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2012 Patriots Draft Big Board

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Here’s the 2012 Patriots Big Board. These are draft prospects I like and think fit the Patriots style of play, roughly in the order I value them.

All comments, criticism, advice welcome. I make no claims of being a scout. This is simply a fun exercise for myself to find quality applicants for the New England Football Machine. I’ll allow this list to go as high as 50, so I’m still looking, but the goal as it was last year is to nail as many Pats picks as possible. Hence slots won’t be wasted on positions that aren’t glaring needs.

Here is the 2011 Big Board.

Here is our 2012 Patriots-only mock draft.

  • posted 4/2
  • updated 4/4
  • updated 4/8
  • updated 4/11
  • updated 4/12
  • updated 4/20
  • updated 4/23
  1. Morris Clayborne, CB, LSU: Devin McCwho?
  2. David Decastro, G, Stanford: I know we already have a mauler, what a dream it would be to have two.
  3. Fletcher Cox, DE, South Carolina: Versatile defensive lineman prospect who could contribute to the Pats immediately as an interior rusher while developing the strength and technique to play the other line spots. Reminds be somewhat of Cameron Jordan last year and that scares me, but I think Cox is the better prospect.
  4. Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia: Great size and length, good guard prospect with experience at tackle. Surprising agility for a big man, and would fit in well with the rest of the Monster Squad. A potential long term solution at right guard would be an excellent hole to fill this year.
  5. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: Long corner prospect, who could potentially be moved to safety. Would bring some needed talent, size and playmaking ability to the back end of the Pats defense.
  6. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina: Gilmore intrigues me as a potential safety conversion guy, especially given the safety class this year. He has all kind of Pats potential factors (durable, hard working, soft spoken). If he doesn’t have the corner speed he could go to safety, but overall a solid and popular Pats mock draft pick and rightly so.
  7. Michael Brockers, DE, LSU: Brockers is still an ascending prospect, but in the exact mold of what the Patriots need most: versatile defensive lineman with the size and strength to do a number of different things. Brockers had a great year in 2011 as a Sophomore, and in the words of one scout “played with great passion”. If he puts that passion into being a professional football player he could be a dominant, versatile force. Plus he is a clean prospect off-field and injury-wise.
  8. Kendall Reyes, DT, UCONN: A popular Pats mock draft pick who’s a two-time captain who could develop the strength to two gap, but already has the speed for interior rush.
  9. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: Versatile corner described as “feisty”. Physical and tough, he can play inside or outside, and would give the Pats a solid man-coverage corner. The only question is does he have the FBI to play for BB.
  10. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: Not the outside speed demon some might be hoping for, but has size/strength like Vincent Jackson, a known Patriots favorite. The Pats used to look for physical receivers like David Givens and Floyd seems like he could be in that mold, while also giving NE an outside receiving threat.
  11. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama: On paper Upshaw doesn’t have the ideal size for a Patriots OLB nor does he have the measurables that will wow anyone, but when I watch him play he looks like a Patriot. He’s assignment sound, strong at the point of attack and can get after the passer enough to be a threat. I was consistently impressed by his discipline and instincts. He plays the way the Patriots want their defense to play, regardless of his measurables.
  12. Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State: Ideal Patriots-type when you look at intangibles, hard worker who’s versatile. 20.5 career sacks. Like Upshaw, he’s a slightly undersized tweener. Upshaw might be a little tougher than him, but McLellin is very athletic in a way that none of our current outside linebackers are. Let’s remember Ninkopoop isn’t exactly ideal size either, and he’s definitely not the kind of athlete McClellin is.
  13. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin: Scrappy, intelligent and a hard worker. There are some injury concerns but Konz strikes me as a guy who could be tempting to the Pats if he falls to the late-20s. His value could be affected by how secure the Pats feel about Dan Connolly and his future at center. Reinforcing the interior offensive line has to be a priority this year.
