We’ve been studying up on the 2011 NFL Draft for longer than we care to admit, but this is our first look at the Patriots 2011 NFL Draft in its entirety. Here is the list of 2011 Patriots Draft Picks that we used, and the current 2011 NFL Draft Order.
Feel free to chime in each time and tell us what picks you agree or disagree with or how you might change the draft – be it by different picks or innovative trades. On to our first Patriots Mock Draft!
1st Round (via OAK)
We here at NEPD are fond of saying that the Patriots have the best “worst defense” around. That said, some consistent pressure on the QB would really help out the young secondary. Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Purdue) would certainly help out in that department. His non-stop motor and repertoire of moves/counters would provide Belichick a weapon to deploy from many different angles.
1st Round
While Patriots fans might be sick of the front office spending high picks on defensive backs, Coach Belichick realizes that you can’t have enough of them. When Leigh Bodden wen’t down with an injury, the Patriots were fortunate to have Devin McCourty right there to pick up the pieces. Brandon Meriweather has regressed this year, and Pat Chung is better with a solid cover safety with him. Rahim Moore (S, UCLA) would give the Patriots a smooth, reliable, cover option that doesn’t make many mistakes.
2nd Round (via CAR)
With the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Logan Mankins, Stephen Neal, and even Matt Light, expect the offensive line prospects to get a healthy look this spring. Ben Ijalana (OL, Villanova) is a menacing figure that reminds us a lot of Mankins. He can play multiple positions well, has a mean streak, and can move his feet well. Patriots scouts have visited Villanova a couple of times already this year.
2nd Round
With the Raiders failing to be bad enough for Marcell Dareus (DE, Alabama) to be an option, another seven or eight 5-tech defensive end prospects instantly became on the Patriots wish list. Muhammad Wilkerson (DE, Temple) is a relatively unknown prospect to mainstream fans that will make some waves come draft season. He is an ideal 3-4 DE who sheds blockers with ease and can anchor against double teams. There are a host of other 3-4 guys that the Patriots may look at, but Wilkerson is the most likely to be around in this spot come April.
3rd Round (via MIN)
Clint Boling (OL, Georgia) is another four-position lineman that will shore up any depth issues that the Patriots could be facing on the offensive line in 2011. He is a great run-blocker that can struggle at times against quicker defenders. Best-suited at guard for in New England.
3rd Round
The Patriots running backs have done an excellent job this year, although Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, and even maybe Kevin Faulk may have reached their shelf life. Daniel Thomas (RB, Kansas State) would inject some new blood to go with Green-Ellis and Woodhead. He runs hard and is shifty enough to make NFL defenders miss.
4th Round
According to “Planet Theory”, there are only a few guys that can play 3-4 NT in the world. Kendrick Ellis (DT, Hampton) is one of those guys. He should add some competition to the wide-open depth chart behind Vince Wilfork if he can keep his work ethic up.
5th Round
Ricky Stanzi (QB, Iowa) is a college quarterback that flashes the tools that NFL scouts love: poise, arm, feet, mind. That said, he also flashes some bad habits that need to be coached up. Stanzi would be a project 3rd QB for the Patriots that they would hope to develop into a starter someday.
6th Round
Dain Taylor (DE/OLB, Drake) is a DII player that projects as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. His relentless style of play and solid fundamentals make him a solid prospect for the Patriots practice squad or a darkhorse to make the team, a la Dane Fletcher.
2011 Patriots Mock Draft 1.0 is a post from: NE Patriots Draft
Related posts:
- 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Round Two – Picks 49-64
- 2010 Patriots NFL Mock Draft 2.0
- 2011 NFL Mock Draft – Round 2
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