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2013 Patriots NFL Draft Board

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POST DRAFT ANALYSIS: Of these 50 prospects I had Logan Ryan and Aaron Dobson. Also had Chris Jones though he wasn’t drafted by the Pats, but I’ll give myself a check for that one. Should’ve had Josh Boyce too but he was left off for some reason. More impressive is that of my three total mock drafts for B/R I nailed Dobson and Boyce in the first one, and Ryan in the second. Got nobody on the third, but I’ll take it. 3 out of 50 on the Big Board, 3 out of 15 on the mocks. Not bad.

For the past two years I’ve put together a Patriots-only big board, which is a collection of prospects that I think fit the Patriots. The goal is to nail as many Pats picks as possible on this board, so it’s less about the order of them, and more about who’s here and how they fit the Pats style. It’s heavily skewed toward what I see as the biggest needs, WR, CB, coverage LB, and then OL and S to a lesser level.

In 2011, I had four (Nate Solder, Ras-I Dowling, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen) out of their nine. Including picking both Solder and Dowling in our one and only Patriots mock draft. Let’s hope I can get back to that kind of performance this year.

In 2012, I had just two (Chandler Jones, Alfonzo Dennard) of the seven picks. Debated long and hard over D’onta Hightower but ultimately left him off because he was too similar to Spikes, and really I think the Pats paid a little bit for having him and Spikes both out there together this year.