  14. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin: Tough, gritty interior lineman who will need some time to develop. Dependable and “no-nonsense”. I am always intrigued by these Badger offensive linemen. I wonder if this is the year BB grabs one of them.
  15. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia: Playmaker in the slot. Plays bigger than frame. Hobbs/Arrington mold. Won Hornung Award for most versatile player in college football. Kickoff returner.
  16. Mark Barron, S, Alabama: It’s a thin safety class this year, and while Barron isn’t an ideal free safety-type fit that could balance out Chung, he’s big and tough in the box,  and fairly instinctive on the back end. Yes, we have Chung, but Barron could allow him to play back a little more, and we all know how many games Chung has missed over the last two years. My gut feel is that a team looking for an answer to Gronkandez will snap him up a little higher than they should.
  17. Dontari Poe, DL, Memphis: Big, raw mass of a man that is willing to work. Never rule out the Pats on athletic freaks (see Solder/Cannon). Having a big inside presence like Poe would really make life difficult for opponents and force them to deal with two athletic forces inside. His production doesn’t overwhelm from a numbers standpoint, and I get a boom or bust feeling with him, but his ceiling under Wilfork’s wing would be amazingly high.
  18. Reuben Randle, WR, LSU: There’s a theme of big receivers in this year’s class and Randle is one of them. Another popular Pats mock draft pick Randle is described as a hard worker and savvy route runner. Could be a prime pick at the bottom of the first round.
  19. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: Wright is a tough, fast wide out who lacks size but has everything else you want. A four year starter, described as “top competitor who gives full effort on every snap”. I don’t know what it takes to mesh with TFB but this guy would give it everything he had, and he’s dripping with explosive talent. Yes please.
  20. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers: Sanu’s savvy, and from a building a team perspective he’s the kind of pick you know exactly what you’re getting with. BB surely knows him well after scouting McCourty and being attached to Greg Schiano’s hip at the league meetings in Florida. He can be a threat in a number of different ways (in the backfield, in the slot, outside) and he’s 6-2, 215. Even with the Pats recent additions at WR they still lack size and Sanu is another big, athletic receiver that is prevalent in this year’s draft class.
  21. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame: I’m torn on Smith. He looked good at the combine and has impressive size and better than average speed at a position of Pats need. I just am not sold that he’s an instinctive difference-maker and might be limited in his effectiveness in the New England system. But there’s a lot to like. Again, a potential anti-Gronkandez for someone willing to reach.
  22. Jerel Worthy, DL, Michigan State: Worthy isn’t a class Pats fit, but he would bring some quickness and versatility to the interior line, both areas of need.
  23. Billy Winn, DL, Boise State: Winn interests me because he can play a number of spots on the line and has some interior power like Mike Wright had. May not be ideal at any position, but has the demeanor to fit in and do a number of things. Violent in the trenches, also a former wrestler/power lifter.
  24. DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama: Started 20 games for Alabama, but doesn’t have the measurables the NFL likes. Sound familiar? He’s physical and aggressive and could be a mid-to-late rounder with potential to play special teams and slot.
  25. Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall: Great measurables and his leadership qualities. Not completely sold he’s a fit at OLB, but he has the make up of a Patriot and his pass rush skills can’t be ignored. Might be a better 4-3 upfield DE, that drops his value for NE.
  26. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia: An intriguing prospect with many connections to Belichick. Good tackler, and has a diverse football background in a lot of positions, including kick return ability. Has good length, somewhat reminds me of McCourty.
  27. Chandler Jones, DL/OLB, Syracuse: I like Jones’ length, and while I’m not convinced he has the athleticism to play OLB for the Pats, he’s an interesting prospect. Physically he has the tools, but could he put it all together to play the Elephant role? Maybe. Todd McShay really likes his upside.
