New England Patriots: Updated 7-Round Mock Draft
![Oct 22, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) runs for a touchdown in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Oct 22, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) runs for a touchdown in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7b6a7b3371f0a1c31d41297282557a377b643c97ab4d58b2b757472e33cb9da9.jpg)
With their first selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, New England takes Michigan’s Chris Wormley, a big-bodied defensive end with the size to play all over the defensive line.
Wormley had a productive career at Michigan, totaling 17.5 sacks, 119 tackles, and 31.5 tackles for loss in four years. In 2015, he had 6.5 sacks, 43 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, combing for his best season as a Wolverine.
In his draft profile of Wormley, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said:
"“Three-year starter who brings leadership and high character into the locker room. Wormley’s size and athleticism could appeal to teams that favor big, strong base ends who can set a physical edge and then bump inside as pass rushers. Wormley could be coaxed into a more sophisticated pass-rush approach with coaching, but he’s not there yet. His size, athleticism and versatility gives him a chance to earn early playing time and to become an eventual starter.”"
Wormley would pair nicely with rising star Trey Flowers and serve as a viable successor to Rob Ninkovich.