New England Patriots: Best Bets on Bill Belichick's 2011 NFL Draft

New England has six picks in the first three rounds (17, 28, 33, 60, 74, 92) and one pick in each of the following three.

Bill Belichick has selected 24 rookies over the past two years, 17 of whom remain on the roster. Youth has been served; at this point, quality rules over quantity. 

Based on that, we predict the Patriots' 2011 draft.

First Pick (17 and 33): Cameron Jordan, Cal DE

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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)

Belichick will trade up for the defensive player he wants here. As much as we’ve been begging for UNC’s Robert Quinn, we can more safely predict that Cal’s Cameron Jordan gets the call.

At 6'4", 285 pounds, Jordan can rush the passer or contain the run. That versatility makes him an every-down player and gives opposing offenses something to think about.

Second Pick (28): Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin OT

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

New England’s O-line needs help and Carimi can provide it, as he was the best of the Badgers’ formidable front in 2010.

In the past we would have liked to see a defensive end drafted here, but Jordan gives the Pats some leeway to improve the other side of the ball. 

Third Pick (60): DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma RB

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COLUMBIA, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 23: DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners carries the ball against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Here’s where we differ with Coach Belichick. We see plenty of backfield talent available on Day Three, and would seek defensive help here.

However, Murray’s speed (4.38 40) and production (school record 6,626 career all-purpose yards) bring him to the Pats in the second round. 

Fourth Pick (74): Terrell McClain, South Florida DT

The word “explosive” gets thrown around in sports the same way “genius” gets used in Hollywood: far too often. Still, McClain’s physical nature fits the description.

At 6'2", 295 pounds, he ran a 4.85-second 40, faster than most fullback candidates. 

Fifth Pick (92): Greg Salas, Hawaii WR

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HONOLULU - SEPTEMBER 2: Greg Salas of the University of Hawaii Warriors runs the ball during second half action at Aloha Stadium September 2, 2010 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Salas lacks the straight-line speed of someone like Edmund Gates of Abilene Christian, but he has mid-range quickness and a knack for getting open that Belichick will appreciate, 

Sixth Pick (159): Bruce Miller, UCF OLB

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ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 20: Defensive end Bruce Miller #49 of the University of Central Florida Golden Knights sets for play against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Bright House Stadium on October 20, 2007 in Orlando, Florida. UCF won 44 - 23. (Photo by Al M

After trading pick No. 125 for future considerations, Belichick looks to the defense again.

The Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year proved a nightmare for opposing defenses. His size (6'1", 254) will keep him on the board late, but his strength (35 bench reps) and tenacity will make him a contributor on any 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker convert.

Seventh Pick (193): Andrew Jackson, Fresno State OG

The 2009 All-WAC guard spent most of this past season injured, pushing back his status to later on Day Three.

Jackson tossed up 225 pounds 25 times at the combine. Besides having a historical name, he plays for old Belichick pal Pat Hill at Logan Mankins’ alma mater. None of that hurts.

Free Agent: Jeremy Ross, Cal WR

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Jeremy Ross #3 of the California Golden Bears jumps over Cliff Harris #13 of the Oregon Ducks at California Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

New England will need some rookie free agents to round out camp. We offer these candidates.

Ross led the Golden Bears in punt return yardage and, at 6'0", 209 pounds, qualifies as a bigger wideout in New England (aka Receiver Lilliput). His speed (4.44 40) and explosiveness (39-inch vertical) should get him a look.

Free Agent: Terrence Holt, Austin Peay RB/RS

As the Danny Woodhead of 2011 (he’s 5'7", 185), we’d like nothing better than for the Pats to give Holt a shot.

The running back/returner did yeoman work for the Governors this past season, leading the team in rushing, receiving and return yards (averaging 23.4 per kickoff). 

Free Agent: Darrin Walls, Notre Dame CB

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Keith Smith #8 of the Purdue Boilermakers is stopped by Darrin Walls #2 (R) and Jamoris Slaughter #26 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 4, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Dan

The Pats found success signing Irish safety Sergio Brown last year, so why not return to South Bend for his battery mate?

Walls managed a 4.42 40 at his pro day and showed good quickness. He had three interceptions and four pass breakups this past season.

Free Agent: Cobrani Mixon, Kent State LB

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 11: Sterlin Phifer #21 of the Boston College Eagles carries the ball as Cobrani Mixon #11 of the Kent State Golden Flashes defends on September 11, 2010 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Boston College def

New England got their money’s worth out of Kent State alum Julian Edelman; look for them to invite this All-MAC Football first-teamer to camp.

The 6'1", 245-pound Mixon ran a 4.68 40 and had 33 bench reps at his pro day. In 2010 he had 82 tackles, including 6.5 sacks.