So here it is, our favorite 50…

  1. Shariff Floyd (DT, Florida): Could do it all, and make an immediate impact inside. Too bad he’ll be gone in the top-10.
  2. Sheldon Richardson (DT, Missouri): The best get upfield defensive tackle in the draft who plays mean. Some character concerns, and unlikely to drop anyway, but he’d be fun in the PAts system.
  3. Datone Jones (DT, UCLA): Versatile fit who could fill a number of spots along the defensive line, including interior pass rusher. Seems like a great value pick, a very popular target in Pats mocks.
  4. DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Clemson): Tough, explosive receiver that can do it all. As always, the question is does he have the FBI to play with Brady?
  5. Jesse Williams (DT, Alabama): Huge mass of a man who’s still learning the game. Would be an ideal partner for Wilfork if the Pats continue to run the “double nose” defense. Haloti Ngata-type size.
  6. Keenan Allen (WR, CAL): Prototypical size, can play inside or outside. Injury issues, but that could put him in the Pats range. Good compliment to the WRs the Pats have now.
  7. Desmond Trufant (CB, Washington): Confident and competitive, lacks ideal size and physicality, but knows what to expect in the NFL and should make a good pro.
  8. Robert Woods (WR, USC): Classic outside receiver with the size the Pats like. Another popular receiver option who could play outside.
  9. Quinton Patton (WR, Louisiana Tech): Tough runner after catch, with size to play outside. Smooth. 
  10. Johnathan Banks (CB, Mississippi State): Smooth athlete with ball skills and versatility. Potential to start on the outside immediately.
  11. Johnathan Hankins (DL, Ohio State): Another versatile guy who could play in multiple spots, more hold ground type. Connection to Vrabel/Meyer cannot be discounted.
  12. Logan Ryan (CB, Rutgers): Aggressive, solid all-around football player with good size. A popular fit given Belichick’s connections to Rutgers.
  13. Jamar Taylor (CB, Boise State): Excels in downfield man coverage, and plays aggressive.
  14. Sylvester Williams (DT, North Carolina): Quick and disruptive, but in a traditional 4-3 tackle mold. Selection would signal departure from double nose defense.
  15. Blidi Wreh-Wilson (CB, UConn): Tall corner with all the intangibles.
  16. D.J. Swearinger (S, South Carolina): Violent hitter, team leader who can play man-to-man in the slot.
  17. Tank Carradine (DE, Florida State): An elite disruptor before getting injured, Carradine would need time, but could add a pass rush force in time.
  18. Chris Harper (WR, Kansas State): Former quarterback, with a great build, and strength. 
  19. David Amerson (CB, NC State): 13 interceptions in 2011, down year in 2012. Huge upside if he takes to coaching. Great second-round value.
  20. Jordan Poyer (CB, Oregon State): Lacks size and measurables but simply makes plays. Special Teams experience.
  21. Alex Okafor (DE, Texas):  Better fit at left defensive end than Ninkovich, could be a long-term replacement.
  22. Margus Hunt (DE, SMU): Developmental, but again, a Ninkovich replacement for 2014. Great size, could be an intimidating bookend with Jones once he develops.
  23. Cobi Hamilton (WR, Arkansas): Elite work ethic and experience in a similar system to the Patriots. Perhaps the safest receiver pick?
  24. Aaron Dobson (WR, Marshall): Physical, and acrobatic with good size, would need some time to develop in an NFL offense.
  25. Aaron Mellette (WR, Elon): Small school, but good size to play outside. Rumored Pats interest already.
  26. Stedman Bailey (WR, West Virginia):  A little undersized but competitive and physical in his routes. Another potential safe pick.
  27. Leon McFadden (CB, San Diego State): Undersized but experienced and competitive. Good fit for slot.
  28. Jamar Taylor (CB, Boise State): One of the best press corners in the draft.
  29. Brandon Williams (DT, Missouri Southern): Big, athletic and versatile. Might need time to develop. Good value pick with a lot of potential.
  30. Jelani Jenkins (LB, Florida): Dime linebacker in the Patriots system, with potential at Will.
  31. Zaviar Gooden (LB, Missouri): Blew up the combine, special teams potential, linebacker who can run. Projects to Will in the Patriots system.
  32. Jordan Hill (DT, Penn State): Solid character with quickness off the ball. Projects as specialty interior rusher. Bill O’Brien connection should shed light on him.
  33. Montori Hughes (DT, Tennesee-Martin): Large, powerful inside presence.
  34. Sean Porter (LB, Texas A&M): Highly respected player who could play special teams and bring some third-down pass rush specialty, while potentially developing at Will. 
  35. Brent Russell  (DT, Georgia Southern) One-gapper who could immediately compete in the inside.
  36. John Simon (LB, Ohio State): Intense and competitive, would be a great fit in a matchup defense like the Pats.
  37. A.J. Klein (LB, Iowa Sate): Strongside Linebacker has work ethic and versatility.
  38. Josh Boyd (DT, Mississippi St.): Great motor and strength, could make impact inside.
  39. Jamoris Slaughter (SS, Notre Dame): Tough, explosive and versatile, lined up all over the defense. Achilles injury.
  40. Tony Jefferson (S, Oklahoma): Solid football player with a lot of experience, could develop into effective two-way safety.
  41. Philip Thomas (S, Fresno State): Leader of the secondary, athletic and quick. Gruesome injury in 2011.
  42. Emmett Cleary (RT, Boston College): Smart, tough and versatile.
  43. Rick Wagner (L/RT, Wisconsin): Strong and tough with great size and length.
  44. Brandon McGee (CB, Miami): Good quickness, could project inside to slot, or even outside.
  45. Reid Fragel (RT, Ohio State): Former tight end who plays hard in multiple roles. Similar size and movement skills to Solder, could back-up both tackle spots.
  46. Eric Herman (OG, Ohio): Huge and violent.
  47. Josh Johnson (DB, Purdue): Three year starter, strong and tough enough to play special teams and compete for time in dime.
  48. John Boyett (DB, Oregon): Plays and works hard, loves football. Special Teams while finding a role on defense.
  49. Hugh Thornton (OG, Illinois): Versatile, overcame tough circumstances.
  50. Chris Jones (DT, Bowling Green): Try-hard interior defensive lineman who’s extremely productive.

The Unemployed Academic: Mocking the Mockers

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The Unemployed Academic: Mocking the Mockers

Nice work here from Michael Talarski who dives into the professional vs. amateur draft pundit predictions.

unemployedacademic:

If you’re fan of only one sport the off-season can be long and arduous. So you have to find ways to keep yourself entertained. For NFL fans the NFL draft adds a break from the wait. As such it becomes a tad insane. Following the draft can be fun, though it’s hard to educate yourself. The “best”…

12 notes on Patriots draft eve

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I always find the draft somewhat anti-climactic. You have three months of build-up with endless possibilities to who your team could add, but by Sunday the Patriots will have a handful of players and all the speculation of who fits and who doesn’t will be dead and buried.

Here are some final quick hit thoughts as we await the Commish taking the stage.