  28. Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia: Irvin has some off-the-field questions, but he seems like he has the personality to really flourish in New England. He’s undersized but the ferocity of his play makes up for it. A true athlete who could potentially make an immediate difference on passing downs.
  29. Jayron Hosely, CB, VT: Smart, feisty and aggressive with kick return/punt return potential. Came out early so under the radar early in the process. But a good overall Pats-type DB. Potential to contribute immediately as a slot corner.
  30. Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State: Seasoned, athletic and tenacious center. I really like his size given the Patriots struggles keeping the middle of the pocket intact for TFB to step up.
  31. Ben Jones, C, Georgia: Solid center prospect who played over 40 career starts in the SEC. Leader. Not flashy but a solid pick who would compete for time right away.
  32. Markelle Martin, Safety, Oklahoma State: I really like his physicality and closing ability on the back end. Could be a prime mid-round safety target in a weak safety class. In theory he has everything the Pats like and need if he could live up to his scouting reports.
  33. Derek Wolfe, DL, Cincinnati: Relentless worker and “the spark plug of the defense”, position in NFL tough to project, but could be a 5-technique if he improves his anchor. Still, a tough, highly competitive DL with a good first step.
  34. Brandon Taylor, S, LSU: Team captain and three-year SEC starter. More of a strong safety type, but great leadership qualities and tough player.
  35. Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas: Adams would bring some real explosiveness to the Pats return games, something they badly needed in 2011. If he could develop with Brady as a WR while earning a roster spot via special teams he could add a dynamic versatile presence on offense in coming years.
  36. Christian Thompson, FS, SC State: A favorite of Wes Bunting, Thompson has good speed and the athleticism to develop on the back end. NFP has him as their 2nd ranked free safety.
  37. Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama: Similar to the mold of Wilfork, Chapman can hold his ground against the best of them. Question is how versatile he is, can he be more than just a NT?
  38. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas: Solid character prospect who’s “immoveable” by a single blocker. Projects to a 5-technique in the Patriots defense.
  39. Malik Jackson, DE, Tennesee: Developmental 5-tech, with some scheme versatility. Will need time to develop, but has the physical tools. Saw time all over the defensive line on passing downs. Has work to do, but has the frame to grow into a beast.
  40. Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State: Physical, aggressive and diverse. Definitely reminiscent of the Law Firm in both his dreads and running style.
  41. Tramain Thomas, S, Arkansas: A 3-year SEC starter who wasn’t invited to the combine? Pats alert! Undersized, and often over aggressive, but a smart back end player who has range and can make plays on the ball.
  42. Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly: Jackson fits the mold of Pats corners from yesteryear, with also some return ability.
  43. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana: Good size, long arms, ability to play press. Will need time coming from a small school, but looks like he would add a missing element to the Pats secondary.
  44. Cam Johnson, DL, Virgina: Relentless worker who plays with violence, he plays the way the Pats like, but it’s a struggle to project exactly where he would fit. Scouts feel he might be too stiff for OLB, but he can bring it as a pass rusher and could develop as a sub-rusher.
  45. Lucas Nix, OG, Pittsburgh: Good athlete with a mean streak. Consistent and durable, time at right guard.
  46. Ryan Miller, OL, Colorado: Miller is 6’7" but projects inside to guard. The Pats surely got a great look at him while scouting Solder. He’s played inside and outside at Colorado. Great size, athleticism.
  47. Kelcie McCray, S, Arkansas St.: Former high school QB with good size and range. Some questions about how physical he is, but a possible back end/special teams guy available in the mid rounds.
  48. Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas: Before tearing his patellar tendon Childs looked like a prime WR prospect. If he can get back to full health he could be an excellent value pick on Day 3. Tall and physical, but also understands his role in an offense that is similar to the Patriots. Doesn’t hurt that he had great chemistry with Ryan Mallett either.
  49. Buddy Jackson, CB, Pitt: Jackson never started at Pitt, but was an explosive kickoff returner who played some sub package defensive back.
  50. Desmond Wynn, G, Rutgers: Started 24 straight games at LG, also has experience at RG.

