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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 3, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back James Conner goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

RB, JAMES CONNER, PITTSBURGH

Even though the Patriots have had a great offseason so far, they do lack a power running back. This offseason, the Patriots signed Rex Burkhead from the Cincinnati Bengals. While Burkhead had a nice end to his season in Cincinnati, he isn’t a power back and might be utilized on special teams more than in the offense.

Last season, the Patriots had LeGarrette Blount as their bruising running back. Blount had one of the best seasons of his career, as he totaled over 1,000 rushing yards. He also set the franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a season. Blount is a still a free agent, and a return to New England is uncertain.

With a need for a power running back, we have the Patriots address that needs in the fifth round with the selection of James Conner from Pittsburgh. Conner is listed at 233 pounds, which certainly fits the bill.

In 2014, Conner had a great season for Pittsburgh, as he totaled 1,765 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns. Unfortunately, 2015 was an awful year for Conner. In the first game of the season, he tore his MCL and was then later diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Conner was a great story coming back in 2016, as he was able to total over 1,000 rushing yards last season for Pittsburgh. Conner has some talent, and also fills a need for the Patriots. Not a bad combination in the fifth round.

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