NEPD Staff Writer: Mike Gerken
Yesterday I dropped my Patriots Big board, but there are still guys I really like that didn’t make that list for a variety of reasons. Some guys are just going to go too early for the Patriots to take, some might not be perfect fits scheme wise, or they might be a player where need and draft position just did not line up well for the Patriots. The draft is such a crap shoot, but these were the guys that caught my attention and I feel should hear their name called early in the draft process.
| Rank | Name | Position | School |
| Blue Chip | |||
| 1 | Saquon Barkley | RB | Penn State |
| 2 | Quenton Nelson | OG | Notre Dame |
| 3 | Bradley Chubb | Edge | NC State |
| 4 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | CB/S | Alabama |
| 5 | Roquan Smith | LB | Georgia |
| 1st Round | |||
| 6 | Derwin James | S | Florida State |
| 7 | Tremaine Edmunds | LB | Virginia Tech |
| 8 | Denzel Ward | CB | Ohio State |
| 9 | Vita Vea | DL | Washington |
| 10 | Derrius Guice | RB | LSU |
| 11 | Harold Landry | Edge | Boston College |
| 12 | Calvin Ridley | WR | Alabaman |
| 13 | Josh Rosen | QB | UCLA |
| 14 | Jaire Alexander | CB | Louisville |
| 15 | James Daniels | OC/OG | Iowa |
| Late 1st/Early 2nd | |||
| 16 | Lamar Jackson | QB | Louisville |
| 17 | Rashaan Evans | LB | Alabama |
| 18 | Isaiah Wynn | OG/OT | Georgia |
| 19 | Isaiah Oliver | CB | Colorado |
| 20 | Marcus Davenport | Edge | UTSA |
| 21 | Mike Hughes | CB | UCF |
| 22 | Da’Ron Payne | DL | Alabama |
| 23 | Will Hernandez | OG | UTEP |
| 24 | Baker Mayfield | QB | Oklahoma |
| 25 | Sam Darnold | QB | USC |
| 26 | Josh Jackson | CB | Iowa |
| 27 | Maurice Hurst | DL | Michigan |
| 28 | Taven Bryan | DL | Florida |
| 2nd Round | |||
| 29 | Fred Warner | LB | BYU |
| 30 | Justin Reid | S | Stanford |
| 31 | Ronnie Harrison | S | Alabama |
| 32 | Dallas Goedert | TE | SD State |
| 33 | D.J. Moore | WR | Maryland |
| 34 | Sony Michel | RB | Georgia |
| 35 | Anthony Miller | WR | Memphis |
| 36 | Billy Price | OC/OG | Ohio State |
| 37 | Courtland Sutton | WR | SMU |
| 38 | Ronald Jones II | RB | USC |
| 39 | Nathan Shepherd | DL | Fort Hays State |
| 40 | Leighton Vander Esch | LB | Boise State |
| 41 | Lorenzo Carter | LB | Georgia |
| 42 | Nick Chubb | RB | Georgia |
| 43 | Josh Sweat | Edge | Florida |
| 44 | Jessie Bates | S | Wake Forest |
| 45 | Sam Hubbard | Edge | Ohio State |
| 46 | Christian Kirk | WR | Texas A&M |
| 47 | Mike Gesicki | TE | Penn State |
| 48 | Hayden Hurst | TE | South Carolina |
| 49 | Connor Williams | OT/OG | Texas |
| 50 | Mike McGlinchey | OT | Notre Dame |
| 51 | Harrison Phillips | DL | Stanford |
| 52 | Carlton Davis | CB | Auburn |
| 53 | Tyrell Crosby | OT | Oregon |
| 54 | Frank Ragnow | OC/OG | Arkansas |
| 55 | Josh Allen | QB | Wyoming |
| Late 2nd/Early 3rd | |||
| 56 | Brian O’neill | OT | Pittsburgh |
| 57 | Kemoko Turay | Edge | Rutgers |
| 58 | Duke Ejiofor | Edge | Wake Forest |
| 59 | Rashaan Gaulden | CB/S | Tennessee |
| 60 | Isaac Yiadom | CB | Boston College |
| 61 | James Washington | WR | Oklahoma State |
| 62 | B.J. Hill | DL | NC State |
| 63 | Equanimeous St. Brown | WR | Notre Dame |
| 3rd Round | |||
| 64 | Kyle Lauletta | QB | Richmond |
