Based on the positional needs of running back, offensive tackle, pass catcher, cornerback and inside linebacker, here are five prospects the New England Patriots should target in the 2016 NFL Draft:
5. C.J. Prosise
If the Patriots don’t sign a power back like Chris Ivory in free agency, then they should seriously consider selecting Prosise in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Standing at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, Prosise is one of the more physically imposing running backs in the 2016 class. Interestingly, Prosise is relatively new to the position having played safety and wide receiver for Notre Dame earlier in his collegiate career. But when Tarean Folston sustained a knee injury in the 2015 opener, the Fighting Irish handed the ball carrying duties to Prosise, and he flourished.
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Much like LeGarrette Blount (who the Patriots should cut ties with this offseason), Prosise almost always gains an extra half yard or more while being tackled. Prosise is extremely hard to stop, and he bursts through holes after being patient enough to let them open up in front of him.
Prosise is projected to be taken off the board in the middle rounds. Considering how long running backs stay available in drafts these days, don’t be surprised if the Patriots are able to nab him in the fifth or even sixth round.
Next: 4. OT Joe Haeg
4. Joe Haeg
Considering the fact that Sebastian Vollmer isn’t getting any younger and the poor depth behind Nate Solder and Vollmer at tackle, the Patriots need to invest in the position. An upgrade over the likes of Marcus Cannon, Cameron Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle isn’t just possible—it’s paramount.
According to Draft Insider’s Tony Pauline, the Patriots have North Dakota State tackle Haeg on their mind these days.
New England Patriots sent a lot of time with Joe Haeg/OT/NDSU this morning. Haeg was a standout during North practice this afternoon.
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) January 27, 2016
Athletic for a big man at 6-foot-6, 293 yards, Haeg looks the part of the next stalwart Patriots’ offensive lineman. He has humble beginnings, having walked on to the Bison as a freshman in 2011; he leaves North Dakota State with two All-American nods.
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What the Patriots look for in offensive linemen they draft, however, is more than personal accolades. The Patriots love to select offensive linemen who have helped pilot their college teams to championships. Just look at recent picks like Bryan Stork and Tre’ Jackson, both of whom were part of national championship-winning Florida State teams.
As for Haeg, he has won five consecutive national championships with the Bison. You can see why the Patriots are so keen on Haeg.
Next: 3. WR Braxton Miller
3. Braxton Miller
Miller is another intriguing prospect who Pauline has connected with the Patriots’ pre-draft thought process.
Told right now the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots & KC Chiefs like Braxton Miller/WR/Ohio State in round two.
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) January 28, 2016
Imagine how scary the Patriots’ offense would be with a player like Miller playing alongside Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Rob Gronkowski and Dion Lewis.
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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
2. Deiondre’ Hall
Although the Patriots are pretty much all set at the two starting cornerback spots, they need to consider adding another promising prospecting to the secondary. In today’s NFL, you simply can’t have enough good cornerbacks.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Hall is one of the lankiest corners in the 2016 class. He embodies just about everything that NFL coaches look for in the modern cover man.
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Here is Hall elaborating on his strong suits:
"My length is a huge part of my game. At Northern Iowa we played a lot of press man, so that transition to the NFL … I wouldn’t be surprised if I am taken somewhere to play press man. I use my length. That’s one of my main strengths. At the point of attack, being able to be two to three yards away from a receiver and keep my hands on him is huge."
Furthermore, Hall has a knack for the big play, as evidenced by his six picks (two of which were returned for touchdowns) in just 11 games this season. Over the course of his four seasons, Hall accumulated 13 interceptions and four pick-sixes.
Next: 1. ILB Scooby Wright III
1. Scooby Wright III
The uncertain future of Jerod Mayo puts the Patriots in a position of need at the inside linebacker position entering the 2016 NFL Draft. The depth behind stars Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins leaves something to be desired; an upgrade over the likes of Jonathan Freeny, Jon Bostic, Darius Fleming and Dekoda Watson is certainly possible.
Unheralded out of high school, Wright surpassed expectations as a freshman at Arizona before breaking out on the national stage as a sophomore in 2014. That year, he earned the Bednarik, Lombardi and Nagurski awards after producing 163 tackles, 29 tackles for loss (which led the country), six forced fumbles (tied for most in the nation) and 14.5 sacks (which led all linebackers).
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2015 was a bit of a bummer for Wright, as a torn left meniscus limited him to just three games. He’s riding the wave of that outstanding sophomore season into the 2016 NFL Draft, forgoing a senior season at Arizona.
It’s hard to think of a better fit behind Hightower and Collins in the 2016 linebacker class than Wright. It also doesn’t hurt that he has an awesome name.
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Keep these five names in mind as we get closer to the 2016 NFL Draft.