New England Patriots: Seven round 2018 mock draft

Round 6, Pick 210: LB Oren Burks, Vanderbilt

Burks, 6-foot-3, 233-pounds, played both linebacker and safety during his four-year career at Vanderbilt. It’s not likely he would start at any position on defense for the Patriots, however, his athleticism could be utilized on special teams.

He had 80 total tackles for Vanderbilt, last season, along with seven tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception, per Sports Reference.

Burks tied for second among linebackers at the NFL Combine with a 131-inch broad jump and posted a 39½-inch vertical jump.

Round 7, Pick 219: S Troy Apke, Penn State

Like Burks, Apke’s elite athleticism could make him a prime special teams player in New England.

He turned heads at the NFL Combine — especially Deion Sanders’ — with a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, 131-inch broad jump, 41-inch vertical jump, and 6.56-second three-cone drill, which ranked very highly among Mock Draftable’s measurement percentiles.

Next: Full 2018 first round NFL mock draft

In addition, Apke earned MVP honors at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl with seven tackles, one forced fumble, and an interception.