New England Patriots 7 Round Mock Draft 1.0

Sep 5, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils safety Alden Darby breaks up a pass intended for a Sacramento State Hornets receiver in the first quarter at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Round Six, Pick 198: Joe Don Duncan (TE, Dixie State)

Time to double dip a tight end in the sixth round, and the Patriots get a really interesting prospect in small school player Joe Don Duncan. Duncan won’t be someone who’s going to come in and give good production on year one, but as the year goes on, he could become a bit producer, catching here and there and providing some good blocking with his excellent 6’3, 270 pound frame. His strength isn’t in question, he was the top performer in the bench press at the combine with 35 reps, so he’s someone who can hopefully be able to take on pass rushers, and create some space for himself against linebackers, and bully cornerbacks. Finally, as we all know, versatility is something that Bill Belichick and the Patriots value highly, and Duncan brings that as an emergency long snapper.

Round Six, Pick 206: Matt Patchan (OT, Boston College)

Time for some offensive line depth, and the Patriots get a close to home product in Boston College’s Matt Patchan. Formerly a highly sought after recruit, he’s fallen quite a bit because of injury concerns, but has the natural size and athletic gifts to play in the NFL. He won’t do much in his first year, but could be a valuable practice squad candidate, and with some work, could be a very nice backup.

Round Seven, Pick 244: Alden Darby (S, Arizona State)

The final pick of this first New England Patriots Seven Round Mock Draft will be Arizona State’s safety, Alden Darby. Darby gives the Patriots one more safety to their roster, but more importantly provides them with some special teams depth. If he is forced to play, he gives great versatility as he can play pretty much every position in the secondary. He’s a very smart player, and makes up for lack of truly great physical skills with aforementioned smarts. At this point, he’s just going to provide practice squad depth, but could be a valuable special teamer in years to come.