2013 NFL Draft: New England Patriots possible selections
By Jeff Kane
Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL former player Deion Sanders announces the number sixty overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Setting the table for day 3 of the NFL Draft .
The Patriots have 4 selections. They have a fourth and 3 sevenths. The 4th rounder is one to watch. It is the 5th overall in the round. The Pats could go many ways with this pick. They could trade it for more picks this year or a 3rd next. They could select a player that could contribute on special teams. They could select a QB like Matt Barkley, similar to the Mallett selection two years ago. This could make Mallett and after draft trade candidate to the Browns for a conditional 2nd round pick.
Players I could see the Patriots going after are
Jesse Williams DL Alabama
He would fill a nice need next to Wilfork. He is big and strong. He is probably best fit as a nose tackle in a 34 alignment but could team well with BIG Vince and ultimately become his replacement. He played for Nick Saban so you know he can play for BB. His selection would also allow good versatility on the defense and allow the team to switch between odd and even fronts.
Quinton Patton WR Louisiana Tech.
I am quite surprised that Patton is still here. I have seen around the web that he had first round potential. This could be the classic double tip the Patriots have done in the last few years. In 2010 they selected 2 tight ends in Gronk and Hernandez. 2011 Running back with Ridley and Vereen. So Patton teamed with Dobson could give the Pats 2 shots to groom a nice rookie receiver. I have seen comparisons to Reggie Wayne. His route running and quickness could be a nice asset for the Patriots.
Alex Okafor DE Texas
While the Patriots have already selected Jaime Collins, a second pass rusher could help. Okafor has good speed and is tall at 6’4″ and 260 lbs. Versatility could be the question. Could he stand up and cover as well as play with his hand in the dirt?
Marcus Lattimore HB South Carolina
Had Lattimore not been injured last season, a devastating knee injury with torn ligaments and a dislocation, he would of been the first back off the board. Patriots fans may remember former HB Robert Edwards who after a dislocated knee injury on the sand in Hawaii was never the same. Someone is gonna take him and get a great back. The Patriots look set at HB but this may be a spot to bring in the best available player on the board.
Barrett Jones C Alabama
Another Alabama player and another position of need for the Patriots. They need interior line depth. Jones centered an amazing line at Alabama and could be brought along well by Scar. He has a high football IQ and played for Saban so he could be just what the Patriots are looking for.
One of the previous 5 players will be there when the Patriots draft in the 4th round. Maybe Belichick will see it my way. I highly doubt that. I can see him seeing the value in Alabama players. Belichick has a history of taking players from coaches he knows.
I expect the Patriots to Trade 2 of the 7th to move up to the 6th round. With their final pick I could see the Patriots brining in a QB. I would look for players like Sean Renfree from Duke or Jeff Tuel from Washington State.
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