Mock Draft 3.0 – Patriots Go Heavy on Defense
Some surprises, but Patriots addressed needs
With some extra picks in-hand from compensatory picks, this mock draft, (3.0), ended up being a heavier selection process on the defensive side of the ball because of the way the board played out. As always, there were some surprises, some good, some bad but overall not a bad haul for the Patriots.There is a fascinating tool to use for doing a mock draft made possible by the guys over at Fanspeak.com that we touted last year and is even more fun to use in 2015.
In their “On the Clock” simulator, you are the GM for any NFL team. You can choose how many rounds you’d like to draft for (1-7), and pick one of nine different big boards to choose from.All of the big boards differ and the site has a random selection process that picks for the other 31 teams based upon the best player available and team needs that are constantly updated until it is your time to pick.Here is our previous mock from last week - Mock Draft 2.0:For this opening mock draft, I used the big board of CBS Scouting
Here is our Patriots Mock Draft 3.0:
Round 1, Pick #32 – Carl Davis, DT Iowa:
Davis is a big, (6’5, 321) space eater who was a two-year starter for the Hawkeye defense. He played mostly 1-technique and is excellent at defeating double teams. Quick for a man his size, he can penetrate the backfield on running plays and disrupt the opponent at the point of attack.
Like Vince Wilfork, he won’t put up eye-popping numbers but his production will be in what he allows others to do. He’ll engage multiple blockers and allow the linebackers to clean up and make plays.
Round 2, Pick #64 – Byron Jones, CB UConn:
Jones is shooting up draft boards after an outstanding NFL Combine display where he set a new world record in the broad jump at 147 inches and at his school’s Pro-Day where he blistered a 4.36 in the 40.Jones has proto-typical size at 6’1, 200, and isn’t just a track star, he has an outstanding football IQ, character, work ethic and leadership.
The only knock on Jones is the level of competition faced at UConn, but as a senior, he dominated allowing only a 26.4 passer rating in 2014.With a run of the interior defensive linemen in Round 1, many of the top cornerbacks were still available, we rolled the dice that one of the top ones would still be there in Round 2 and the Jones selection was a no-brainer.
Round 3, Pick #96 – Josue Matias, G Florida State:
Matias is a product of the Florida State pipeline that former OL coach Dante Scarnecchia has developed with the coaching staff at FSU.With 41 consecutive starts, Matias, a native of the Dominican Republic is a big, (6’6, 325), versatile offensive lineman who played mostly left guard but filled in at tackle as well. Very quick off the snap and excellent hand use to keep defenders away.Good in pass protection, but tends to lunge and overextend in the running game…that will come with coaching.
*Round 3, Pick #97 – Ben Heeney, ILB Kansas: **Compensatory Pick
A three-year starter at ILB, Heeney led Kansas in tackles the last three seasons and immediately upgrades the depth at linebacker where Jerod Mayo and Dont’a Hightower are recovering from injuries.Lacking the size the Patriots covet with their LBs, (6’0, 230), Heeney makes up for it with an all-out style that is reminiscent of Zach Thomas. He has excellent instincts and is decent in coverage. He's a bit undersized and not the greatest athlete. Still, he’s a quality depth addition to a unit sorely in need of it.
Round 4, Pick #101 – Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB Oregon:
Wasn’t looking for another corner here…but seeing him still on the board in Round 4 was too tempting to pass up. Was a 1st round early 2nd round shoe-in until blowing out his ACL prior to the Rose Bowl.Ekpre-Olomu is a turnover magician with nine interceptions, eight forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He is a very athletic and instinctive corner.
For a guy who is so undersized at 5’9, he’s very physical as well. Is a willing and able run defender and will sacrifice himself on the edge.His lack of size may hurt him at the next level but he’s comparable to Brent Grimes who has always held his own. Big question is, will he return to form after his injury?
Round 4, Pick #131 – Jake Ryan, OLB Michigan:
Two-year captain for the Wolverines has good length at 6’3 but could use a little extra weight at 240. Great read/react skills in the running game and will go all out on every play. Very good instincts and times his blitzes well, not great in coverage due to general stiffness in his hips.Lots of experience and ability to play special teams and is versatile, after losing half of his 2013 season to a blown out ACL, he returned in 2014 to move inside to MLB. Comes from a football family, his father, grandfather and two brothers all were/are college football players. Football junkie, lives it, breathes it….Belichick will love that.
Round 6, Pick #177– Antwan Goodley, WR Baylor:
Goodley comes from a pass production program at Baylor with good measurables, 4.49 in the 40. He had a nice final season with 71 catches for 1339 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Bears.Very solid at 5’11, 210 with excellent, soft hands, very good initial burst off the line and above average athleticism. Special teams experience as a kick returner. Lots of upside but will need to work on his route running at the next level.
Round 7, Pick #219 – Kaleb Eulls, DT Mississippi State:
Eulls was a four year starter (52 straight games), and is a versatile guy that can be an interior DT in a 4-3 but is capable of sliding outside in a 3-4 as a DE. Good size at 6’3, 305 with long arms. Moves well for a big man. Excellent teammate with great character. Is not exceptionally quick at the snap…tends to stand upright too much, limited as a pass rusher although had three sacks as a senior.
*Round 7, Pick #253 – Adam Shead, G Oklahoma:** Compensatory Pick
Shead was a 40 game starter for the Sooners and is a mauler in the run game. Has tremendous power and can be effective teeing off using his big body (6’4, 340).Shead needs to trim down a bit and has heavy feet which could limit him in pass blocking and while a good blocker, can over-extend and reach at the second level.
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