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5 players Patriots should target in 2016 NFL Draft

By Connor Fulton

Nov 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back C.J. Prosise (20) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Notre Dame won 42-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back C.J. Prosise (20) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Notre Dame won 42-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Braxton Miller
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Braxton Miller

Miller is another intriguing prospect who Pauline has connected with the Patriots’ pre-draft thought process.

Imagine how scary the Patriots’ offense would be with a player like Miller playing alongside Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Rob Gronkowski and Dion Lewis.

Top 10 Quarterbacks in Patriots history

Frankly, the Patriots’ offense suffered without a consistent playmaker not named Edelman or Amendola or Gronk. Brandon LaFell never fully shook the case of the dropsies that he debuted with in Week 7 against the New York Jets, and while Keshawn Martin is a solid player, he’s not exactly tearing defenses apart.

Miller would have plenty of desirable opportunities to display his open field running ability in such a loaded offense. The problem is, the Patriots just aren’t very good at drafting and grooming wide receivers.

Deion Branch and Julian Edelman are pretty much the only success Bill Belichick has experienced in the wide receiver drafting department. Most of the time, wideouts taken in the draft by the Patriots don’t pan out—just look at Bethel Johnson, Chad Jackson and Taylor Price.

But you can’t score if you don’t shoot. Who knows, maybe Miller is the next quarterback-turned-wideout to become a star, following in the footsteps of Edelman.

Next: 2. CB Deiondre’ Hall

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