2011 New England Patriots Draft Big Board

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PATSPROPAGANDA DRAFT PREDICTIONS SELF ANALYSIS

OUR PATRIOTS-ONLY MOCK DRAFT POSTED 4/14/2011

While mock drafts are fun, if you’re a fan obsessed with only one team like me, you really only get one player per mock (or two in the Patriots’ case) to look at. You know the drill, you see a new mock pop up, you go to it and instantly look who they have your team picking, then scan the rest of it with half-interest.

So what you’ll find below is my Patriots big board, which in reality is what most teams go into the draft with. This lists only prospects that I see as a fit for the Pats in ranked order. While team needs are certainly taken into account, ultimately it comes down to who fits the system and how much of an impact they would have for one team, the New England Patriots.

If there’s someone you personally like but don’t see on here make a case for them in the comments below. These rankings will change and grow.

Disclaimer:

  • I do not claim to be an expert. I don’t have access to coaches film. This is all for fun. It can only be as accurate as the scouting reports and magazines I see.
  • I do claim to pay attention to the Patriots schemes and desired personnel.
  • None of the top 50 are there by accident. They are there because I saw something somewhere that they were physical, tough, versatile players who took football seriously, in some combination.
  • My goal is to have 75% of the Patriots drafted players listed somewhere below. If I get 50% I’ll be happy. If I only get 25% I won’t be surprised.

So without further ado here it is. I will set up a permanent link on the front page of the site for easy access as it evolves. And it will evolve based on future research and input from readers, so please, make your opinion known!

