Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft: Impressive Combine showings make selections easier

Round 4, Pick No. 104 - Joe Milton QB (Tennessee) 

Before the combine, he looked to be the most composed quarterback in the class. But his athletic prowess really showed through in Indy. He threw a pass that registered 62 mph on the speed gun! And he recorded a 35” standing jump—not that you really want your quarterback having to leap on the field.

But in this case, it’s used to indicate the athlete’s explosiveness. Milton isn’t much of a runner, but when he needs to, he can. 

Despite his impressive performances at the combine, Milton is still not projected to go on the draft's first day. The experts have qualms about his ability to throw shorter and mid-range passes. Some lucky GM is going to fall ass-backward into a great quarterback.    

Round 5, Pick No. 136 - Xavier Thomas (DE)  Clemson 

Like Keon Coleman, Thomas didn’t really shine in the 40-yard dash. And like Fashanu, he seemed bothered by an injury while performing at the combine. But Thomas was still a winner in Indy. Thomas ran one of the fastest times amongst defensive ends—and he did it with a cramp!

He later said he had hoped to run faster at Clemson’s pro day. But despite his discomfort, Thomas still set a time of 4.62 seconds. Only Chop Robinson, Jared Verse, and Mohamed Kamara ran faster. Both Robinson and Verse are projected as first-round picks. 

Thomas didn’t just demonstrate his speed, though. He managed 26 bench press reps, the sixth most amongst the defensive linemen. He also recorded a 10-foot broad jump, which was sixth for defensive ends.

Thomas was once projected to be a first-round talent, but after a bout of COVID, he could drop to the 6th round.