2011 NFL Mock Draft: New England Patriots 7-Round, All-Offense Mock Draft
The New England Patriots know that there's a lot of talent to be had in the front seven in the 2011 NFL draft. According to Bill Belichick, the Patriots are doing their diligence. They're evaluating a large portion of them to see which ones they like the most and which ones are the best fits.
But as we all know, the Patriots' only needs aren't on defense. They could use additions at nearly all the skill positions on offense besides tight end, and even an injection of youth on the offensive line.
Of course, there are never enough needs on either side of the ball to justify drafting all-offense or all-defense, so consider this just a look at some prospects the Patriots could target at these respective spots in the draft.
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Round 1, Pick 17: Gabe Carimi, OT/G Wisconsin
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Height: 6'7"
Weight: 327 pounds
As the NFL draft approaches, Gabe Carimi is climbing up boards. He may be a bit of a reach at 17, but the Patriots value versatility more than just about any team in the NFL. Carimi gives them a ton of it.
Drafting him addresses any number of potential needs, as that flexibility allows him to be the future replacement for either Logan Mankins or Matt Light, depending on a) how he projects and b) how those scenarios pan out.
He's just the type of big, mean guy the Patriots love to have in their offensive trench, and is a lot like Mankins in that regard. He's a better run blocker than a pass blocker, but those skills would certainly develop. He'll have the coaching of Dante Scarnecchia, as well as a talented veteran group to help a long the way.
Round 1, Pick 28: Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
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Height: 5'9"
Weight: 215 pounds
Chances are Mark Ingram will still be available at this spot. Heck, he could even be available later on. In an all-offense mock draft, though, there's no reason not to go with Ingram at this spot. Except maybe his knee, which wasn't seen as a problem until just recently, which leads me to believe it could just be misinformation.
Ingram isn't a fast guy, he's simply a savvy runner. He knows how to get behind his pads, make guys miss in the open field, and drive forward when being brought down by a group. His ties to Bill Belichick through Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban will certainly earn him a bit of an edge over some of his fellow running back prospects.
Round 2, Pick 33: Clint Boling, G/C Georgia
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Height: 6'5"
Weight: 308 pounds
If the Patriots are going to draft an offensive linemen, most fans would ask them to kindly wait until this pick to do so. That will give them time to address needs on defense.
Either way, Boling would add a great deal of toughness and versatility to the interior of New England's offensive line, with both assets of great use as the Patriots try to figure out their starting five.
He may not be the most polished prospect on the line in this draft, but that's what offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is paid for. Boling has the right mentality to make an impact early. Plus, he played against top competition in the SEC while at Georgia.
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Round 2, Pick 60: Randall Cobb, WR Kentucky
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Height: 5'10"
Weight: 194 pounds
Randall Cobb doesn't give the Patriots anything they don't already have. He's not a field stretcher or a big physical guy who can win his one-on-one match-ups consistently. What he would bring to the Patriots, though, is more of that ability to create yards after the catch.
ESPN's Scouts, Inc. says that Cobb is, "extremely dangerous after the catch." He's not afraid to go over the middle to make a tough catch, and is capable of maintaining focus in those situations where he may not have a large window to reel it in.
Round 3, Pick 74: James Carpenter, OG/T Alabama
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Height: 6'5"
Weight: 324 pounds
Football intelligence is always important to the New England Patriots, but with the growing number of 3-4 teams, especially in the AFC East, strength will become a primary component to offensive linemen the Patriots should be targetting.
In that respect, Carpenter brings a finishing edge to the Patriots front line. He may not be the stout run-blocker the Patriots like inside, but could learn those techniques with time, especially with the coaching of Scarnecchia and the veterans.
What's more, he has the all-important Belichick-Saban tie on his side.
Round 3, Pick 92: DeMarco Murray, RB Oklahoma
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Height: 5'11"
Weight: 213 pounds
Can you imagine the diverse Patriots offense being given a new dynamic component in DeMarco Murray? He's a talented runner, but would do the bulk of his damage in the passing game. He was a consistent check-down option for Sam Bradford, finding the soft spot underneath and getting there quickly.
One would think, with Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis in the stable, adding a talented running back may not be a worthwhile investment. Still, Green-Ellis is more of a between-the-tackles running back, and while Woodhead is effective, neither bring the speed Murray has once he gets outside.
He certainly has the ability to find daylight and take it home, racking up 63 total touchdowns in his collegiate career.
Round 4, Pick 125: Chris Hairston, OT Clemson
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Height: 6'7"
Weight: 325 pounds
I've been riding the Hairston train for a little bit now. What I love the most about him is his physical style of play. He has a killer mean streak and can really get under his opponent's skin by throwing him to the ground and showing him who's boss.
That physical style of play could make him a solid addition to the interior of New England's offensive line, if the Patriots decide they want to kick him inside.
Of course, he doesn't come without some problems in the fourth round. He's a bit raw in his overall technique, lacking great footwork or legwork setting into blocks. He'll also need to take some pages out of Matt Light's book in protection assignments and blitz pick-up. Hairston is a dominant run-blocker, though, and could develop into a solid right tackle with time.
As of right now, though, he's little more than a back-up.
Round 5, Pick 159: Greg McElroy, QB Alabama
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Height: 6'2"
Weight: 220 pounds
I couldn't justify an offensive mock draft without a single quarterback. In that regard, McElroy is a perfect fit. Of course, there's the connection to Belichick through Saban as mentioned earlier.
In terms of decision-making and style of play, McElroy is a great fit for the Patriots. Much like Tom Brady, McElroy's efficiency is one of his greatest weapons
In Brady, he'll have a mentor to help him mature into an NFL quarterback. And when Brady retires, this is the guy who will be playing quarterback for the Patriots: "Team player. Proven winner. The type of player you want on your team." That according to Scouts Inc.
Round 6, Pick 193: Chris Matthews, WR Kentucky
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Height: 6'5"
Weight: 219 pounds
The Patriots held a private workout with Chris Matthews already, so there's reason to believe their interest has been piqued. He isn't an elite burner, but he has that big, long frame that is becoming a coveted possession for most NFL offenses.
He doesn't consistently beat press coverage, but with some work, he could improve in this area. What he can do, though, is win a jump ball. The Patriots don't necessarily need a receiver who can "stretch the field," they just need a guy who can win a one-on-one matchup. With Brady to throw the ball in a place where only Matthews can get it, the two could be an excellent combination.
Oh, and allow Deion Branch and Wes Welker to teach you something about separation, Mr. Matthews.
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