New England Patriots 7 Round Mock Draft 3.0
November 23, 2012; Boston, MA USA; Massachusetts Minutemen tight end Rob Blanchflower (87) catches a punt during warmups prior to a game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Round Six, Pick 198: Rob Blanchflower (TE, University of Massachusetts)
Taking Jace Amaro in the second round, leaves the Patriots with a need for another blocking tight end, and a home grown prospect could be a great fit here, in Rob Blanchflower. He’s not a superstar tight end waiting to happen, he doesn’t have great athleticism, and is only a marginal pass catcher, but he brings some powerful blocking, and at this point in the draft, you’re looking for players with specific talents, and Blanchflower has that. If you need him to make a catch or two, he can do that, but his value is in run blocking, and he does that very well.
Round Six, Pick 206: Brandon Thomas (OG, Clemson)
Similar to Aaron Murray, Brandon Thomas is an unfortunate case who only recently tore his ACL, and cost himself a number of rounds in the NFL Draft. Originally considered a second or third round pick, or if you’re Matt Moore, a potential first round pick, Thomas will be dropping a lot when the draft comes along. He won’t be playing this year most likely, but if the Patriots were willing to spend a late round pick on him, and stash him away for next year, it could come back to really help them, as when Thomas is healthy, he could potentially be competing for a starting role next year.
Round Seven, Pick 244: Andrew Jackson (ILB, Western Kentucky)
Jackson is another faller that the Patriots could take advantage of, because of his suspect character, and weight gains of late. The Patriots have a rather serious need for a backup linebacker, and Jackson if he plays up to the level many think he can play on, could become that player they desire. He doesn’t have great speed, but is very thick and can use his considerable strength when it comes to run stuffing. Finally, he’s a pretty sure tackler, and could be a special teams contributor in his first couple years.