WEEI: New picks for Patriots in new mock
17. New England [from OAK (8-8)] Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri The decision between Smith and J.J. Watt would be a very tough one, and though Watt might have a more successful NFL career, the Patriots might not get a crack at a top pass-rusher if they wait until 28th pick rolls around to address it. The concern for a guy like Smith is the one-year wonder tag, and he’ll need to convince 3-4 teams like the Patriots that he’s capable of playing outside linebacker at the next level.
28. New England (14-2) Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State The Patriots took a tight end coming off back surgery last year, so this would be a boring class if it didn’t include a defensive lineman coming off Tommy John surgery, no? Heyward doesn’t have the same potential as Watt, but he has the NFL bloodlines, carries himself in a very professional manner and would be a fixture on the defensive line with Vince Wilfork and a healthy Ty Warren.
If these were the two picks in the first round I’d be very happy. I go back and forth on Heyward. Some say his motor runs hot and cold, but a lot of the game tape I’ve seen of him makes me think he’s the closest thing to a true Patriots 34 defensive end in this draft.
As for Smith it just comes down to how great his FBI (football intelligence) is. He has the physical size, but everything else is a mystery to all of us.
So if the Patriots deemed Smith and Heyward worthy of the first round selections I’d be excited because they’d be adding two players at areas of real need on the defense. This would also provide potential new pass rush solutions from both the OLB and DL spots.