Analyzing the New England Patriots 2015 NFL Mock Draft Picks
By Hal Bent
Kevin Roberts – FantasyPros.com 2015 NFL Mock Draft
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back T.J. Yeldon (4) runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots – T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama
Stevan Ridley is coming off of a shredded knee, Shane Vereen signed with the Giants and LeGarrette Blount can no€™t be counted on for forever. If the Patriots don’t suddenly jump into the Adrian Peterson sweepstakes, perhaps they get a long-term bruiser in the somewhat underrated Yeldon. New England also has major needs at cornerback and on the defensive line, but Yeldon is the better value by far when compared to the top remaining players at those positions.
My analysis: I just do not see the Patriots investing a first round pick in a running back with James White, Travaris Cadet, Brandon Bolden, and LeGarrette Blount already on the roster. It is just not a big need right now. Despite what the analysts love to say about Bill Belichick on draft day, the Patriots are TOTALLY a team that ALWAYS drafts for need in the first round: Easley is the interior pass rush they desperately needed, Chandler Jones was the outside pass rusher they were desperate for in 2012; Nate Solder was the replacement at tackle for Matt Light; Â Devin McCourty stepped into a decimated secondary in 2010; Jerod Mayo filled a need replacing Tedy Bruschi at linebacker; Brandon Meriweather was picked in 2007 to step in for Rodney Harrison; Laurence Maroney was supposed to replace Corey Dillon in 2006; Logan Mankins filled a glaring need in the interior offensive line; and the Patriots built their defense around a young defensive line with first round picks in 2004 (Wilfork), 2003 (Ty Warren), and 2001 (Richard Seymour). Heck, they even tried building a two-tight end offense early on in Belichick’€™s tenure with first round picks on Daniel Graham and Ben Watson.
The Patriots NEVER draft the best player available with their top pick: they draft for need. Determine their biggest need and that is the position they pick. The question now is whether it is interior offensive line or cornerback where they need to fill.
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Bucky Brooks – NFL.com Mock Draft 4.0
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut defensive back Byron Jones speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
PICK NO.32 – New England Patriots
BYRON JONES, CB – CONNECTICUT
The combine star is more than a workout warrior. Jones exhibits solid cover skills and instincts in zone and has the athleticism to challenge receivers in man coverage.
My analysis: Everyone loves Byron Jones. Wow. Now if he just is on the board at #32…
Next: Here Are The Fourth Group Of Mock Drafts