Mel Kiper Mock Draft 2.0 : Patriots Select WR Devin Funchess

ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. has released his second NFL mock draft, and he has the Patriots going with wide receiver Devin Funchess out of Michigan with the 32nd pick. This is the second time I have seen Funchess mocked to New England, and while he is certainly an interesting prospect, I don’t want to see the Pats go his way come May.

Via Pats Pulpit, here is what Kiper had to say on the selection:

"Tom Brady showed that his window as an elite performer at quarterback is still wide open. And while the Patriots seem to always make it work in the passing game to some extent, that’s more on Brady’s brilliance than it is about how reliable the pass-catching options are. It’s just a reality that Rob Gronkowski has faced his share of injuries. And while Julian Edelman,Brandon LaFell and others proved plenty adequate last season, the Patriots could use more assurances that the passing game won’t take a major step back if one of those guys lands on the shelf.Funchess is more of a big wide receiver than a small tight end, because there’s no blocking expected here, but he’s a legit matchup threat with a big catch radius and the ability to run routes and create space even against decent cornerbacks. I like where New England’s defense is now, though help on the defensive line is never a bad thing. That said, if the board breaks this way, Funchess would be a nice addition."