Not sure if you know this, but the fine people over at ProFootballNetwork.com have a mock draft simulator that has been updated with the first round and the trades (good job, fellas!). Took a swing at it over there myself and I'd be thrilled if the Patriots had similar results (Obviously I'm just brilliant, a perfect judge of draft talent and bat 1.000 all the time).
In any event, here are my Patriots picks, some explanation as to why I picked them, and the full mock. Go over to PFN and knock yourself a couple of dozen times.
Bedard's Round 2-3 Patriots mock draft:
37th pick: Chase Claypool, TE, Notre Dame
Pre-draft evaluation — TE Chase Claypool, Notre Dame (6-4, 238, 4.42, Round 2-3): A receiver for the Irish and a lot of NFL teams, but we’re projecting Claypool as a TE. He does not play to the timed speed and is more of a gatherer of speed. Projects as a Travis Kelce-type at the TE position. Blocking was fine for a WR, but will need to be upgraded for the TE position in an offense like New England’s. Caught 66 passes for 1,037 yards and 13 TDs as a senior. Long arms, big hands. Breaks a lot of tackles. Would be an average WR, but could be special as a TE.
Other players considered: DE Yetur Gross-Matos, RB JK Dobbins, S Xavier McKinney, LB Zack Baun
Thought process: Baun is more of a need, Dobbins would be almost too good a value to pass on, McKinney would be a scheme fit.
I think that Gross-Matos could be the pick in this spot but I think the Patriots view Chase Winovich as a starter, and feel they can figure out the other side between John Simon, Shilique Calhoun and Derek Rivers. I don't think they view edge as a huge need, although Gross-Matos is basically a Chandler Jones clone to me and this would be great value.
Belichick usually takes some risks in the second round and I think Claypool is a go-big-or-go-home type pick because I think he's eventually a tight end and could be special there. An athlete like Travis Kelce and Jimmy Graham. Would be a great red-zone target and a big athletic upgrade over what they currently have. Can't say that about many in this draft class.
71st pick: Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Pre-draft evaluation —S Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois (6-3, 221, 4.45, 2-3): Well-built player flies all over the field and will hit anything that crosses his face. Has rare range for a strong safety but he can play both spots in the pros. Needs to play more disciplined but has a very high ceiling. Athletic freak for the position.
Other players considered: S Kyle Dugger, WR Lynn Bowden, DE Jason Strowbridge, DT Neville Gallimore, TE Albert Okwuegbunam, WR Bryan Edwards, TE Devin Asiasi, LB Mark Harrison, WR Devin Duvernay.
Thought process: I just think he has way too much athletic upside and positional versatility (sort of like a poor man's Isaiah Simmons) to pass up on in this round. Asiasi was a very real consideration, as was Harrison.
87th pick: Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
Pre-draft evaluation —WR Van Jefferson, Florida (6-1.5, 200, n/a, Round 2-3): Son of former Patriots and NFL receiver Shawn Jefferson (an NFL receivers coach) is the most polished route runner to ever come out of college. A bit limited as an athlete, he makes up for it with his mental game. Plays like Deion Branch and would be a similar fast starter with the Patriots. Will play for 10 years as just a good, solid NFL receiver. 12.3 per catch and 16 touchdowns.
Other players considered: OT Matt Peart, RB AJ Dillon, RB/WR KJ Hill
Thought process: He's one of my biggest draft crushes for the Patriots simply because he's the most pro-ready college receiver I think I've ever seen (Justin Jefferson was close) ... Jeffersons come from good stock, obviously. He is Deion Branch 2.0. Great routes. Father has trained him well. Please make this happen. Please.
(No testing results for Jefferson, but he's not going to blow anyone away. Just knows how to play).
98th pick: Lloyd Cushenberry, C/G, LSU
Pre-draft evaluation — C Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU (6-3, 312, 5.27, Round 1-2): Might be the most athletic center in the class and gets to the second level in about .5 seconds if he’s uncovered. Absurdly long arms. Team captain as a junior. High-character guy. Also showed well against Alabama and at Senior Bowl.
Other players considered: LB Willie Gay Jr.
Thought process: Was my No. 2-ranked center behind Cesar Ruiz and to get him all the way down here ... too good to pass up (thought about trading up to get him). If Andrews is ready to play, then Cushenberry can compete at left guard. Fits the Patriots' athletic profile for an Andrews more than a slugger like Ted Karras. A more apt backup.
100th pick: Jake Luton, QB, Oregon State
Pre-draft evaluation — QB Jake Luton, Oregon State (6-6, 224, 4.95, 4-5): Big arm, low turnovers. Could be a Patriots fit.
Other players considered: LB Willie Gay.
Thought process: He's a name I've heard more and more with the Patriots in the days leading up to the draft because of his size, arm strength, taking care of the ball (28 TDs, 3 INTs) and his arm strength (Ball velocity of 59 mph is right there with the best in the class — Stidham was 53 coming up. ).
From Bob McGinn's evaluation: Luton spent two years at Idaho, redshirting in 2014 and starting one game in ’15. Played in junior college the next year, then started 20 games for the Beavers over three seasons as he battled injury. “He reminds me of Sean Mannion and Derek Anderson,” said one scout. “He’s tall and a decent athlete and has decent arm strength.” He finished with an overall NFL passer rating 93.5. “He’s not bad,” said another scout. “He’s a little wild. You can tell he’s got some good feel for it. Just highly inconsistent. Not a great body for the NFL. Weak kind of frame.” He posted a Wonderlic score of 29 and is from Marysville, Wash.
From OurLads.com:
FULL SECOND AND THIRD ROUND MOCK DRAFT
