New England Patriots Seven Round Mock Draft 5.0

Nov 2, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (91) during the second quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Illinois 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

Round Three, Pick 93: Daquan Jones (DT, Penn State)

Now it is time to settle that second big need for the Patriots, the defensive tackle position, and this man will fill it nicely. Daquan Jones is a part of what I’d call the second wave of good defensive tackles, with Dominique Easley being the end of the first wave, and while Jones isn’t the special talent Easley and the four others that came before him, he’s a solid player, that could contribute some now, and be a starter in a few years. Jones does one thing great, stop the run. He’s a large and imposing man at 6’4, 320 pounds and simply eats up space in the middle of the defensive line. He is capable of playing both as a 4-3 defensive tackle, or more suitably playing nose tackle, similar to what Vince Wilfork does. Jones is still a bit of a project, and does have consistency problems when it comes to finishing plays, he’s an excellent prospect and could be asked to contribute some and help to give guys like Wilfork and Kelly time off when they aren’t needed, so they stay fresher as the season goes on.

Other Options: DE Chris Smith, DT, Will Sutton, WR Donte Moncreif