**UPDATED April 27, 3pm EST**

Patspropaganda.com 2011 New England Patriots Mock Big Board

  1. Marcel Dareus (DL, 6-03, 319, Alabama): would cause havoc, maybe not the perfect size for DE, but strong enough to play any DL spot. NFL.com: Possesses the athleticism and explosiveness to be consistently disruptive against the run and pass. Hands that don’t stop, sheds blockers quickly, and frequently uses the swim move to get to the quarterback. Also has great power to push the pocket and stand his ground adequately when run at.
  2. AJ Green (WR, 6-04, 211, Georgia): smooth, gifted WR, who would add a large outside target currently missing from Pats WR corps. NFL.com: Has the ideal length, refined route-running skills, hands, and big-play ability to become one of the league’s top players at the position. Displays tremendous acceleration and fluidity for a taller player.
  3. Cameron Jordan (DL, 6-04, 287, Cal): has experience in 34, interior pass rush presence. Not ideal Pats DE, but versatility would make him useful. NFL.com:  Really a good fit for any team that stresses gap integrity. Has good strength at the point of attack, plays with sound positioning, locates the ball carrier, gets off blocks and uses his good quickness and agility against the run. Not a big-time pass rushing talent by any means, but still has some good power moves.
  4. JJ Watt (DE, 6-05, 290, Wisconsin), big, athletic five technique with outstanding work ethic. Arguably the cleanest Pats prospect in draft. NFL.com: A hard-working, intelligent, relentless player. Uses his hands extremely well to get off blocks both rushing the passer and against the run. Doesn’t possesses great initial quickness but closes hard and fast on the quarterback and has enough straight-lined speed to pursue from the backside.
  5. Julio Jones (WR, 6-03, 220, Alabama): physical, intimidating presence at WR, game changer. NFL.com: Vertical threat due to his height, strength, leaping ability, and speed. Generates big plays after the catch on screens and crossing patterns because of his physicality as a runner. Flashes outstanding hands and ball skills.
  6. Robert Quinn (OLB, 6-04, 265, UNC): not as athletic as some thought, but could transition to OLB, bring some athleticism/pass rush. NFL.com: He has an excellent first step and the burst to consistently get around the edge. He is a relentless pass rusher that will only improve once he develops an array of counter moves. He lacks the bulk to hold stout against the running game and can get overwhelmed by bigger blockers.
  7. Danny Watkins (G/C, 6-03, 310, Baylor): overaged, but could step in and play at either guard position. Nasty playing temperament. NFL.com: He plays with terrific balance and has the foot quickness to hold in pass protection. Despite his limited football experience, he engages very well with his hands and maintains a strong position.
  8. Gabe Carimi (LT/RT, 6-07, 314, Wisconsin): will need to get stronger but projects to either tackle spot, nasty playing temperament.NFL.com: His non-stop motor, coupled with his ideal size, make him a terror in the running game and he has enough athleticism to hold his own in pass protection.
  9. Anthony Costonzo (LT/RT, 6-07, 311, Boston College): need to improve strength versus power, but could develop and start on either side. NFL.com: Would be a good fit in a zone-blocking scheme or on a club that loves the screen game. Will probably never be a favorable matchup when facing bigger, more powerful NFL defensive lineman.
  10. Mark Ingram (RB, 5-09, 215, Alabama):  great instincts and quickness for the game, would fit in well with current stable. Late first round steal. NFL.com: Ingram projects as an every-down back who can make an impact on the ground and in the passing game. One of the most polished running back prospects in recent memory. Has rare natural running sense in terms of vision and patience.
  11. Aaron Williams (DB, 6-01, 204, Texas): big, physical corner would instantly add presence at nickel corner. NFL.com: Has experience lining up over the slot and maintains proper position to take away the easy crossing routes. When the ball is in the air, he has a great closing burst and the superb hands to make plays even on errant throws. He is aggressive in run support.
  12. Nate Solder (OT, 6-08, 319, Colorado): Vollmer clone, athletic, will need time in Dante U. NFL.com: Very sound in pass protection, not as susceptible to the bull rush as you might think given his leaner build, just needs to continue to develop his game against complete pass rushers with a vast array of skills and moves.
  13. Ryan Kerrigan (OLB, 6-04, 267, Purdue): relentless motor, better athlete than he’s given credit for. Has the size to play OLB for Pats. NFL.com – Explodes off the line and plays with sound leverage to get under offensive tackles. Persistent pass rusher with great closing burst that has a knack for making strip sacks. Reads quickly and has a strong lower half which makes him stout against the run. Very productive.
  14. Mike Pouncey (G/C, 6-05, 303, Florida): projects to guard, struggled with shotgun snapping at time. Not as good as twin Maurkice. NFL.com: He has outstanding football IQ and the ability to become a pro-bowl starter at guard or center.
  15. Clint Boling (G/C, 6-05, 308, Georgia): versatile, interior lineman, who plays hard and has experience against top competition. Worker. NFL.com: A savvy, maximum-effort guy who could find a home with a franchise that values technique and mobility up front above pure strength. Has great awareness and understands the finer points of line play.
