2011 NFL Draft: 5 Potential Sleeper Picks the New England Patriots May Draft

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has a real niche for finding talent in the NFL draft. A prime example of Belichick striking gold is quarterback Tom Brady who was the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft. 

Besides Brady, there are much more sleeper picks that Belichick has selected: Asante Samuel, David Givens, Dan Koppen and Matt Cassel are just to name a few. 

As we inch closer and closer to the 2011 NFL draft, which is only a few days away, what sleeper picks will Belichick make this year? 

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

Dontay Moch, Outside Linebacker / Defensive End, Nevada

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Defensive lineman Dontay Moch of Nevada runs 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)

Dontay Moch may be the biggest projected sleeper pick in the 2011 NFL draft class—so should he even be considered a sleeper pick?

Moch is one of those freakish defensive linemen/outside linebackers that possess electric speed. At the NFL combine in February, Moch recorded an impressive 4.40 40-yard dash time. 

The Patriots really need help in the pass rushing department, and Moch is versatile enough to play both outside linebacker and defensive end in New England's 3-4 defensive system.

Projected Round: Second to Third Rounds

Marcus Cannon, Offensive Tackle, TCU

The New England Patriots may be in need in a new left tackle, as their current left tackle Matt Light's contract has expired, and he is getting up there in age.

TCU's Marcus Cannon may be the perfect addition for the Patriots offensive line.

Cannon is said to be a quality right tackle, which would enable New England's current right tackle Sebastian Vollmer to switch over to the left side where he's played before. 

Projected Round: Second to Third Rounds

Greg Jones, Inside Linebacker, Michigan State

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Greg Jones #53 of the Michigan State Spartans awaits the start of play against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonathan Dan

The New England Patriots may not need an inside linebacker, but Bill Belichick loves to add depth at multiple positions and one being the linebacker position.

Michigan State's Greg Jones is a quality inside linebacker in the 2011 draft class. 

Jones is simply a tackling machine as he tallied up a total of 465 tackles during his four-year career at Michigan State.

Projected Round: Third Round

DeMarco Murray, Running Back, Oklahoma

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 23: DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners in action against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers beat the Sooners 36-27. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Ima

As of right now, entering the 2011 season, the New England Patriots will have BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead as the team's two running backs—Bill Belichick needs to add some depth.

Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray is a very productive running back as he ran for 1,214 yards his final year as a Sooner. During his career, Murray scored an impressive total of 50 touchdowns.

Projected Round: Second to Third Round

Ahmad Black, Safety, Florida

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 1: Defensive back Ahmad Black #3 of Florida works out during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

As Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer have a close relationship off the field, it's a proven fact that Belichick loves his Florida Gators. 

Not only is safety Ahmad Black a former Gator, but he's a very versatile defensive back. 

Black played safety and cornerback during his time as Florida and was fairly productive as he had 13 interceptions during his four-year stint as a Gator.

The major weakness that Black has is that he's a bit undersized and will need to bulk up to succeed at the next level.

Projected Round: Fifth Round