Here's part two of my final mock draft, focusing on rounds 4 through 7. If you missed part one, here's a brief summary of what I'm trying to do.
So, I thought I'd pick a cluster of players in and around the Patriots' current selections and unload what I know and believe from watching the players. The list is culled from a cross-section of draft experts, and there can be a wide range of prospect placement on the respective. For instance, I have a player as a possible 6th-round fit for the Pats. Still, one scout tells me he believes that player will go in round three, and a second says he's more of a 7th-round/priority-free agent. That's quite the range. That's also the draft in a nutshell. Teams will winnow their draft boards to around 150 names or so, and no two boards across the league will be alike.
Away we go
ROUND FOUR, PICK #106
- Barryn Sorell (Edge, Texas), Kyle Kennard (Edge, S. Carolina), Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville), and Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State)
Sorrell has grown on me, and not like a foot fungus or anything. It comes down, in part, to the technique. He's very consistent on that front, working his hands and feet together so that he's rarely out of position. When you combine that with his freakish strength (425 lb bench press, 575 squat), you understand why the Longhorns coaching staff leaned on Sorrell the last three seasons (30 straight starts). "Wish he were a better athlete, but he's a damn good football player," one assistant told me,
Kennard won the Bronco Nagurski Award as the best defensive player in college football last year, his first at South Carolina after four seasons at Georgia Tech. Did most of his damage lined up wide, with a terrific get-off and long arms that caused opposing linemen consistent trouble. He is not much of a run defender but has the tools to improve. Forced five fumbles over the last two years.
Riley played most of his college snaps as an outside corner but projects more to an inside role in the NFL (5'11", 194 lbs). He's very sticky in man-to-man and plays with an edge. He'll have to become more physical in the run game, but he seems to have the right mindset to make that happen.
On Horton, I didn't initially see it in the three games I watched. I was told repeatedly to watch more. I'm glad I listened. He's a fun player. His route running needs work, but what he does with his play speed gives him some leeway in that department (like some sharper movements out of his breaks). He had a ton of big plays for the Rams, either on vertical routes or deep overs. Lock him in the weight room and spend some quality 1-on-1 time with him on the art of route running, and he could have a long NFL future.
ROUND FIVE, PICK #144
LeQuint Allen (RB, Syracuse), Brashard Smith (RB, SMU), Tahj Brooks (RB, Texas Tech), and Mac McWilliams (CB, C. Florida).
This could be the sweet spot for a pass-catching running back. It truly depends on what flavor you like here. Allen has a bigger frame (6', 204), but Brooks carries more weight (5'9", 214).
Allen is the youngest of this three-pack (not yet 21), but he got over 120 snaps in the slot or out wide, which speaks to his varied skill set. He can be a weapon out there. As a runner, he reminds me of James White with that short-area burst.
Smith was a receiver in his previous life (he spent the first three years of his career at Miami). His transfer to SMU proved beneficial. He did most of his damage as a runner working out of the spread, which gave him some clear lanes to attack. But you also saw Smith work as a receiver out of the backfield and find success.
I like McWilliams in this spot (depending on whether or not they've addressed nickel corner before). During college, he played inside and out and was terrific with a capital T at the Senior Bowl. He gave Noel and Jack Bech the business a couple of times from the slot and did the same to Higgins on the outside. McWilliams is super quick.
ROUND 5, PICK #171
- Jake Majors (C, Texas), Ricky White (WR, UNLV), Carson Vinson (LT, Alabama A&M) and Kitan Crawford (S, Nevada)
I would be surprised if the Pats bypassed the center position in this draft. Suppose Wilson (Georgia) isn't the selection on day two. In that case, Majors has played a lot of football (57 straight starts) at a high level (Texas) and is a sound technician both as a passer blocker and in the ground game. His ability to pull from the spot reminds me of David Andrews, as do his struggles with bigger bodies on the nose. Lauded for his leadership (again, Andrews-like).
White is a little thinner (181 lbs) than I would like for someone who will get plenty of snaps in the slot, but he is a playmaker and has special teams value (4 blocked punts). He can find another gear when the ball is in the air (yet 'only' ran a 4.5 40) and can contort his body like he's a freaking gymnast. 2-time captain at UNLV.
Vinson finds his way on the list for two reasons: he's a left tackle (he started for 5 years) and he looked the part at the Senior Bowl. He's 6'7", his arm length is 34 1/2 inches, and he has giant hands to help him control defenders. This is a tough projection because Alabama A&M didn't play up too many times, and Vinson's performance was mixed when they did. Needs a year in an NFL weight room.
Crawford was a highly-regarded Texas recruit but transferred this past year to start at Nevada. He's a very good athlete (he showed out at the Combine) with special-teams value. Not a finished product at safety, but there's something there. Willing tackler who is best playing free safety and can handle some reps in the slot.
ROUND 7, PICK #220
- Luke Lachey (TE, Iowa), Luke Kandra (G, Cincinnati), Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson (T, Florida)
Anytime you study an Iowa skill player, you must project because that offense (even after the change in OC) is not creative. But the Hawkeyes have a good tradition of tight ends succeeding in the NFL. While not dynamic, Lachey is an effective target on underneath stuff. He is physical and uses his body as a receiver (he could play power forward with his box-out skills). Don't get it twisted, though. This is not George Kittle.
Kandra is a two-year starter for the Bearcats. He's a little stiff as a mover but solid in pass protection and can jolt defenders with his hands. Not sure the Pats will need a guard in this draft, but if they did, this wouldn't be a bad place to land.
Crenshaw-Dickson was part of a well-coached and disciplined Florida offensive line. He's just a one-starter at RT, but he's got some nasty to his game. He needs coaching, but this might be a nice developmental selection.
ROUND 7, PICK #238
- Max Brosmer (QB, Minnesota), Zeek Biggers (DT, Georgia Tech)
The Pats will need another arm for camp. It's conceivable they might just grab one as a UDFA (Graham Mertz, Florida/Ethan Garbers, UCLA?), but if they don't want to waste time in that space, just take one at 238. Brosmer was at UNH before transferring to Minnesota this past year. While he doesn't have a big arm, he proved plenty capable for the Golden Gophers. He attacks the middle of the field, which I'm a fan of. Smart.
Biggers is...big. (I'll show myself out). He's 6'6", 321 lbs, has long arms, a huge wingspan, and tested well (explosive jumps). He was primarily an early down player for the Yellow Jackets but also proved disruptive on special teams (4 career field goal blocks). Inconsistent, but he's still young (21 years old). These are dart throws. I might wing one at Biggers.