2013 Draft: Pats Wish-List

Nov 10, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) catches a pass against Missouri Tigers defensive back E.J. Gaines (31) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Missouri defeated Tennessee 51-48 in quadruple overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

With the Patriots trading their first round draft pick to the Vikings last night, they now have two second round picks, and two third rounders to use tonight. This is the best possible scenario for them in my opinion because the most value is in these third and fourth rounds. There are a lot of good young players out there and here are four that I would like the Patriots to draft based on need, and talent.

1. Justin Hunter WR

This may be a bit of a dream because Hunter is one of the best players left in the draft and the Patriots’ first pick is way down at number 20. However, they now have the draft chips to be able to move up and get somebody like Hunter. He is a big guy at 6’4 and 205 pounds, and he could bring that vertical presence on the outside that has been missing from the Patriots offense. He put up great numbers in 2012 as he recorded 73 receptions 1083 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Pats would probably have to give up quite a bit to move up and get Hunter, but it would be worth it.

2. Jamar Taylor CB

I wrote about Taylor earlier this week, and I have not changed my opinion. Taylor is a guy that brings great instincts and ball skills to a zone defense. That is a key note, because from everything that I have heard and watched, Taylor would not fit well in a scheme that played a lot of press defense. But I would love for the Pats to select Taylor and have him play as sort of a ‘dime’ back, and let him go out and make some plays. Taylor is also a guy that will most likely be picked early in the second round so the Patriots would have to probably make a trade to get him.

3.  Alex Okafor DE

I love this guy. I watched every single game he has played in the last couple of years and I have been dreaming of the day that he could possibly end up in New England. Okafor already has the body of an NFL defensive end as he is 6’4 and 264 pounds. He is quick off of the ball and already has some good moves to get pressure on the quarterback. I think he could fit in nicely as a situation pass rusher for the Pats and if he falls to them in the second or third round, I think it would be a huge steal for them.

4. Margus Hunt DT

Hunt is an interesting guy. He is a giant at 6’8 and 277 pounds, but he is surprisingly quick off the ball. I think Hunt could be a ‘project’ type of guy to go along with Vince Wilfork. I think Hunt has a ton of potential, and if he is developed right then the benefits could be great for New England.