2013 NFL Mock Draft: FanSided has New England Patriots picking…

Alabama Crimson Tide center/guard Barrett Jones, and it is a selection that I vehemently oppose. I mean, I just don’t see it being a good pick for the New England Patriots in the first round of the draft. Over at FanSided.com, the guys run a weekly mock draft and do a really good job of it, and this is the first time I have outright disagreed with their choice.

You can view the full draft here, by the way.

Some people are listing an interior offensive lineman as a need for the New England Patriots in the 2013 NFL Draft, but I think it is ludicrous to say that it’s a need for this team. Logan Mankins is one of the best guards in the NFL, Dan Connolly and Donald Thomas both have what it takes to be solid starters in this league, and Nick McDonald has incredible versatility and gives the Patriots solid depth. We’ve already seen that he can make solid spot starts. At center, Ryan Wendell has been playing lights out and is an absolute mauler as a run blocker.

If the Patriots want depth, then they can always scoop up a guy like Mitch Petrus again or just draft an unheralded guy in the later rounds. I mean, that’s how they ended up with most of these guys anyway. There is absolutely no need to draft Jones in the first round, because there is no need at the position nor is it good value for the Pats to pick up a center/guard in the late first round anyway.

That’s not a knock on Barrett Jones at all, as he is a great offensive lineman who deserves a first-round grade. But at this point in time, he is not nearly the best choice for the Patriots.

FanSided.com has the Patriots passing up on Tavon Austin, who ends up going to the Houston Texans. Based on what I’ve been hearing from other Patriots writers, Austin is the best pick for the Patriots at this time and the most logical choice in the mock draft. The Pats could have a need in the slot, and Austin is a big-play weapon who would fit the Patriots perfectly. Besides, who doesn’t need more offensive weapons? Austin would be a great new toy in the offense for Tom Brady to play with.

If the Patriots are going to select anybody from Alabama, then it’s going to be Jesse Williams, whom the main site has going two picks later to the Atlanta Falcons.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.