Robert Kraft was recently quoted this offseason as defining the NFL Draft as “the lifeblood” of the New England Patriots. While it is extremely difficult to predict what Bill Belichick will do in the draft, it is always fun to speculate.
Using www.fanspeak.com/ontheclock, I simulated a seven round mock draft as the New England Patriots. I used the big board of player rankings and team needs from Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, which determines what the other 31 teams do in the draft. While some of these players might surprise readers by being available later than what other experts project, remember this was a simulation and not necessarily my predictions on where they’ll land. The simulation also does not allow for trades, so I picked for the current nine selections New England has in the draft.
Round 1, Pick 32: Eli Harold – Virginia – OLB/DE
Harold is a Swiss army knife of an edge player with the ability to play both outside linebacker and put his hand on the ground as a defensive end. While many Patriots fans wouldn’t like this pick as he’s not an offensive lineman, defensive tackle or cornerback, Harold would be a steal at pick 32. While he might be a bit undersized, his explosiveness and skill are enough to make up for it and give the Patriots another versatile defensive weapon to employ in the front seven. A linebacker core of Hightower, Mayo, Collins and Harold could be the best group in the NFL.
Round 2, Pick 64: Byron Jones – UConn – CB
If Byron Jones were available at the end of the second round I would be shocked, making him a no-brainer for the last pick of the second round. Jones is one of the most athletic players available this year, but he isn’t just a workout warrior. He is a talented cornerback, but also has the ability to play some safety and could be an instant contributor on special teams. Being a team captain, great teammate and overall hard worker just makes Jones more attractive for New England.
Round 3, Pick 96: Laken Tomlinson – Duke – G
Tomlinson turned heads at the Senior Bowl when he held his own against Danny Shelton, who is considered one of the top DT prospects of this draft class. Interior offensive line is a major area of need, and the Patriots could find value in the third round, as Tomlinson is a player who should be available on day two of the NFL Draft. While he might be restricted to playing right guard exclusively, Tomlinson would be a welcome addition to the Patriots offensive line.
Round 3, Pick 97: Grady Jarrett – Clemson – DT
The loss of Vince Wilfork puts a need at DT for the Patriots, but Jarrett is not a pure Wilfork replacement. Jarrett is a smaller DT who relies on a quick first step to beat offensive linemen. He projects to be more of an interior pass rusher, and could provide Belichick with another player with a similar skill set to Dominique Easley. A pass rushing line of Chandler Jones, Dominique Easley, Jabaal Sheard and Grady Jarrett could give opposing quarterbacks nightmares and create a lot of pressure.
Round 4, Pick 101: Ben Heeney – Kansas – LB
Heeney is an undersized prospect physically, but makes up for that and more with a high motor and a great work ethic. Heeney would provide depth to not only the linebacker core, but also could be an instant special teams contributor. While he might not project to be a starter at the position, he could add great depth to what has been a relatively thin area for New England lately. The Patriots love players who work hard and are overachievers, and Heeney surely fits the bill.
Round 4, Pick 131: Tyler Lockett – Kansas State – WR
Lockett is a speedy and shifty wide receiver that is also a physical blocker in the run game. He has a top-notch football IQ and is a film rat, which makes him beloved by his coaches. What makes him extremely attractive for the Patriots is how well he runs his routes. He could also step in and have special teams value, as he could be a return specialist. Lockett would be another competitive slot receiver who would complement the current offense with a speed boost.
Round 6, Pick 178: Matt Jones – Florida – RB
The Patriots have lost both Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley this offseason leaving some question marks in the running back group. Jones would be more of a Ridley replacement than Vereen, as he is more of a between the tackles running back. He is a large, physical running back who could take his rookie year as a redshirt year to learn the offense behind LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, James White and Tyler Gaffney.
Round 6, Pick 219: A.J. Derby – Arkansas – TE
The Patriots bolstered their depth at tight end this offseason with the signing of Scott Chandler. They also added Tim Wright before the start of the regular season last year to complement the almighty Rob Gronkowski. Derby would be an interesting late round flier selection, as he has very little experience playing tight end. He is extremely fast for his size, and is dangerous with the ball in space. He projects to be a move tight end, and if he would reach his potential would be a great addition to the tight end group.
Round 7, Pick 253: Geremy Davis – UConn – WR
Two Huskies to the Patriots in the same draft? You better believe it! Davis is an interesting prospect as he poses great size and speed. He has extremely reliable hands as well, shown by him dropping zero passes in the 2014 season. He could have issues creating separation in the NFL, but would at least provide some camp competition for the fourth wide receiver spot along with Aaron Dobson, Brian Tyms, Brandon Gibson and Kevin Dorsey.