| 65 | Keke Coutee | WR | Texas Tech |
| 66 | Kerryon Johnson | RB | Auburn |
| 67 | Rashaad Penny | RB | San Diego State |
| 68 | Braden Smith | OG | Auburn |
| 69 | Daeshean Hamilton | WR | Penn State |
| 70 | Martinas Rankin | OT | Mississippi State |
| 71 | Donte Jackson | CB | LSU |
| 72 | Dante Pettis | WR | Washington |
| 73 | Anthony Averett | CB | Alabama |
| 74 | Duke Dawson | CB | Florida |
| 75 | Austin Corbett | OG | Nevada |
| 76 | Tarvarius Moore | S | Southern Mississippi |
| 77 | Dane Cruikshank | S | Arizona |
| 78 | Mark Andrews | TE | Oklahoma |
| 79 | Ian Thomas | TE | Indiana |
| 80 | Michael Gallup | WR | Colorado State |
| 81 | Jordan Whitehead | S | Pittsburgh |
| 82 | DJ Chark | WR | LSU |
| 83 | Rasheem Green | DL | USC |
| 84 | Jamarco Jones | OT | Ohio State |
| 85 | Orlando Brown | OT | Oklahoma |
| 86 | Ogbonnia Okoronkwo | Edge | Oklahoma |
| 87 | Malik Jefferson | LB | Texas |
| 88 | Da’Shawn Hand | DL | Alabama |
| 89 | Arden Key | Edge | LSU |
| 90 | Uchenna Nwosu | Edge | USC |
| 91 | Deadrin Senat | DL | South Florida |
| 92 | Tre’Quan Smith | WR | UCF |
| 93 | Terrell Edmunds | S | Virginia Tech |
| Late 3rd/Early 4th | |||
| 94 | Darrell Williams | RB | LSU |
| 95 | Andrew Brown | DL | Virginia |
| 96 | MJ Stewart | CB | UNC |
| 97 | Deon Cain | WR | Clemson |
| 98 | Mason Rudolph | QB | Oklahoma State |
| 99 | Derrick Nnadi | DT | Florida State |
| 100 | Darius Leonard | LB | South Carolina A&T |
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1st #23- Rashaan Evans LB
2nd #43- Fred Warner or Lorenzo Carter which ever drops here
2nd #51- Rashawn Hand DE
2nd #63- Ian Thomas TE Goadert or Herndon here
3rd #95- Brandon Parker OL or Ragnow
4th #117- Ito Smith RB John kellly or Darrell Williams
5th #153 – Trey Quinn WR
6th #198- Chad kanoffQB
6th #210- LB Shaun Dion Hamilton
7th #219- QB J. T. Barrett
I see the best “value” players who could be selected in rounds far later than I find commensurate to their respective talent, historic production and future potential as follows: P. J. Hall, Dimitri Flowers, Shaun Dion Hamilton and J.T. Barrett. I would love to see them drafted.
Final Mock with a trade of 31st overall (As devised by Russell on previous thread)
1st #23- ILB Leighton Vander Esch
2nd #43- OT/G/C Isaiah Wynn
2nd #51- TE Dallas Goedert
2nd #63- OLB Arden Key
3rd #95- OL Orlando Brown
4th #117- DL P. J. Hall
5th #153 – S Quinn Blanding
6th #198- FB/RB Dimitri Flowers
6th #210- LB Shaun Dion Hamilton
7th #219- QB J. T. Barrett
Comments would be greatly appreciated.
Daniel,
although I see Arden Key as having the athletic traits as an edge rusher, there are too many red flags (lack of bulk, inability to set the edge against the run, just to name a few) with him in my opinion for the Patriots liking. I think Lorenzo Carter or Josh Sweat would be better options over Key. Orlando Brown is a boom or bust prospect. If you go by his combine workouts, then he has all the makings of a bust but if you go by his game tapes, you see a boom. Which one will he turn out to be, no one knows for sure? Will Patriots be willing to take that chance on him, no one knows for sure? Regardless I think we’re all in for a very interesting 1st round and hopefully Patriots hit on all of their draft picks!
