Musket Fire
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
New England Patriots
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Delton Williams (22) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ben Gedeon (42) during the 2nd half of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

LB, BEN GEDEON, MICHIGAN

With the second pick in the fifth round, the Patriots selected linebacker Ben Gedeon from Michigan. Gedeon is the second player from Michigan that we had the Patriots select, showing their talented defense from 2016.

While inside linebacker isn’t a huge need after the re-signing of Dont’a Hightower, it doesn’t hurt to look toward the future. Kyle Van Noy played well against the pass for the Patriots as an inside linebacker last season, but he is a free agent after next season. With Van Noy’s future in New England uncertain, it doesn’t hurt to have a player with a year of experience on the roster to replace him.

At Michigan, Gedeon played four years, but his senior year was by far his best. In 2016, Gedeon totaled 15 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. At the NFL Combine, Gedeon did fairly well, as he ran a 4.75 40-yard dash. This was just a tad slower than potential first round pick Rueben Foster, who Gedeon outweighs by 15 pounds. Where Gedeon really shined at the Combine was on the bench press, Gedeon totaled 27 reps at 225lbs, which was the most of any inside linebacker. Having Gedeon on the board late in the fifth round is decent value, and he could be a replacement for Van Noy in a year if he develops.

Home/Patriots Draft