PATRIOTS TEAM MOCK

April 28, 2015

I got a late request to do a PATRIOTS Mock. This can often turn into a bit of an exercise in futility. Trying to read the mind of LITTLE BILL is tough as heck. But why not give it a shot. Let me start though, by saying that the team has already acknowledged that they don’t see the need to add 9 new drafted rookies to the roster. So in reality, be ready for some Draft weekend trading in all probability, to get a couple extra picks to play with next year.

Round 1, Pick 32 NELSON AGHOLOR/WR/SOUTHERN CAL/6’0/198 GBN Rank: 37
It is never a bad thing to find new targets for TOM BRADY as long as he intends to stick around… which he says he does. This guy could allow the team to clear 2-3 dead spaces within their receiving corps. He has better speed than many thought (4.42) and catches everything near him. He is also good at route running and gaining yards after the catch. He should be the kind of player who will adjust his style to fit his QB’s needs. Once BRADY trusts him he’ll luv him.

Round 2, Pick 64 DENZEL PERRYMAN/ILB/MIAMI/5’11/236 GBN Rank: 67
PERRYMAN doesn’t fit the mold on the size front, but his productivity and effort cannot be questioned. He should be a big new piece for Special Teams play and adds depth to a thin LB group. Given time they will find ways to use his “balls out” approach to the game. Could make a solid addition in a unit that has been plagued by injuries the past few seasons. They also lost AYERS & CASILLAS in VFA this off-season.

Round 3, Pick 96 ALI MARPET/C/G/HOBART/6’4/307 GBN Rank: 96
This small school star will provide too sorely needed qualities to the OL group. He is versatile and very athletic. Was the only OL in Indy to record a sub 5.00/40. Even if he doesn’t earn a starting spot right away you can bet he’ll have a chance to dress on game days because he may be able to back-up all 5 OL slots if needed. A nice piece to add to an aging interior OL group.

Round 3, Pick 97 XAVIER COOPER/DL/WASHINGTON STATE/6’3/293 GBN Rank: 97
Once again a very solid, athletic guy with versatility. He doesn’t replace WILFORK, but he can probably add another 10 lbs. of muscle once in an NFL weight room. He can do a bit of everything and is scheme diverse. Also shows good movement ability with an impressive 4.82/40 at the Combine. Could be good 3-technique with some pass rush push. Also fits the mold as a 4-3 DE. Should have considerable upside for a creative defense like PATS run from game to game.

Round 4, Pick 101 T.J. YELDON/RB/ALABAMA/6’1/226 GBN Rank: 109
YELDON should fit in nicely with the current stable of RB in New England. He can catch out of the backfield,and as you’d expect coming from ‘Bama he can protect his QB. Tough runner between the tackles but can bust it out at times with 4.54 speed. Not the monster size of BLOUNT but comes in with fresher legs and attitude. He sees the field well and has the feet to make quick cuts to open spaces.

Round 4, Pick 131 RONALD DARBY/CB/FLORIDA STATE/5’11/194 GBN Rank: 139
DARBY got lost a bit in the talent shuffle at FSU, but he’s a feisty guy with sub 4.40/40 speed. Is solid against the run and shows some zone blitz ability, which DC PATRICIA will use in due time. They’re not replacing REVIS here, that cannot be done. So the best bet is get in functional guys who as a group can get the job done. Some like DARBY more than PJ WILLIAMS and his baggage. Has small and unsure hands, so don’t expect big INT numbers from him though.

Round 6, Pick 177 FRANK CLARK/DE/ER/MICHIGAN/6’3/271 GBN Rank: 187
Were it not for some domestic violence accusations this guy might have a lot of buzz. You can bet this team will have checked that issue out. I see him as a faster NINKOVICH with his size, speed (4.79/40) and athleticism. Will pursue like hell and create pocket pressure from different positions. Can drop into coverage in select situations, but you want him going forward most of the time.

Round 6, Pick 217 DEON SIMON/DT/NW LOUISIANA/6’4/321 GBN Rank: 219
Here is the body to replace WILFORK for half the defensive snaps in a game. Very big hands (10″) and good strength in his upper body. Bench pressed 35 reps at Combine. Not a full time player but a strong rotational guy. His 5.12/40 was a nice surprise at the Combine as well. Needs to get into better condition to really contribute at the pro level. Looks to have a lot of upside.

Round 7, Pick 219 GERALD CHRISTIAN/TE/LOUISVILLE/6’3/244 GBN Rank: 220
A nice quality pick for Round 7. Could develop into a legit option to work with TIM WRIGHT in the old HERNANDEZ “move” role. He does a bit of everything and is solid hands-catcher with 10 3/4″ meat hooks for hands. He flashed at times on a very talented roster in college. Not a great blocker, but he will mix it up with defenders. PATS could be just the right team to whip him into a more consistent player and put him in position to make plays. Plays a bit faster than his 4.84 timed 40. He clearly has some upside.