2011 NFL Draft Second Round Preview: Who Could the Patriots Target with 3 Picks?
The New England Patriots don't make a lot of noise during the draft, and the 2011 NFL draft has been no different. By trading with the New Orleans Saints and acquiring a third second-round pick (56th overall) and a 2012 first-round selection, the Patriots have primed themselves to acquire even more talent.
Many have postulated that Belichick would rather choose players in the second round because of the compensation and the lesser risk involved as opposed to a first-round choice who is guaranteed a good deal of money.
But with three picks in the second round, who could the Patriots be after?
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Brooks Reed, DE/OLB Arizona
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Brooks Reed doesn't project as an ideal fit in the Patriots' 3-4 system, but the Patriots were in their sub package so much last year that a player like Reed could see a lot of time on the field.
He might be considered a reach at 33, but the Patriots need help so badly with their pass rush that the value of taking Reed could be there.
He fits the size requirement to a T (6'3", 262 pounds) and ran the quickest 10-yard split of anyone at the combine, proving he has the explosion to make a huge impact on the edge of the defense.
Kyle Rudolph, TE Notre Dame
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Don't put it past Bill Belichick to go after Kyle Rudolph. Belichick loves to be able to confuse opposing defenses by giving them different looks. The amount of versatility Rudolph could potentially add to the Patriots offense in two or three tight end sets could make them very hard to stop.
I would like to have seen more production out of Rudolph in college to justify this pick, with just 28 receptions for 328 yards and three touchdowns last year. Still, the comparisons Rudolph has drawn to Rob Gronkowski could make him an instant success with the Patriots.
Justin Houston, DE/OLB Georgia
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As I expected, Houston tumbled out of the first round. Whether it was because of his positive test for marijuana, the inconsistent motor on running downs or any combination of issues, it happened. Now, the Patriots have the potential to land a top-notch pass rusher who may not give it all on running downs, but can severely impact the sub package if he's used that way.
Something tells me, too, that with the right surrounding, a winning organization and a strong locker room, Houston could change his ways and fit in.
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Brandon Harris, CB Miami
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Could the Patriots really target another second-round cornerback? The value is there, and Belichick loves cornerbacks. Although the need for one might seem pretty low on the list, it depends on how the team feels about the trio of Devin McCourty, Leigh Bodden and Kyle Arrington.
Brandon Harris would make a solid nickel cornerback for the Patriots, featuring the physical style of play that teams love to see inside. He had 99 tackles in the past two years combined. He only logged four interceptions, but his ability to provide solid coverage on slot receivers and consistent support in run defense would make him an intriguing addition to a talented secondary.
Jabaal Sheard, DE/OLB Pittsburgh
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Like Reed, Sheard may not be a perfect fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. What Sheard brings to the defense is a great deal of pass rush potency, physicality in setting the edge and an intensity that's currently missing from the Patriots defense.
ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss has said that Sheard is a more complete prospect than Reed, in his opinion.
The question mark on Sheard is the arrest on his record. He came clean on that, though, and hasn't had another incident since.
Ryan Williams, RB Virginia Tech
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ESPN's Scouts, Inc. calls Williams a great competitor who has the athleticism to contribute in the NFL, and the speed to make an impact. He has the shifty quickness to get into open space, and the speed to take it for a big gain.
A very well-rounded running back like Ryan Williams will certainly find himself useful in the Patriots' backfield. Where he could improve, according to NFL.com, is on third down. He must also improve in ball security, having fumbled five times in 2009. He only fumbled once in 2010, though, but was plagued by injury and off the field for a good part of the year.
Rodney Hudson, OG/C Florida State
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Would it be sexy? No, but it would sure as heck be a sound pick for an offensive line that's in a great deal of flux at the moment.
Hudson may be a little undersized, but his versatility would make him an asset inside, with the ability to move around and do different things.
What Belichick might love most about Hudson is his field awareness. He quickly recognizes blitzes and line stunts and is able to diagnose the play and whether he should stick to his assignment or help out his teammate.
Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
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I have long felt that Bowers isn't a solid fit with the Patriots, and his stock was dropped almost off the radar to me by his knee problems. ESPN's Tim Graham has a great thought on placing Bowers on injured reserve for 2011 to help him get over that problem. With that in mind, the Patriots have an opportunity to draft Bowers in the second round when many thought he'd be a potential top-five pick.
His 15.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss last year were dominant numbers, but then, there's also the question of his consistency having only produced one top-notch season. Still, his ceiling is through the roof, and with the Patriots pass rush as woeful as it is, Belichick would be foolish not to at least consider Bowers in the second round.
Stephen Paea, DT Oregon State
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Although he's not a traditional 3-4 defensive linemen just yet, he has the athleticism to play the position well. He put up an NFL scouting combine record with 49 bench press reps of 225 pounds. That's a beast right there.
He holds his ground well against the run, and he can even make an impact as a pass rusher. His punishing attitude would be welcome on the Patriots' defensive front.
Allen Bailey, DT Miami
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The Patriots met with Bailey several times throughout the draft process and even made Bailey one of their official visits. He may not be a perfect fit in the 3-4 system, but as a down pass rusher, he can really get the job done on the defensive line from both the inside and outside.
In that regard, he would fit well in the sub package, which is essentially a 4-3 front anyway. He has a high motor, and if he has the football intelligence and if the Patriots think they can scheme him into their defense, he'd be a solid choice in the second round.
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