Well, they were way off. McCourty was named to the 2011 Pro Bowl in just his rookie season. 

As it's so hard to predict what Belichick and the Patriots plan on doing, all we can really do is say "who the Patriots should target." 

New England's first selection, if not traded, will be at 17th overall, and this is a semi-big board in the Patriots' prospective—a miniature big board with the top 10 players the Patriots should target at 17th.

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

10. Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, 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/

Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan has been projected that if selected by New England, he'd be able to make the transition from defensive end to the Patriots 3-4 outside linebacker. 

Kerrigan would be used as a specialist sub-package player with his uncanny ability to rush the quarterback.

One of Kerrigan's most unique attributes is that he's always forcing fumbles. In Kerrigan's four-year career at Purdue, Kerrigan forced 14 fumbles—now that's just unreal.

Being able to force turnovers is something that Bill Belichick looks at, and Kerrigan has a real nose for the ball. 

9. Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa

David Purdy/Getty Images

IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 20: Defensive end Adrian Clayborn #94 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes takes the field for the Ohio State Buckeyes NCAA college football game at Kinnick Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. Ohio State won 20-17 over

According to multiple NFL scouts and draft experts Adrian Clayborn projects best as a 3-4 defensive end. 

In New England's 3-4, Clayborn would likely thrive. He's powerful, quick and can use his hands to his advantage. 

Clayborn dominated the line of scrimmage during his time at Iowa where he racked up 52 tackles and four sacks as a senior. 

In my opinion, Clayborn would be a nice fit in New England's defense as he's a well-rounded defensive end who is effective against the pass and run. 

8. Akeem Ayers, Outside Linebacker, UCLA

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Linebacker Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins in the game with the Houston Cougars at the Rose Bowl on September 18, 2010 in Pasadena, California. UCLA won 31-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

UCLA's Akeem Ayers is one of the draft's top outside linebackers solely on the fact that he's so versatile. 

If Ayers were to line up in New England's 3-4 defense, he'd play outside linebacker and could potentially be an NFL Pro Bowler. 

Ayers has a very nice skill set with the abilities to rush the quarterback, stop the run, and dropping back in coverage—all three translate well into an every-down, 3-4 outside linebacker. 

7. Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a touchdown during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty I

Wouldn't it be nice if the Patriots drafted a highly regarded wide receiver prospect? Remember how good Tom Brady was when the Pats had Randy Moss and he was "behaving" and playing like a true No. 1 receiver? 

Well, Wes Welker and Deion Branch are both great players, but Alabama's Julio Jones would be a great addition to New England's already dominant offense. 

Jones would bring elite size to the table as he stands 6'4". Jones's good speed and decent acceleration makes him hard to cover along with the fact that he's so strong. 

When not running pass patterns, Jones is blocking, and he's doing it well.

Wide receivers who can block are always a plus, and Belichick would love to have a play-making receiver who is also a solid blocker. 

6. Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College

New England's current left tackle, Matt Light is about to enter free agency once the NFL lockout is over, and his future with the team is unclear.

As Light is aging, New England could get his replacement with Boston College's Anthony Castonzo.

Castonzo was worked out by New England's offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia—and reports from BC's pro day was that the Patriots were impressed with Castonzo.

Castonzo is projected as one of, if not the, best offensive tackles in this draft class. 

5. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes upfield against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Many of you would hate this if Belichick drafted Mark Ingram, but I would absolutely love it.

When has New England had a young stud running back? Corey Dillon was only effective for a year, and since then the Patriots have just had quality guys that get the job done.

Now imagine Ingram, the draft's top running back, pairing up with the league's top quarterback Tom Brady—that'd be a dominant well-rounded offense. 

4. Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, California

Sean Gardner/Getty Images

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 29:Defensive lineman Cameron Jordan #97 of the North Team during the Under Armour Senior Bowl on January 29, 2011 at Ladd-Pebbles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images for Under Armour)

California's Cameron Jordan is projected to be a power defensive end in a 3-4 defense—he'd be perfect as  Patriot. 

A few months ago, in a report done by ESPN Boston,  Jordan's high-motor, team-first attitude and strong work ethic were praised.

"I have shown I can stand up. I can play a 3-technique. I can play a 5-technique. Put me anywhere, and I'll play," Jordan said in the article. 

If Jordan slips to New England at 17th, I would strongly predict that Belichick would have a difficult time passing him up—he's got just too much talent and way too much potential. 

3. J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Wisconsin

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Wisconsin's J.J. Watt has Patriot written all over him—he fits the "Patriot mold."

Watt appears to be one of Belichick's ideal players with his amazing work ethic, high motor and great leadership skills. 

Standing in at 6'6" and 290 lbs., Watt is a very athletic and powerful defensive end who would thrive in New England's 3-4 defense. 

Watt's three-year career at Wisconsin he recorded a total of 106 tackles and 11 sacks. 

2. Robert Quinn, Defensive End, North Carolina

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Robert Quinn of North Carolina runs through a drill during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

If the New England Patriots were able to draft Robert Quinn, I might be the happiest man alive. 

This is a complete stretch, but this is a miniature "big board" for the New England Patriots. 

Quinn was sidelined throughout the whole 2010 season by the NCAA, so his draft stock could have fallen—well, maybe a little. 

Quinn is an incredible athlete and would be a play-making defensive end in New England's 3-4 defense for many years to come. 

1. Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Cornerback Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers breaks up a intended for wide receiver L'Damian Washington #2 of the Missouri Tigers during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in L

I can guarantee that this is a shocker to all of you—seriously. 

I am a huge fan of Nebraska's Prince Amukamara. 

If New England were to draft Amukamara, they would kill two birds with just one stone—having McCourty and Amukamara as the team's two corner backs would solidify their secondary and most certainly help out their pass rush. 

Amukamara is projected to be the draft's second-best corner back, but I am predicting this guy will be something special. 

He's got elite size and uses his size to his advantage. At the snap of the ball, depending on the coverage, Amukamara will be very physical and is not afraid to challenge receivers. 

In my opinion, Amukamara doesn't have any true weaknesses. 

Amukamara would be an ideal draft pick for New England.