Patriots focus on improving the defense in new 7-round mock draft

Round 2, Pick No. 34 – T.J Tampa (CB, Iowa State) 

Not only is the idea of Tampa playing his home games in New England mildly hilarious, but he’s also a really dynamic defender.  

If they re-sign J.C. Jackson, the Patriots will have eight cornerbacks and a nickelback. But puzzlingly, they haven’t re-signed him yet, so another cornerback would be helpful (especially if the dreaded injury bug strikes again).

Tampa is quite similar to Jackson, too, so he would be an ideal replacement. Tampa is 6 feet 2 inches tall and 200 lbs, while Jackson is 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 198 lbs. Jackson ran a 4.46 40-yard time at his combine (back in 2018), while Tampa ran a 4.45. With that sort of speed, he will be useful on the special teams unit, too. 

Round 3, Pick No. 68 – Max Melton (DB, Rutgers) 

Myles Bryant’s departure for the Texans in free agency means the Patriots could use another slot corner—preferably one taller than tiny Myles. Melton isn’t the tallest defensive back in the class, but at 5 feet 11 inches, he has three inches on Bryant.

Melton ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine too! So, more help for the special team unit and a very good defender to boot. 

The Draft Network describes Melton as “a physical and fearless defender,” which makes him sound like the sort of player Jerod Mayo would like to have on his defense. It’s always handy to have a player who throws himself into tackles on the special teams unit.