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Evaluating roster chances of every Patriots draft pick

By Connor Fulton

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) runs the ball on a punt return for a touchdown as Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Collin Caflisch (57) defends during the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) runs the ball on a punt return for a touchdown as Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Collin Caflisch (57) defends during the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots draft Joe Thuney
Dec 26, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Matt Dayes (21) and guard Joe Thuney (54) celebrate during the game against the Central Florida Knights at the 2014 St. Petersburg Bowl at Tropicana Field. The North Carolina State Wolfpack defeated the Central Florida Knights 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3, Pick 17 (No. 78 overall) – Joe Thuney

The lowdown: As is often the case with offensive linemen drafted by Bill Belichick, Thuney is multi-talented having played tackle, guard and center at North Carolina State. He is also fast; Thuney recorded a 4.92-second 40-yard dash, the best time out of all the guards in the 2016 class. Pretty impressive for a 305-pound guy.

Where he could fit: Injury bug insurance. Being able to play every position on the line makes Thuney an enticing addition to an offensive line unit that was wiped out due to injuries last season.

Immediate reaction to Patriots selecting Joe Thuney

Who he will be competing against: At guard, Thuney’s main competition will be fellow draft pick Ted Karras and veteran Josh Kline. Tre’ Jackson, Shaq Mason and Jonathan Cooper are pretty much roster locks, so they’re not in the picture. If the Patriots decide they prefer Thuney at tackle, he will be competing with backups Marcus Cannon, Cameron Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle.

Roster chances: 7.5/10. Thuney has a pretty good shot at making the final roster because of that versatility. By not addressing other needs and selecting Thuney in the second round, the Patriots indicated strongly that they want to keep this kid around.

Next: No. 91 overall - Jacoby Brissett

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