2nd Round (62) – Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
The Patriots have added a lot of depth and skill at the wide receiver position throughout free agency. When you look at the depth chart, there aren’t too many “locks” to make the roster outside of Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd. What the Patriots currently lack on the roster is a big, young wide receiver who can develop into the go to guy.
Quick would be able to fill the role of the vertical threat that the team hasn’t had since Randy Moss was traded to the Vikings. With the roster currently constituted the way it is, Quick would be able to be brought along slowly. The team would be able to use Quick is packages and formations were he could be successful. Josh McDaniels drafted Demaryius Thomas when he was with the Broncos and even though Quick isn’t as fast as Thomas he could fill a similar role.
Adding a “big” WR to their WR crop the Patriots offense could be unstoppable, especially in the red zone where they would be adding another 6’4″ target for Tom Brady to throw to.
3rd Round (93) – Mike Martin, DT, Michigan
After missing out on some of the top defensive linemen like Michael Brockers in the first round, the Patriots get a solid interior player in the third. Martin is an extremely hard working kid who was a former state champion wrestler. Martin has proven he is more than just a nose tackle, so I could see him rotating through different positions along the defensive line.
The team really had no back up to Vince Wilfork last season and need to find a way to get him some rest throughout the season. Martin won’t provide a pass rush, but he anchors as well as anyone in the draft, has violent hands and plays with great leverage. Just by talking with him at the Senior Bowl he just seems like a Patriots type player. Bill Belichick loves those former wrestlers and Martin might be the best one to enter the league.
4th Round (126) – Brandon Taylor, FS, LSU
The Patriots add another defensive back to a team that really needed to add athletes and talent to the position. Despite struggling mightily last season, they haven’t added much to the secondary in free agency. Tthe Patriots have signed FS Steve Gregory who is the only player in the secondary who I think makes the team (I don’t think Will Allen will make the team).
The team was caught in a very bad situation last year. When injuries hit, they were left without any depth and had to bring in street free agents to fill critical roles. I doubt Bill Belichick is caught in the same situation this year. Taylor is the type of safety the Patriots look for. I believe he can play high and low safety and even cover the slot if need be. It would be a great value pick to get Taylor in the fourth round.
Continue Reading to see how all the picks fit into the Patriots roster.
Patriots 53 Man Roster Projection
QB – Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett
RB – Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Danny Woodhead
FB – Tony Fiametta (or Spencer Havner)
TE – Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, Daniel Fells
WR – Wes Welker, Brandon LLoyd, Brian Quick, Deion Branch, Chad Ochocinco, Anthony Gonzalez
OT – Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon
OG – Logan Mankins, Dan Connolly, Brian Waters, Robert Gallery
OC – Dan Koppen, Ryan Wendell
DE – Chandler Jones, Brandon Deaderick, Jonathan Fanene, Trevor Scott (OLB), *Andre Carter (not currently signed)
DT – Vince Wilfork, Kyle Love, Mike Martin, Myron Pryor
OLB – Rob Ninkovich, Shea McClellin, Jermaine Cunningham, Markell Carter (Practice Squad if Carter is signed)
ILB – Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dane Fletcher, Tracy White
CB – Devin McCourty, Ras-I Dowling, Trumaine Johnson, Kyle Arrington, Sterling Moore
S – Patrick Chung, Steve Gregory, Brandon Taylor
ST- Matthew Slater
K – Stephen Gostkowski
P- Zoltan Mesko
LS- Danny Aiken
After doing the complete roster projection, it’s easy to see that the defensive line has the least amount of depth on the team, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they added more depth whether in the draft or in free agency.
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Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, Chandler Jones, Mock Draft, Roster Moves, Shea McClellin
1st 27. Devon Still DE
1st 31. Trade to STL for #39 and #103
2nd 39. Shea McClellin OLB
2nd 48. Jayron Hosley CB
2nd 62. George Iloka S
3rd 93. Marvin Jones WR or Brian Quick WR if he falls
4th 103. Tauren Poole RB
4th 126. Best OL on the board
Except for Still, I love this draft. I’d go with Reyes at that spot, or McClellin/Mercilus and Reyes at 39. Any thought on who STL might move up to grab in this scenario?
Why dont you like Devon Still?
My main concern with Still is motor–he seems to have a bit of a Haynesworth vibe in that he tends to go off his game when things are going poorly, and his effort is inconsistent. Beyond that, he has something of an injury history. He has potential, but I’d rather go with Brockers if he is available (no guarantee he would be, of course).
Well it would depend on who STL got with there 1st pick, but if they didn’t get Blackmon then the trade would be for Kendall Wright or Alshon Jeffery if they slipped a little bit.
Nice draft, but I dont see we going in to the season with only 3 OTs (I know Gallery could play some tackle).
I would cut Cunningham and add a Tackle.