  16. Aldon Smith (OLB, 6-04, 263, Missouri): raw, but potential is there, would need time, wonder if he has the FBI to fit in New England. NFL.com: He’s a fluid, natural pass rusher who overcomes lack of excellent get-off with terrific hand usage, elite lateral-mobility, very good closing speed, and a strong desire to get to the quarterback.
  17. Jabaal Sheard (OLB, 6-04, 260, Pitt): quick to diagnose, variety of pass rush moves. Team leader despite one incident. NFL.com: Sheard is long and thickly built. Powerful bull rusher that has a vast repertoire of counter moves and uses his long arms to bat down passes. Strong kid that delivers a powerful punch, sheds effectively and quickly locates the ball. High motor player that makes plays on the backside. Very productive.
  18. Cameron Heyward (DL, 6-05, 294, Ohio State): looks the part, but possibly the most polarizing prospect in the draft. NFL.com: He is a powerful athlete at the point of attack that can eat up blocks in the running game and uses heavy active hands to shed quickly. He possesses a less than ideal burst, but is a relentless pass rusher that gets more sacks than he should.
  19. Derek Sherrod (G/T, 6-05, 321, Mississippi State): versatile, played tackle, but projects to guard. NFL.com: Nice blend of length and good feet, he can slide laterally with pass rushers and push them by the launch point but struggles to anchor against the bull rush.
  20. Brandon Harris (DB, 5-10, 191, Miami): smooth, will develop into starting cb. NFL.com: Strong kid with a tireless work ethic and he should be a mid-to-late first round pick. Harris is a true gamer that is at his best when the lights are on and he has the tools to become a starting cornerback at the next level. He excels in man coverage, as he is explosive with an elite closing burst and he has very fluid hips to maintain speed in transition.
  21. Muhammad Wilkerson (DL, 6-04, 315, Temple): has the size/anchor strength for DE, also has some interior pass rush ability. NFL.com: Ideal size, excellent shedding ability and the athleticism to pursue from the backside and rush the passer. Jolts offensive lineman at the point of attack, can beat the double team, finds the football and makes plays against the run.
  22. Ryan Williams (RB, 5-09, 212, Virginia Tech): violent natural runner, hampered by injuries in 2010. NFL.com: Has the vision, toughness, burst, and lateral-mobility necessary to move the chains and make some big plays. However, he must do a better job holding onto the football and improve his ability to consistently contribute on third downs.
  23. Brooks Reed (OLB, 6-03, 263, Arizona): fastest 10-yard split at combine, explosive, smart pass rusher, excellent spin move. Raw but has intangibles. NFL.com: Gets to the quarterback with a variety of moves and a relentless motor. Uses his hands really well to maintain gap integrity and disengage from blockers against the run. Lack of size, his all-out playing style, and minor injury history pose some questions about his durability.
  24. Rahim Moore (FS, 6-00, 202, UCLA): ballhawking free safety, could fill potential need after 2010. NFL.com: True difference maker at the safety position, and he projects to be an immediate starter at the next level. He is extremely rangy with the deep speed to hold up in cover-3, and he has a great closing burst when the ball is in the air.
  25. Rodney Hudson (C/G, 6-02, 299, Florida State): bit undersized for guard but versatile and could be eventual Koppen replacement. Well-rounded, polished skill set. NFL.com: Should be an immediate starter at guard or center and could make a few Pro Bowls down the line. He can handle power or speed pass rushers with his outstanding balance, flexibility and wide base.
  26. Leonard Hankerson (WR, 6-02, 209, Miami) big, durable, passion for the game. Best WR at Senior Bowl. Would add presence Pats WRs lack. NFL.com: Steadily builds speed, which coupled with his height allows him to make some plays vertically. Tough and hard-working.
  27. Torrey Smith (WR/KR, 6-01, 204, Maryland): deep threat, high character, still raw and will need time to develop. NFL.com: Big-play speed and enough size to develop into a starting NFL receiver who can stretch a defense. Shows great burst off the line and the top-end speed to consistently get behind the secondary.
  28. Ras-I Dowling (DB, 6-02, 205, Virginia): tall, playmaker, could project to FS eventually, projected as high round pick before battling injuries in 2010. NFL.com: A monster of a cornerback who seeks out contact in run support and is a sound tackler. He really excels in zone coverage with terrific instincts and has the ball skills to make plays on underneath routes.
  29. Kyle Rudolph (TE, 6-06, 259, Notre Dame): eventual Crumpler replacement, him and Gronk in 2-TE sets would be scary. NFL.com: He is fast and has the hip fluidity to separate in and out of his breaks in man coverage. He has tremendous hands and shows a knack for coming down with the ball in traffic.
  30. Jason Pinkston (RT/RG, 6-04, 305, Pittsburgh) NFL.com: physical and coordinated in the run game and very fluid redirecting vs. the pass. deceptively athletic and has the football intelligence to make an NFL roster. He does not impress on the hoof, but he understands blocking schemes and very rarely misses his assignment. He also possesses quick feet.