Last gasp mock draft:
#23 Marcus Davenport DE
#31 Lorenzo Carter OLB
#43 Brian O’Neill OT
#63 Frank Ragnow OL
#95 Shaq Griffin LB/SS
#198 Justin Watson WR
#212 Trade for future picks
#219 Trade for future picks
look at tape for Dimitri Flowers Steve. He could go in the 6th.
Also, consider PJ Hall, a very disruptive interior defensive lineman.
“Finished with 86.5 tackles for loss and 42 sacks for his career.”
“Staggering pro day numbers included a 38″ vertical, 36 lifts and a sub 4.8 forty.”
“Has a 700-pound squat to his name.”
Blocked ten kicks in two college seasons.
Can be had possibly as late as 4th round!
Final Patriots Mock, no trades;
1st- LB Loranzo Carter, maybe early here but looks like a solid prospect.
1st – DL Harrison Phillips, BB could trade up if Da’Ron Payne falls, but Harrison is a great prospect.
2nd- OL Barden Smith, Ragnow, Winn, & Price, would also be good choices.
2nd- DL Tyquan Lewis
3d – QB Luke Falk
6th- WR Trey Quinn
6th- S Quin Blanding
7th – QB Chad Kanoff
Good luck to all Mockers, hope you get a hit!!
I like Blanding but think he goes sooner. Can I get your feedback on JT Barrett in the 7th to UDFA. I have mentioned him a few times but can’t seem to get anyone interested in responding with their opinion concerning the idea of taking him with a very late pick. Thanks Russell.
Here is a JT Barrett breakdown
It highlights a few of his positives but also highlights why most don’t view him highly
https://nflmocks.com/2018/02/08/j-t-barrett-qb-ohio-state-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
Great insight Stephen. Thanks for the info. I am still big on selecting him purely as a value perspective. If given the choice of selecting Lamar Jackson at 23 overall or signing Barrett as a UDFA, I’ll choose the latter. I don’t think any quarterback in this draft will be our QB of the future, so why expend such a valuable pick on one. I think Barrett could be better than Lauletta and would require a much smaller investment. Plus, Barrett could be used sparingly for certain types of “gimmick” plays to spell Brady and confuse opposing defenses.
1st #23- Rashaan Evans LB saban connection
2nd #43-Ian Thomas TE reach here for high upside with workers mentality
2nd #51-Rashawn Hand DE saban Connection can stand up or hands in ground
2nd #63- Leon Jacobs LB Beilema connection rangy coverage LB
3d #95-Dorian O’daniel Box saf speedy attack mode good instincts cover slot and rb’s
5th #153 – Ito Smith RB
6th #198- Javon rolland-jones DE
6th #210- Chad Kanoff QB
7th #219- Lavon Coleman RB
Do you like Evans more than Leighton Vander Esch, or were you assuming he wouldn’t be available at 23?
Which LB will make a greater impact in the next couple of years (Brady’s prospective window)?
Not really a LVE fan dont like how over pursues the run like Elandon roberts. Picked Evans for connection to Saban BB has. Also that reason why chose Dashawn Hand.
2Dashawn Hand DE Can stand up or play with hands in the dirt has upside
2 Frank ragsnow OL Nasty can play all over the line mason last year of contract coming up
2 Mike White QB strong arm good making throws with traffic around feet. A Transfer who was doubted who improved each year. Sped up his release this past year.
More mobile than given credit for.
2 Ian Thomas TE Upside pick hoping pays off since hardworker off the charts athlete try hard player
3Dorian O’daniel Box saf speed player always in attack mode if have big DT’s which the Pat’s have can be major play maker. good blitzer as well
3 Pj Hall DT int rusher diff than rest our dt can rush from inside more speed.
4Leon Jacobs LB coverage LB nice feel in space has upside as a rusher as well long arms for height.
4 DJ Reed CB good in coverage quick good tackler could play single high Safety
6 Allen Lazard WR Big WR strong hands can play hback chess piece type help tip the defense let use know if man or zone.
6 Javon rolland jones LB–DE Rangy not small just short advanced skills to rush could develop in coverage.
7Tavon Coleman RB- bigger back who surprises with quick speed with hands to adjust to throws.