I would rather take Devon Still at 27 instead of Chandler Jones. Theres way more potential with Still than with Jones IMO
I’m concerned about the lack of safety depth and although he hasn’t committed my guess is Matt Light will be back for one more year (about 7 million on the table). Edelman will be back because he’s versatile, one of the best punt returners in the league and he’s Welker’s backup.
I think it is all but confirmed that Matt Light will retire.
What am i missing on this subject. If he was definitely going to retire why wouldn’t he have done it already. i believe he’s not sure yet and as time goes by he’ll continue to get the itch.
Again, I’ve also read the reports, but have yet to see anything substantial. I’ll believe it when I see it (way to much money to leave on the table).
27 take McClelin first a little reach but he’s been compared to vrabel super bowl champion jack of all trades
31 Harrison smith he won’t be around in the second round we need a center fielder instincts are good needs to come up with more balls but still solid legit starter before bye week if not earlier
I like the Johnson pick very versatile able to contribute in lots of ways
Qucik Martin good solid picks
27 take McClelin first a little reach but he’s been compared to vrabel super bowl champion jack of all trades
31 Harrison smith he won’t be around in the second round we need a center fielder instincts are good needs to come up with more balls but still solid legit starter before bye week if not earlier
I like the Johnson pick very
I like the mock with the exception of Chandler Jones. As Pat Kirwin recently said on NFL Radio Jones is a “Poor man’s 5-technique,” and I don’t see him fitting on this team. I would much rather they went with Still, Reyes, or Worthy in that spot. Of course, I am expecting them to revert back to the 3-4. My favorite of your picks are McClellin (though I feel his stock has been inflated to a point that Belichick will not want to over-reach for him) and Mike Martin. I heard him on the radio yesterday and he is just a solid workhorse that could do some serious work in this defense. I find it funny that you mention “top DL like Brockers” and then say Martin can’t rush the passer. Martin has a lot more sacks than Brockers. I don’t want “Marcus Spears” Brockers on the Patriots.
I like the players in the draft, and more importantly, I think you nailed the position that the Pats should draft at each draft pick. Nice balance of need in round 1 – defensive front seven; then moving to the positions that provide the best value (if a somewhat lesser need) with the CB and WR in the round 2.
Tough call to leave Edelman off the roster…….
Brace, Cunningham, Warren out ?
3 OLBS is living that sketchy lifestyle
Remember that high first round DE Underwood? He hurt his neck and never got into the game. That was costly.
Taking someone in first round with 3 concussions in college kind of discredits this mock draft. i wouldn’t mind taking brian quick by end of second round. Will wait next week for version 5.0.
Curren scored points tonight by mentioning the Pats moving up only to get Barron…that I liked to hear.
I still like Branch as an OLB/DE…then Mercilus. McClellin would be right there if he didn’t have the concusion issue.
Move up to get Barron, they are now talking 12-17. What do you think they would be willing to give up for him. I don’t like the idea of Barron or Smith.
Did anyone catch Quick Slants tonight? They did a draft special that was pretty good for 30 minutes, but TC described Reyes as a DE/LB. Curren made some nice points…showing he’s done his homework, but that comment really baffled me. Am I nuts or is Reyes a DT/DE??? What LB position is this 300 lb dude playing?
Also, I see this as an issue with so many…the DT/DE/hybrid/OLB confusion. I like to refer to our 3-4 guys as defensive tackles, realizing they are on the end, but they are tackles. Seymour, Warren, Love etc…are simply tackles.
The more I see and hear about Reyes he could be one of the better Dline prospects.
I love McClellin, but hearing he’s had 3 concussions (NFL Network) would make it very difficult to take him high. That’s a massive risk for any position, never mind LB. I think he falls because of this…if it’s true?
I’m not a lover of Jones…I do think his measurables are ideal, but I don’t like his awkward athleticism at all….not in the first.
I like Taylor…he makes a lot of sense, but like most, I don’t see him there in the 4th…maybe the 3rd, but that would be a nice 4th round pick…hope it happens.
Heard that about McClellin, too bad. He might be a risk for anybody who takes him.
This is the most brutal draft I have seen to date outside of Shea McClellin these guys are bums. A big eight stiff, a kid who went to Montana to play and really didn’t dominate and a small school reciever who plays against small school db’s. If you watch tape of Martin at all you will see nothing no pass rush no blowing up runs, nothing.
Huh? I watched every game he played. Do you know he was in a sling (shoulder injury) for the first 5 games of 2011?
After that, as a NT — and usually double teamed as by far the best D-lineman at Michigan — his tackle stats were: 7-5-7-6-9-5-6-10. That ain’t nothing.
If you want to knock him, he might not have the size to play NT, especially since he’s maxed out his strength potential already (being one of the strongest players in college football).
Pretty good job. I think Jones may well be off the boards when we pick, actually. I’m guessing we’ll see a DL/rush linebacker run early. BB is astute enough to figure out how to play Jones effectively if they take him. He has a lot of upside.
I too think Taylor will be going earlier than 4. Somewhere in the 3rd. As for Quick, good prospect, but I feel if they take either a WR or RB they will have some ST/return ability.