  31. Ben Ijalana (G/T, 6-04, 317, Villanova); versatile but played against lower competition. Will need time. NFL.com: Strength and finishing attitude will make him a powerful drive blocker. He makes good decisions in pass protection and has quick feet and long arms to handle athletic defensive lineman.
  32. Mikel Leshoure (RB, 6-00, 230, Illinois): big back who runs hard would compliment Woodhead/Green-Ellis well. NFL.com: With some improvements on third down, Leshoure has the size, athleticism and competitiveness to develop into an every-down back.
  33. Quinton Carter (DB, 6-01, 208, Oklahoma): NFL.com: smart football player that understands his responsibilities in zone coverage and he has the smooth hips and lateral agility to mirror slot receivers in and out of their breaks. Fierce competitor .
  34. Allen Bailey (DL, 6-04, 288): physical beast that might not have ideal size but could contribute in a number of different ways. NFL.com: Uses his hands, power moves and good get off to pressure the passer. Very complete against the run. Holds his base very well, gets off blocks, fights through double teams and is a sure tackler when arriving at the ball-carrier.
  35. Kenrick Ellis (DT/DE, 6-05, 346, Hampton) character flags but could be a dominating presence on the DL in multiple spots. NFL.com: Rare combination of size and explosiveness. Can be disruptive with his power or quickness.
  36. Shane Vereen (RB, 5-10, 210, CAL) shifty, sudden back with good awareness, could eventually contribute on third down. NFL.com: compact runner with a low center of gravity. Patient back that shows the ability to find holes and cutback lanes. Runs hard and fights for extra yards after contact. Possesses great hands and instincts as a receiver. Can split out wide and shows good effort and technique in pass protection.
  37. Martez Wilson (OLB, 6-04, 250, Illinois): potential rush OLB, is a bit high cut, will need development playing vs. run. Play inside, 2-point. NFL.com: Should be able to hold outside contain using his long arms and strength to keep tight ends off his body against the run, and jam at the line or pressure the quarterback in passing situations.
  38. Stefen Wisniewski (C/G, 6-03, 313, Penn State): technically sound, could start day one. Eventual Koppen replacement. NFL.com: He has great football intelligence, quickly recognizes stunts and blitzes and is rarely caught out of position. However, he lacks the lower body strength to generate a consistent push in the running game and will not thwart the bull rush in the NFL.
  39. Cliff Matthews (OLB, 6-04, 257, South Carolina): captain, competes hard, has the size and will. NFL.com: Lack of power to be productive against the run and explosiveness to rush the quarterback.
  40. Demarco Murray (RB, 6-00, 213, Oklahoma): violent runner, who can line up all over. Needs to add some bulk. NFL.com: His high cut frame gives him the look of a wide receiver and his precise route running and soft hands make him a weapon on third down.
  41. Johnny White (RB, 5-09, 210, UNC): Todd McShay’s potential steal of the draft. NFL.com: Will provide outstanding value as a change-of-pace, third-down back and special-teams ace early in his career. Despite lack of reps, he allows plays to develop and decisively hits the hole. He has exceptional acceleration and agility.
  42. Ahmad Black (S/Nickel Corner, 5-09, 187, Florida) might not have the size/speed on paper that you look for but he just makes plays. NFL.com: Contribute immediately in sub-packages and as a special teams cover guy even if he never becomes a starter. Has excellent instincts. Plays tough and is durable despite lack of size.
  43. Robert Sands (S, 6-04, 217, West Virginia): NFL.com: well-rounded safety prospect with rare size, good speed, and a physical mentality and could become an excellent starter in the NFL
  44. Greg Romeus (OLB, 6-06, 270, Pittsburgh): coming off an ACL, still raw, but has size/intangibles for Pats system. NFL.com: He is a powerful rusher with good speed that will be even more effective once he adds more counter moves to his repertoire. He is very strong and difficult to move in the running game and shows the agility to make tackles from the backside.
  45. Tandon Doss (WR, 6-02, 201, Indiana): tough possession slot receiver. NFL.com: Gets open underneath with polished route-running and good quickness. Eats up cushions in a hurry with elite burst off the line
  46. Craig Marshall (DE/OLB, 6-04, 265, South Florida) Raw but has the frame and skills to warrant a draft pick.
  47. John Moffitt (G/C, 6-04, 319, Wisconsin):athletic interior lineman, will need time, a favorite of Tedy Bruschi. NFL.com: Displays very good football intelligence and understands blocking schemes. However, he lacks the strength and overall athleticism to be effective at the next level against faster and stronger athletes.
  48. Marcus Gilchrist (DB, 5-10, 195, Clemson): versatile defensive back who could project to free safety. Experience as a kick returner as well. Good at taking on the run, has scheme versatility.
  49. Zak Hurd (RT/RG, 6-07, 313, Connecticut): NFL.com: has the measurables and toughness to make it as a starting offensive lineman, but may need to slide inside to guard.
  50. Cecil Shorts (WR, 6-00, 205, Mount Union) highly productive small school guy, two time captain. NFL.com: smooth, reliable, intelligent receiver prospect who was highly productive against lower competition but lacks a “wow” factor in terms of size, top-end speed and big-play ability

