2014 NFL Draft: Five ‘Perfect Patriots’

Nov 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish nose tackle Louis Nix (1) walks to the sideline in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field. Pitt won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

DT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame

Before we knew that Vince Wilfork would be returning to New England, the Pats taking Louis Nix III could have been the closest thing to a sure bet in this year’s draft. But now that Wilfork is back, the probably of the Patriots selecting him has gone down significantly. With that said, I still think he would fit well with New England. Their two starting defensive tackles, Wilfork and Tommy Kelly, are both coming off of bad season ending injuries. I doubt that either of them will come back 100%, and not only that, they won’t be able to play nearly the amount of plays that they used to. The Pats do have some quality depth behind them, but nothing close to the talent of Nix. The former Jacksonville native is built like a mini Wilfork, and he plays like one as well. Wherever he goes, he will improve one lucky run defense, and I am sure Bill Belichick is thinking about bringing him to Foxboro.