Using FanSpeak's "On the Clock" draft simulator, I was able to take control drafting duties for the New England Patriots. The Patriots have a few positions that need upgrading this offseason. They could use some pass rushers, some offensive line depth, and possibly a few more weapons for Brady. The Patriots start their draft at the 29th pick, where they immediately focus on the defensive side of the ball...
1(29) Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame Tuitt is a 6'7", 315 pound defensive lineman who can play any position on the line. He played defensive end in Notre Dame's 3-4 defense and recorded 7.5 sacks from there in 2013. However, Tuitt has the size to move inside in a 4-3 defense. Tuitt could provide depth as a defensive end, or bring some pressure as an inside lineman and we all know Bill Belichick loves versatility. 2(62) Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame Troy Niklas is a pass catching tight end who could be a great addition to Brady's weapons. At 6'6" Niklas will serve as a matchup nightmare to both linebackers and safeties. He could help the Patriots go back to the two tight end offense that they thrived with before Hernandez's release. Niklas has the potential to be Rob Gronkowski-esque with his size, physicality, and superior blocking abilities. 3(93) Kelcy Quarles, DT, South Carolina Quarles is more of a pass rushing defensive tackle than a run stuffing tackle. While the Patriots do need a run stopping guy in the middle, with Brandon Spikes leaving via free agency and Vince Wilfork coming off of a major injury, Quarles could still be a valuable addition to the defensive line. If Wilfork can come back as a force, he would serve as the run stopper while Quarles provides extra pressure on the quarterback. One observation that is worth nothing, however, is that Quarles, 9.5 sacks in 2013, recorded most of his big plays while teammate Jadeveon Clowney was being double teamed. Wilfork could take up extra defenders allowing Quarles to get to the quarterback, but if Wilfork does not return to form, how will Quarles perform? 4(126) AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama He came right out and said he wanted to play for the Patriots and back up Tom Brady. How can you not like a guy like that? He truly is all about winning and would love to improve his game behind the best quarterback of all time. 6(182) Kadeem Edwards, OG, Tennessee State From CBS Sports, "Scouts love linemen with long arms and Edwards has the longest of any of the athletes measured Monday at the Senior Bowl, measuring in at 34½ inches. The 6-4 1/8, Edwards also showed good weight distribution with a relatively trim middle at 308 pounds." Edwards, named to the AP FCS Second All-American team would provide size and depth on the offensive line. 6(190) Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbuilt Hal, Second Team All-SEC, has great speed and was dubbed "one of the leagues best cover corners" by the Sports XChange. Hal has good size for a cornerback standing at 6'1". In 2013 he had 14 passes defended to go along with three interceptions. The Patriots have some good young cornerbacks in Alfonzo Dennard and Logan Ryan; however, with Aqib Talib's future unknown, and his inability to stay on the field, they could use another solid cornerback. 7(221) Michael Schofield, G, Michigan As stated before, the Patriots could use some depth on the offensive line. Schofield was a guard as a sophomore for the Wolverines, but transitioned to tackle for his final two years. Schofield is now making the move back to guard to show off his versatility to NFL scouts. Again, Bill Belichick loves versatility and Schofield would provide depth across the the offensive line. Who knows, Bill may even have him learn center. You can view the entire mock draft here.
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SAMUEL PERICOLOSam is a graduate of Assumption College where he studied History, Marketing, and Political Science and was a Co-Producer on a weekly sports talk television show. Archives
March 2018
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