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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 Malcolm Mitchell
Oct 31, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (26) against the Florida Gators works out prior to the game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, Pick 14 (No. 112 overall) – Malcolm Mitchell

The lowdown: Mitchell amassed 129 receptions, 1,68 yards yards and 12 touchdowns over his days as a Bulldog. Injuries riddled Mitchell’s college career, as he only played one full season. However, when he was on the field, Mitchell was nothing short of outstanding. At 6-foot-1, he only stands shorter than Aaron Dobson (more on the Mitchell-Dobson conversation in a second).

Where he could fit: The Patriots’ receiving corps needs someone to step up and assume the role of Brandon LaFell circa 2014 (not 2015 when LaFell slumped). In that year, LaFell was enough of a threat on the outside to take advantage of the attention paid to Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman.

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Who he will be competing against: To break into the lineup, Mitchell will have to slog through an abundance of competitors. There’s returning Patriots Dobson, Chris Harper, Keshawn Martin and DeAndre Carter; offseason signings Nate Washington and Chris Hogan; last but not least, fellow 2016 draft pick Devin Lucien. Edelman and Danny Amendola are considered the only roster locks.

Roster chances: 7.5/10. Mitchell may be unproven in the pros, but his fourth round status and high ceiling makes him a very interesting rookie. Yes, it will be a heated battle in training camp against the likes of Dobson, Washington and Hogan, but the Patriots’ tolerance for Dobson is wearing thin and Washington was very clearly signed to a roster bubble contract. Pencil-in Edelman, Amendola, Hogan, Mitchell and Washington as members of the final roster.

Next: No. 208 overall - Kamu Grugier-Hill

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