Though it remains a mystery which player - or even what position - the New England Patriots will select in next week's NFL Draft, we do now know which former player will do the honors of announcing some of the picks.
The team's second- and third-round selections will be unveiled next Friday in Kansas City by former offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer.
He was drafted by the Patriots in 2009 and started 80 games over eight seasons during the dynasty years before retiring in 2016. During his playing career he won two Super Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro in 2010. He made the Patriots’ All-2010s Decade Team, as well as New England's All-Dynasty Team.
The Pats enter the draft with 11 picks, including 14th overall. Barring trades, Vollmer is scheduled to stride to the podium and announce one pick each in the second and third round.
Among its many needs after a disappointing 8-9 season in which it missed the playoffs for the second time in three years, New England could use a steady offensive lineman in the mold of Vollmer. It is also looking for a No. 1 receiver and a No. 1 cornerback in the draft.
Last year it was former defensive lineman Lawrence Guy who announced New England's second-round selection of Baylor receiver Tyquan Thornton and Houston cornerback/kick returner Marcus Jones in the third round.
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