2Fred Warner LB
2 Frank ragsnow OL
2 Mike White QB
2 Ian Thomas TE
3Ade Aruna DE
3 Pj Hall DT
4Leon Jacobs LB
4 DJ Reed CB
6 Joshua Kalu S
6 Javon rolland jones LB–DE
7Phillip Lindsay RB
Sony Michel
According to The Ringer’s Mike Lombardi, NFL teams have concerns Georgia RB Sony Michel has a bone-on-bone condition in his knee.
It can be a career-shortening condition, and contributed to Jay Ajayi’s fall in the 2015 draft. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock has also alluded to medical concerns surrounding Michel, but still sent Michel to the Steelers in the first round in his mock draft on Thursday night. Lombardi said teams have concerns Michel won’t last long enough to play out a second contract.
Michel’s injury history:
2011 – torn ACL
2014 – broken shoulder blade
2014 – sprained ankle
2016 – fractured left forearm (ATV accident)
2017 – sprained ankle
2017 – sprained left knee
Patriots will take Luke Falk at 31 or 43 depending on who is on the board they will over draft for him to assure they get him!! That’s my one draft prediction it’s been fun following everyone this draft season!!!
that would be a “bit” of a surprise and definitely overdrafting for need and out of whack with any rankings of the QB’s.
Falk said in an interview today that he knows he will be taken by the end of the first round or by the middle of the second, could be wishful thinking on his part but it’s also right where the Patriots pick!!
Chanhassen High coach Mike Bailey said Arkansas OL Frank Ragnow had New England,Atlanta, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Minnesota came to Chanhassen to work him out.
Due diligence of is a surprise coming?
Excellent job as usual. I love these lists because the Patriots may not draft someone from the list this week but they may pick them in a trade or Free agency down the road.
My binkie is LB Evans. Definitely want him and if not I hope he does not go to the Steelers.
I hope Bill keep the picks and grabs 4 starters or at least impact players in rounds 1and 2.
A LT, LB, DE, and CB would be a dream come true. But deep down my gut tells me he will trade up or down or sideways and pick a guy none of us has ever heard of.
mock draft 4/25:
1st:Lamar Jackson QB
1st:Justin Reid S
2nd:Fred Warner OLB-ILB
2nd:Mark Andrews TE
3rd:Tyquan Lewis DE
6th:Chase Edmonds RB
6th:Bentley Spain OT
7th:Braxton Berrios WR
1Rashaan Evans ILB
1 Fred Warner OLB- WILL flourished there at senior Bowl
2Ogbonnia Okoronkwo Edge
2 Ian Thomas TE
3 Mike White QB
4 DJ Reed CB
6 Chad Kanoff QB
6 Javon rolland jones LB–DE
7Phillip Lindsay RB
Patriots Value Mock Draft
Now, this scenario is highly unlikely, especially since it doesn’t involve any trades, but I just think those players would be too good to pass on if they were available (and fill some needs as well).
1-23 LB Leighton Vander Esch
Medical concerns make Vander Esch slip out of the top 20 and BB pulls the trigger due to Vander Esch’s athleticism, instincts, and versatility.
1-31 OL Isaiah Wynn
His footwork and experience would allow him to survive at LT this season, while giving the Patriots a) more time to evaluate the potential of Garcia and Croston and b) a potential successor for Mason at OG. The Patriots will turn back to more of a quick-striking passing game, so Wynn should be a better option FOR THIS SEASON than the “true LT” prospects available at this spot.
2-43 DE Sam Hubbard
Smart edge setter with good technique and motor. Hubbard would both give them depth at DE and provide a safety net in case offers for Flowers get to high for the Belichick’s liking.
2-63 QB Kyle Lauletta
Fits the Patriots’ mold.
3-95 DB Quenton Meeks
I don’t know what he will end up as, but his size, athleticism, technique, and work ethics should result in some role on the Pats’ defense.
6-198 CB Nick Nelson
I really like Nelson and would like to see him still be available here due to his injury. If not, maybe Logan Woodside would still be available and they could try to stack him on the practice squad (or have him be QB #3 in case of an injury). You can never take enough shots at finding your QB.
6-210 WR Dylan Cantrell
The trade of Cooks opens up a spot on the WR depth chart, so why not fill it with a similarly athletic (different in style, of course) option?
