The Patriots have eight picks in this weekend’s draft. They own picks 23 and 31 in the first round. Picks 43 and 63 in the second round. Pick 95 in the third round. Picks 198 and 210 in the sixth round and pick 219 in the seventh round. The Patriots do not have picks in the fourth or fifth rounds unless they trade into those rounds.
*This Patriots mock draft is based on the Patriots holding onto all of their picks. As we know, that is not going to happen but assuming it did, here is who we think they would pick.
Round 1, Pick 23 (23rd overall): Rashaan Evans, OLB, Alabama:
The Patriots need to address the outside linebacker position. They are thin after Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. Evans has experience playing in a multiple, pro-style defense at Alabama. Bill Belichick knows he has been well coached and trusts his former assistant and good friend Nick Saban when it comes to evaluating and recommending players. Evans would fill a need as a three down linebacker who can play in any front or package.
Pick 31 (31st overall): Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA: The Patriots have a gaping hole at left tackle with the departure of Nate Solder to the Giants in free agency. Miller has the length and athleticism necessary to step in and start as a rookie. The offensive tackle class is weak by usual standards but Miller has slowly climbed up teams boards including the Patriots who used one of their 30 visits on Miller earlier this month.
Round 2, Pick 11 (43rd overall): Lorenzo Carter BE, Georgia: Carter is the type of edge player Bill Belichick wants. He’s long, athletic and versatile. He can play in all packages and all situations. Carter is still raw as a pass rusher but there is no denying his versatility.
Round 2, Pick 31 (63rd overall): Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond: Lauletta has been linked to the Patriots since last summer. Ironically enough, they did not use one of their 30 pre-draft visits on him. The only quarterback they brought in for a visit was Lamar Jackson. Lauretta is accurate and has a quick release, skills the Patriots value. The question is, are they willing to take Lauletta here? There will be a second run on quarterbacks on day two of the draft. If the Patriots don’t take a quarterback in round one, they can’t bypass one in round two.
Round 3, Pick 31 (95th overall): Duke Dawson, CB, Florida: Dawson is your prototypical Patriot corner at 5-11 197. He is a smart, instinctual player who is ideally suited to play in the slot as a nickel corner. Dawson doesn’t have elite athleticism but he understands how to use his hands and hips in concert and he is effective at re-routing receivers underneath. Dawson’s willingness to support the run also makes him appealing to the Patriots.
Round 6, Pick 24 (198th overall): Braxton Berrios, WR, Miami (Fla): Berrios would be a great fit in the Patriots offense. He is Danny Amendola 2.0 because he can play receiver and return kicks. Bill Belichick has had a ton of success unearthing diamonds in the rough in rounds six and seven during his time in New England. Tom Brady, Patrick Pass, David Givens, Tully Banta-Cain and Julian Edelman are the best examples. Berrios is a player you can add to that list. The Patriots interest in Berrios is legitimate. He was also brought in on a top 30 visit.
Round 6, Pick 36 (210th overall: Christian Sam, ILB, Arizona State: Sam is an inside linebacker who can kick outside if need be. It would depend on what personnel the Patriots were using and what package they were in. Sam was highly productive at Arizona State and the measurables of what the Patriots look for at the position match up. can be a back and play on all of the special teams.
Round 7, Pick 1 (219th overall): Damon Webb, S, Ohio State: Webb is undersized for a safety but he can play in sub packages as a safety or as a nickel or dime corner. Assuming Webb makes the team, he play special teams as well.