Analyzing the New England Patriots 2015 NFL Mock Draft Picks

Todd McShay – ESPN Mock Draft 4.0

Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies defensive back Byron Jones catches a pass in a workout drill during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1st Round #32 overall: Byron Jones

COLLEGE: Connecticut

Class: Sr

HT: 6-0

WT: 199

POS: CB

Running back Melvin Gordon is an intriguing option for the Patriots here, as is nose tackle Jordan Phillips, who could step in to replace Vince Wilfork. But cornerback is the team’s biggest need right now after losing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency, and Jones has elite tools for the position. He has very good size, range and athleticism (including a ridiculous broad jump of 12 feet, 3 inches and a nearly-as-impressive vertical of 44.5 inches), and while he needs to improve his patience and anticipation skills, he is a hard worker who should take well to coaching.

My analysis: While McShay brings up Gordon, I would be very surprised to see the Patriots take a running back in the first round for the first time since Laurence Maroney at #21 overall in 2006. Phillips would be a bit of a reach at #32 overall but I could see New England trading down with a team like New Orleans–who has multiple picks–and may try to end up with three first round selections. Jones is an athletic prospect but whose UConn pedigree brings to mind 2009 second round draft pick Darius Butler. Cornerback is a definite possibility but New England’s inability to draft and develop players in the secondary makes the top selection of a raw but athletic cornerback in need of coaching a questionable selection.

*

Mel Kiper – ESPN Mock Draft 3.0

Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad defensive tackle Carl Davis of Iowa (71) enters the field during player introductions before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North won, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

1st Round #32 overall: Carl Davis

New England Patriots (12-4)

COLLEGE: Iowa

Class: Sr

HT: 6-4

WT: 320

POS: DT

Analysis: With the Patriots declining the option on Vince Wilfork, this pick makes a lot of sense. Davis had a fantastic week at the Senior Bowl, the question will be whether NFL evaluators believe they’ll get that kind of player on a consistent basis, because Davis didn’t always show that kind of ability at Iowa, where you wouldn’t confuse him for a consistent disruptor against the pass. Davis won’t collapse the pocket, but he can certainly hold the point against multiple blockers in the run game, which is something the Patriots are going to miss from Wilfork. No, Davis is not Wilfork, but he has a similar profile in terms of what he does best, and he can certainly deepen the rotation. Cornerback could also be a major need here, but it’s really hard to say on that one before free agency.

My analysis: Kiper has New England adding to the defensive line with a high draft pick for the second consecutive season. Whether Belichick drafts a nose tackle with Sealver Siliga a solid nose tackle and Alan Branch and Dominique Easley set to play defensive end, Davis is a solid run-stuffer. The signing of outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard and drafting Easley last year (along with project pass rusher Zach Moore in the sixth round) shows the Patriots are leaning towards emphasizing generating pressure on the quarterback with their front seven, drafting a run-stuffer seems like a move the Patriots would make ten years ago.

Next: Here Are The Second Group Of Mock Drafts