NFL Draft 2011: New England Patriots Day 3 Offensive Draft Picks
It’s no secret that the Patriots need to draft a pass rusher, plus linemen on both sides of the ball. Still, with three of the first 33 overall picks at their disposal, Foxboro fans get tempted to grab an offensive specialist.
That would be a shame. New England must improve elsewhere, and many offensive gems should be available on day three.
Much like receiver Julian Edelman (pictured) taken in the seventh round in 2009.
RB Allen Bradford, USC
1 of 15
He’s got size at 5'11", 242 pounds. He showed strength with 28 bench presses and quickness with a 6.97-second three-cone drill.
While he didn’t get too many chances to play, Bradford wrapped up his USC career with 212 yards rushing vs. UCLA. He could be the workhorse back New Englanders covet.
WR Greg Salas, Hawaii
2 of 15
After watching Miami receiver Davone Bess torch his team every year, Bill Belichick will take a hard look at another Hawaii alum.
Salas broke Warriors single-season receiving records with 119 receptions and almost 1,900 yards. Though his 4.53 40 won’t turn many heads, his 6.65-second three-cone drill should.
WR Aldrick Robinson, SMU
3 of 15
The departure of Randy Moss last year left the Patriots lacking two things: Speed and whining. Though they did well without one, they needed the other.
Robinson ran a 4.35-second 40 at his pro day and demonstrated the kind of athleticism that should open up the field for New England’s underneath routes.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
RB Jamie Harper, Clemson
4 of 15
At 230 pounds, Harper has the build to pound the ball. He also ran a 4.46 40 at his pro day, proving he can get outside.
Add his receiving ability (31 receptions this past year) and the Pats could pick up a multi-talented back early on day three.
QB T.J. Yates, UNC
5 of 15
Yates showed surprising athleticism at his pro day. His arm hasn’t wowed scouts, but UNC’s all-time passing leader will stick in the NFL because of his football understanding and playmaking ability.
WR Jimmy Young, TCU
6 of 15
A 4.58-second 40 will literally slow down his draft selection.
Still, Young’s consistency (he never missed a game) and affinity for big plays (over 15 yards per reception) make this All-Moutain West Honorable Mention worth a look in camp.
RB Stevan Ridley, LSU
7 of 15
Another big back at 5'11", 230 pounds, Ridley took the starter’s reigns at LSU and rode for over 1,000 yards, earning himself First Team All-SEC honors.
Ridley’s status as a one-year wonder will keep him waiting until day three, but he has a good chance to play in 2011.
RB Damien Berry, Miami
8 of 15
A running back with a 4.56-second 40 tends to slip past scouts, but Berry’s highlight reel shows a consistent performer with good vision and quickness.
As a late or even post-draft pick up, Berry would be a bargain.
RB Armando Allen, Notre Dame
9 of 15
The terms “running back” and “hip surgery” should never be in the same sentence, but Allen recovered well enough to participate in the Irish’s pro day.
Two big draws for the Pats here: Allen can be had as a free agent, and after his years making plays for Charlie Weis, he already knows the basics of New England’s offense.
TE Andre Smith, Virginia Tech
10 of 15
While the Pats seem set at tight end, having a 6'4", 270-pound road-grater like Smith would free up Alge Crumpler and Rob Gronkowski in the passing game while taking away the need for an extra tackle to play end.
QB Greg McElroy, Alabama
11 of 15
If he needs assurance, Bill Belichick can get no better scouting report than one from old pal Nick Saban. For his part, McElroy completed over 70 percent of his passes and tallied 20 TDs compared to five interceptions.
To top it off, the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year got considered for a Rhodes Scholarship.
FB Shaun Chapas, Georgia
12 of 15
The Patriots don’t need a full-time fullback, you say? History begs to differ, as Marc Edwards and Patrick Pass helped pave the way for past Super Bowl success.
Chapas didn’t carry or catch the ball much for the Bulldogs; he just filled his role well enough to earn a team captaincy.
QB Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M
13 of 15
His size (6'5", 251 pounds) intrigues, as does his arm. Johnson had some issues and actually lost his starting job during his senior year, but he opened his junior season throwing 225 straight passes without an interception.
The A&M record-holder for career passing could provide the right team with a tempting backup project.
WR Ryan Whalen, Stanford
14 of 15
Considering the Patriots’ Lilliputian receiving corps, Whalen registers as a bigger guy at 6'1", 202.
His hands, quick feet and toughness garnered him an All Pac-10 Honorable Mention and made him a candidate for possession receiver at Foxboro.
RB Nic Grigsby, Arizona
15 of 15
Kept down by an ankle injury for much of 2010 season, Grigsby startled scouts at his pro day by running a sub-4.4 40 and leaping 43.5 inches.
In 2009, Grigsby averaged over seven yards rushing. With the potential retirement of Kevin Faulk looming, Grigsby could join Danny Woodhead as another speedy, versatile back.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