I really don’t imagine them choosing some of those other WR’s over Edelman. He’s shown too much versatility in all three phases. I think he’s got the inside track over both Ochocinco and Gonzalez.
Looking at it on paper, I feel uneasy about the safety situation. Especially given Chung’s penchant for missing time.
You don’t think Edelman makes the team this year? Decent cover if Welker holds out. Main threat from special teams, plus possessing BB famous versatility.
Edleman definitely makes the team… too much versatility…
1. Welker
2. Lloyd
3. Edleman
4. Rookie (hopefully) R. Randall? I hope! / T. Underwood / ?
5.
-C. Johnson
-D. Branch
-D. Stallworth
-A. Gonzales
All competing for 1 spot on the roster…
If they draft a rookie, they might keep six (not including Slater). I have a feeling Ochocinco (or is it back to Johnson again?) has a very good camp.
well if that is the case and Tom has a vote then it will be Branch for the last spot.
Great draft, although I wonder about Jones . . . I’d rather see them take someone with a bit more of a defined position, like Kendall Reyes.
Doesn’t another CT scare you a bit? Not one has been a successful pro yet!
I had actually thought about that in connection with Darius Butler. I would be more concerned if there were a consistent record of failure at a certain position (e.g., the way Penn State RBs always used to struggle), but there just isn’t that big a sample size here–there are only three or four guys who have been drafted over the last few years total. I think it is worth the gamble, as Reyes has great potential in the Patriots’s system.
(Also, I think we should have given Butler one more year to straighten out.)
Great choices sign me up…hits every need
Does this assume the Pats remain primarily in 4-3 base personnel? I can’t see Jones as a DE; Elephant yes but that would require him to play in space and I am uncomfortable with that.
He is technically raw and weak at the point of attack. I don’t see Jones having a frame to add 30lbs either. I am having issued understanding this pick as a DE
I love Brandon Taylor but I do not see him being there in the 4th round..hell he may slide into the 2nd.
I did a little home work last night and would like to share it with the class:
TRADE DOWNS:
PATS 31 = STL(39+103) = ~ 600 TRADE CHART POINTS
PATS 31 = STL(33+161) = ~ 600
PATS 31 = PHI (51+78) = ~ 600
I didn’t go too far with trade downs but there’s a lot of possibilities…
TRADE UPS:
CIN 17 = PATS(27+62) = ~970 TRADE CHART VALUE
SD 18 = PATS(31+62) = ~900
TEN 20 = PATS(27+95+127) =~850+
CIN 21 = PATS(27+95) = ~800
DET23 = PATS(31+95+127) = ~765
I believe the PATS have and most likely will use the unique flexability of their multiple picks to trade up as high as CIN 17th pick if the one or two players they feel are worth is still there. I also believe if they do that, then they will probably trade down with pick 31 and again slide around for more picks or to target the player(s) BB wants. They have options with every team from 17-23 and these teams may be willing to drop. Which ever 1st rounder they use to trade up, they will then use the other to trade down. They can uses furture late rounders to close the gaps at picks 19 and 22. If they see the players they want where they want them and that team is willing, then they will target most of their draftees because they can. But I’m talking a short list of trigger players as well.
Very nice work–I’ve been wondering about this myself. I have a feeling that Cleveland might be a possibility, or Carolina (they always seem to want to trade up).
Arizona at 13. They have no second rounder. At that spot Cox or Brockers could be available. Then we trade down from 31.
Are 27 and 31 even enough to move up to 13?
I don’t see that happening…
That STL 39 and 103 would be a pretty good move. I don’t see them moving any higher then CIN at 21 and even that I give a 5% chance.
DET: 23 (760) + 54 (360) + 158 (28) = 1148
NE: 27 (680) + 48 (420) + 126 (46) = 1146
I can’t see the Pats keeping 6 true WRs who have no ST contributions other than Welker’s PR ability. The Pats averaged around 2.2 WRs per snap last year, and that was without a real #3 TE or a FB on the roster. There’s really no reason to have more than 4 WRs active on gameday, because even having all 4 on the field at once means you’re taking either Gronk or Hernandez off the field. I can see having 5 on the roster, but not 6. I’d have 5 but have Edelman as one of them, because he at least plays on PR, KR, and kick coverage. I think Branch, Ochocinco, Gonzalez, and a rookie are fighting for 2 spots.
Let the Chandler Jones hype die please, how many of his 4.5 sacks this year were junk sacks???
He’s slow, end of story……his burst is barely sufficient enough to be called a burst…..he doesn’t change directions well and despite his length and decent strength he’s not an ideal 3-4 OLB convert.
Why do we keep going over this? He’s such a risk in the 1st round it would be the most drastic decision by BB ever and with the plethora of DE/OLB’s in this class it makes NO SENSE to even consider Jones before the mid-late 2nd round.
def agree i’d take him at 60
If you don’t like Jones, who would you like to see them take at 27 or 31?