7-219 RB Justin Jackson
Unorthodox but intriguing prospect. RB is not really a need, but there can be an open roster spot.
Empirically speaking, I’m just not a fan of drafting WRs and CBs high. I’d rather take a shot at those positions every year and see who can make the team.
I really like your 23rd and 31st picks.
1Lamar Jackson QB
1 Frank ragsnow OL
2Lorenzo Carter LB
2 Ogbonnia Okoronkwo Edge
3 Leon Jacobs LB Coverage LB with upside to rush
4 Chris Herdon TE drop here since hurt Mcl
6 Chad Kanoff QB gives two qb for risk of style jackson plays plus 2 chances to dev. a QB
6 Javon rolland jones LB–DE advanced at rushing qb mayb maxed out but rangy out of his space for tackles as well
7Phillip Lindsay RB Pats type player ST plays hard small good vision plays hard no matter score good hands to catch
Two QB’s interesting idea but at least for year 1 they would get little practice snaps. TB the majority then Hoyer a few leaving scraps for two to scramble for. It still might work if they trade Hoyer next year but I would be shocked if it happened. Another out of the box idea, keep them coming the’re fun.
Observations – based upon your top 100 I see why you are high on CB Alexander going to the Pats at 23. Most everybody’s favorite Pats OT binkie Kolton Miller not even in your top 100!
My this year binkie
Lamar Jackson
Hope like heck he is there at 23.
I did. I no longer do. I honestly can’t figure out why so much hype for Jackson in the 1st and not a peep even in the 7th for J T Barret.
I’m not really high on Jackson QB but know you are so I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Maybe one of the guys here might actually have BB pick one of our prospects. That would be cool. Of course I’d hope it will be one of mine at #23 but hoping to win power ball tonight too.
Wonder if we might actually have a shot at CB Alexander. He’s only 5-10 so maybe he slides? If he was 6-0 he would be top 10 they say. We’ll see how that turns out tomorrow, can’t wait.
Alexander’s 5’10 1/4″ height isn’t concerning. Personally I don’t see the Pats drafting Alexander even if he is on the board. Yes his athletic traits are exactly what the Pats look for almost identical to Stephon Gilmore’s, it’s Alexander’s on field production or lack their of that is the concerning part. As I laid out in another post of previous CB’s the Pats have drafted over the years the common links of each seem to be the Pats love having their CB’s have a high solo tackle rate combined with a high PBU rate. One other aspect that can be included with that but isn’t mandatory is Int’s. Then they combine that with certain athletic traits such as the 3 cone 20 shuttle or a fast 40.
As far as Alexander goes for his career(29 games) he had 58 Solo tackles 7 Int’s and 15 PBU’s. That would be great if that happened in one year over 12-13 games. I’d be all on board.
Now compare that to Logan Ryan in 2012 where he played in 13 games. Logan had 59 solo tackles and 17 PBU’s and 4 Int’s. That combined with a 4.56 40, 6.69 3 cone, and 4.06 20 Shuttle from an athletic point of view and still the Pats drafted him in the 3rd round.
To me, Miller has first round physical and athletic traits with 5th round tape. He ended up just outside the top 100 (102 to be exact).
My thought on the Tackle position is this. Outside of McGlinchey, I don’t think any of these guys are ready to play as a rookie. The team has last year’s first pick Garcia as a developmental Tackle. Why do they take another one that is in the same situation as Garcia. I have no issue with grabbing another Tackle later, but I do not see anyone in this class worth spending a 1st round pick. There are plenty of players who can have an impact on this team immediately at other positions.
The only developmental player I am okay with in the 1st is a QB.
You may well be right based on your history of accurate projections and maybe those of us on the Miller wagon are just a little panicked by the loss of Solder we will know tomorrow night. I would prefer Marcus Davenport as my #23 but doubt he will be available. Mike McGlinchey my next best (still a little panic) also a question that far down. Several others on my block at #23 so have to just wait now.
2018 OL Draft Rankings Brandon Thorn
https://www.ndtscouting.com/thorn-2018-nfl-draft-ol-rankings/
An in-depth breakdown that I thought was very well done.
excellent article. A good if not a must read. Author/evaluator much higher on interior OL than OT.