Best Of The Rest

  • Buster Skrine (DB, 5-10, 185, Chattanooga) small school, raw, but physical freak. NFL.com: He has elite recovery speed and quickly closes when the ball is in the air. However, he will struggle to mirror slot receivers as he is a bit tight in the hips and he will get pushed around by bigger receivers at the next level.
  • Chris Matthews (WR, 6-05, 219, Kentucky): developmental, big physical WR with natural athletic ability. Builds speed, not quick off line.
  • Stevan Ridley (RB, 5-11, 225, LSU) NFL.com: no nonsense runner that explodes through the holes and is very difficult to take down, limited receiver.
  • Jarvis Jenkins (DL,6-04, 310, Clemson):developmental 5-technique who must get stronger, learn to play with better leverage. NFL.com: Doesn’t appear to have the skill set worthy of staying on the field in obvious passing downs. He does a good job of getting off the ball, getting off blockers and making plays in the backfield against the run.
  • Andrew Jackson (G, 6-05, 299, Fresno State): needs to stay healthy, athletic, long, fires off ball. NFL.com: Chance to turn into a starting NFL guard with the addition of some needed bulk and strength.
  • JT Thomas (LB, 6-01, 241, West Virginia) undersized but has intangibles, speed and instincts.
  • Steven Friday (OLB, 6-04, 250, Virginia Tech) can get after QB, will need time in other areas.
  • Corbin Bryant (DT/DE, 6-04, 285, Northwestern) great first step, developmental 34 DE. Interior pass rush type player.
  • Bilal Powell (RB, 5-11, 207, Louisville) NFL.com: knack for finding a seam and can accelerate on a dime to find daylight. He is very elusive in the open field.
  • Tyler Sash (S, 6-00, 211, Iowa):NFL.com: impressive football intelligence and excellent effort in run support to the table but probably lacks the range and athleticism in coverage
  • Luke Stocker (TE, 6-05, 258, Tennessee): NFL.com: has the frame, tenacity and strength to develop into a powerful run blocker. Stocker is a blue collar-type player
  • Jalil Brown (DB, 6-01, 204, Colorado): big developmental prospect, NFL.com: Uses his length and strength to prevent the free release, can turn and run, but does not possess the hips to prevent separation
  • Alex Linnenkuhl (C, 6-02, 304, Oregon State): tough, hard working, wrestling background.
  • Randall Cobb (WR, 5-10, 191, Kentucky): former QB, athlete, NFL.com: could still make plays as a scat back, sub-package slot receiver and as a returner. Plays his best in the biggest moments.
  • Darren Evans (RB, 6-00, 227, Virginia Tech): north-south runner who lowers his shoulder and pumps his legs through defenders. He is also a tenacious blocker in pass protection.
  • Terrence Turner (WR, 6-02, 220, Indiana): respected team leader, special teams potential. NFL.com: Turner’s a hard-working, coachable player who gets the most out of his ability and will probably turn into a good special teamer.
  • Brandon Fusco (C, 6-04, 316, Slipper Rock) small school center has the nastiness and physical attributes you look for, but will take time to develop as he’s coming from D-2.
  • Garett Chisolm (G, 6-05, 312, South Carolina) coming off ACL, but big/athletic
  • Ryan Whalen (WR, 6-01, 202, Stanford): tough, highly competitive
  • Bryant Browning (RG/RT, 6-04, 313, Ohio State): smart, thick, tough
  • Jake Kirkpatrick (C, TCU): strong, can handle beefy NTs.