Analyzing the New England Patriots 2015 NFL Mock Draft Picks
By Hal Bent
Pete Prisco – CBSSports.com Mock Draft 5.0
Nov 29, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles offensive tackle Cameron Erving (75) holds a gator head in the air after defeating against the Florida Gators 24-19 at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots — Florida State G Cameron Erving: He can play guard and center and we know how the Patriots love that versatility.
My analysis: New England received great value after drafting a center out of Florida State last season when they tabbed center Brian Stork in the fourth round at #105 overall. Drafting another Florida State center the next year with their first round pick seems unlikely. Erving was an All-American left tackle before moving to center. Erving’€™s versatility, athleticism, and power has him flying up draft boards. Initially thought of as a mid-second round draft pick, many mocks have him going near the end of the first round. New England. While the Patriots may love his versatility, Erving looks likely to go as high as #25 overall to offensive line needy Carolina or #28 or #29 overall to the Broncos and Colts who both need upgrades on the offensive line.
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Brent Sobleski – Bleacher Report Mock Draft
Sep 19, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies cornerback Byron Jones (16) during the second half against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls defeated the Connecticut Huskies 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots
The Pick: Cornerback Byron Jones, Connecticut
Life is good for the reigning Super Bowl champions. There aren’t any glaring deficiencies on New England’s roster, and the team’s depth is solid across the board. The Patriots will still address numerous positions in the draft, but cornerback took the biggest hit after Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner left the team via free agency. With Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Alfonzo Dennard and the newly acquired Bradley Fletcher, the Patriots can field a competent cornerback crew. But the group lacks the talent, length and aggressiveness it featured a year ago. Jones wouldn’t come in and replace either of the departed cornerbacks, but his blend of size (6’1″, 199 lbs), raw athleticism and the right attitude for “The Patriot Way” €”he was an academic all-conference performer and team captain€ makes him an intriguing fit for Bill Belichick’s defense.
My analysis: Another vote for Jones and upgrading the cornerback crew for New England. Drafting a cornerback makes sense with the Patriots definitely having a need at the position, but having cornerback needy New Orleans drafting at #31 makes one wonder if Jones will be there at #32 overall.
Next: Here Are The Third Group Of Mock Drafts