By John Sarianides
The Patriots traded away their first and second round selections for wide receiver Brandin Cooks and defensive end Kony Ealy. Barring a pre-draft trade, they won’t start picking until the end of day two. The Patriots have two third round picks (#72, #96), a fourth round pick (#131), a fifth round pick (#183), a sixth round pick (#200) and a seventh round pick (#239). There is a good chance that Bill Belichick will move around a bunch as he attempts to capitalize on the picks he does have.
Here is who I think the Patriots are going to draft with each of their picks assuming they stand pat and keep them.
Round 3 (#72) Ryan Anderson, OLB Alabama
Like most NFL coaches, Belichick loves players out of Alabama because they are well coached and pro ready. Anderson is a great scheme fit because he can play out of two point and three point stance and he can play defensive end or outside linebacker. He could start off as a situational pass rusher in sub packages and play on all of the special teams. Anderson is raw as a pass rusher and he needs refinement but he plays with good leverage, has quick hands and can has a high motor. He competes, something the Patriots expect out of their rookies.
Round 3 (#96) Antonio Garcia, OT Troy
Some people love Garcia more than others. He received a second round grade coming out of Troy so if he lasts this long, it might be somewhat surprising. At 6-6 302, Garcia is the prototypical Patriots offensive tackle. He is athletic, can play in space and is a fundamentally sound pass blocker who has good feet and can set the edge against speed rushers. I would not be surprised if the Patriots moved into the bottom of the second to take a player like Garcia.
Round 4 (#131) Shaquill Griffin, CB, Central Florida
Griffin is long at 6-1 180. He has good feet and hips and does a good job of jamming receivers, flipping his hips and transitioning into man coverage. The Patriots are following the league trend now and moving towards bigger corners. Belichick announced that he is doing that with the Stephon Gilmore signing and he will continue that trend by drafting Griffin. Griffin could also develop into a potential replacement for Malcolm Butler in 2018.
Round 5 (#183) Blair Brown, ILB, Ohio
Brown is a bit undersized at 5-11 238 but so was Elandon Roberts last year and he had a productive rookie season. Brown is a good scheme fit as a MIKE backer in the Patriots 4-3 defense. He is a high energy linebacker who plays fast and plays down hill. Brown can also play special teams. He would give the Patriots quality depth and be a solid value pick.
Round 6 (#200) Tedric Thompson, SS, Colorado
Thompson is a quick twitch, alley filler who plays the game fast. A former receiver, he has good hands and instincts and can make plays consistently when the ball is in the air. Reminds me a little of Eugene Chung in that he can cover down on slot receivers and play in sub packages. Thompson has special teams experience as well so he can play on kick off and the punt return teams as well.
Round 7 (#239) Samson Ebukam, OLB/DE Eastern Washington
Belichick loves those outside linebacker/defensive end tweeners and that is exactly what Ebukam is. He is a quick twitch athlete who is explosive on the snap and can close on the quarterback quickly. Ebukam doesn’t have a lot of special teams experience so he may be limited in terms of what he can offer other than being a situational pass rusher in sub packages.