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New England Patriots: 2017 Seven-Round Mock Draft

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina-Charlotte 49ers defensive back Larry Ogunjobi participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

DL, LARRY OGUNJOBI, CHARLOTTE

With the first pick for the Patriots in the 2017 NFL Draft, they selected defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi from Charlotte. Even though Ogunjobi might not be a household name as a college player, he would be good value for the Patriots at this point in the draft.

In two seasons at Charlotte, Ogunjobi was a force in the middle. He was able to total 127 total tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Playing at Charlotte means that his competition wasn’t the greatest. However, he is projected to be a second-round pick by CBS. In the early third round, there is value here for the Patriots.

Compared to Jonathan Allen of Alabama who will likely be an early first round pick, Ogunjobi not only had a better 40-time than him but also was able to beat him on the bench press. Just because he had a good NFL Combine doesn’t mean that he will be a good player, but Ogunjobi proved he has a great work ethic.

Even though the Patriots have some young talent on the interior of their defensive line, they relied heavily on Alan Branch in 2016. At over 30-years-old, Branch won’t be around forever. Ogunjobi might need some seasoning as a third-round pick, and he could help contribute in 2018 and beyond.

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