The New England Patriots would have held the 29th overall selection in this year’s draft had it not been for deflategate. The good news is the team hold 11 draft picks this year after being awarded 4 compensatory picks after losing valuable free agents from the prior season. 7 of New England’s 11 picks will take place in the 6th or 7th round.
First let’s take a look at New England’s two second round selections. Interestingly enough they will be back to back picks 60 and 61st overall. The other was acquired from Arizona in the Chandler Jones trade. Two players the team could go with are Bronson Kaufusi from BYU and Braxton Miller from Ohio State. Kaufusi is a monster at 6’7″ and figures to be a logical selection adding some pass rushing depth. Miller is a perfect fit for New England as a typical slot receiver. It would also allow him the necessary time to develop. Knowing the Patriots they figure to move around the board an awful lot making this a tough team to project.
The Pats also hold two 3rd round picks at the latter half of round 3. Aside from wide out and pass rusher look for New England to target cornerbacks, runningbacks, and offensive line depth. New England’s offensive line is relatively young while LeGarrette Blount remains unsigned.
Patriots Draft Picks:
Second round: 60th overall selection
Second round: 61st overall selection (from Arizona Cardinals)
Third round: 91st overall selection
Third round: 96th overall selection (compensatory)
Sixth round: 196th overall selection (from Houston Texans)
Sixth round: 204th overall selection (reacquired from Chicago Bears)
Sixth round: 208th overall selection (compensatory)
Sixth round: 214th overall selection (compensatory)
Sixth round: 221st overall selection (compensatory)
Seventh round: 243rd overall selection (from Houston)
Seventh round: 250th overall selection