  1. As much as I see them pop up on various mock drafts I just don’t see it with Nick Perry and Whitney Mercilus. I could be wrong on them, and I’d actually be happy if I am, but right now I’m just not convinced they can do enough to warrant a first round selection.
  2. I am not however questioning my decision to avoid Janoris Jenkins and Dont’e Hightower on the big board. I don’t think Jenkins is worth the risk until the 3rd round, and Hightower just has too much overlap with Spikes and while he might’ve rushed with his hand down in college, (so did Spikes) I don’t see him as an impact pass rusher in the NFL.
  3. Both Frenz and I had the Pats addressing DL, Guard, WR, CB, OLB and Safety in our respective mocks. If there’s a position I think we’ll miss on it’s running back.
  4. I’d love to see an impact interior rusher picked somewhere. I went with Jerel Worthy in my mock, but even if they don’t take him I think a quick-off-the-ball defensive lineman could make a huge impact.
  5. As I mentioned on the podcast if I’m the Jets (or any other AFC East team) I’m targetting Mark Barron and having him prepare to take on Gronk twice a year for his entire first contract. If you want to beat the Patriots you have to have a plan to deal with Gronk.
  6. I don’t know who the Bills are going to take at 10th overall, but whoever it is they’ll only add to the hype in Buffalo this off-season. If they get another impact defender I’ll be concerned.
  7. I would not rule out a Mallet/Hoyer trade in the next few days. I’d prefer it’s Hoyer.
  8. I think the Patriots are more likely to trade out of the first round completely before trading up. But if they did trade up I’d bet it’s to the early 20’s for an impact defensive lineman, maybe Brockers if he’s dropping.
  9. No Pats fans want an offensive lineman but I bet we’d be glad we took one heading into the 2013 season with Brian Waters almost certainly gone.
  10. There aren’t many things I’m sure of for this weekend, but one is that we’ll add a wide receiver or cornerback with kick and/or punt return potential.
  11. One under the radar player type I could regret not looking into more thoroughly is a pass coverage middle linebacker. Someone in the 6-01, 230 range to compete with Dane Fletcher and Tracy White. That could be a break-the-mold pick.
  12. I think I’m most looking forward to the Pats head-scratcher selection of some guy that wasn’t at the combine, wasn’t on any big boards and doesn’t even have a highlights package for the networks to show after the pick.

PatsPropaganda Frenz 4/25 NFL Draft Final Preview 04/25 by PatsPropaganda | Blog Talk Radio

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PatsPropaganda Frenz 4/25 NFL Draft Final Preview 04/25 by PatsPropaganda | Blog Talk Radio

Here’s today’s latest episode of the podcast with Frenz and I discussing our Pats-only mock drafts.

We’ll be taping new shows on Friday night recapping days one and two of the draft along with a draft wrap episode on Sunday.

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.

Patriots draft notes: Wide Receivers and Cornerbacks edition

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We’re up to 30+ prospects on the 2012 Patriots-only big board but we had a couple thoughts to share. It’s hard to get too much into the draft and talk about needs before Free Agency, just like it’s hard to talk about Free Agency before all the Franchise Tags have been handed out.

Regardless, cornerback and wide receiver are two interesting groups with this draft class that I think bring up some questions when it comes to draft strategy.

Let’s start with the wide receivers. The Patriots have a need for an outside-the-numbers X receiver, which is a pretty hard player to find no matter what team you are. This year’s draft class features quite a few bigger receivers who aren’t exactly down-the-field burners, but are physical and have some savvy.

So the question it raises is if a guy like Michael Floyd or Mohamed Sanu would be appealing to the Patriots even without that 4.3 speed? Outside of their deep speed they look like solid fits. Let’s not forget the Patriots lack size and physicality at the receiver position as well as the proverbial “deep threat”.

I believe the Pats would and should seriously consider this type of receiver even though they might lack the deep speed to stretch the field vertically.

The advantage that large wide receivers can give you is that they’re a mismatch on small corners, especially if they’re left on an island. This ends up having the same result as a wide receiver who is a threat to get deep with his speed, instead here you’ve got to give your corner help with a safety because if you don’t you could be a quick wide receiver screen and a broken tackle away from a big gain.

There is more than one way to stretch a field, so I will not be ignoring this class of big, physical wide outs just because they lack deep speed in a year where everyone wants Mike Wallace or the draft equivalent.

As for cornerbacks I’ve seen a lot of mocks giving the Patriots Janoris Jenkins. Jenkins is undeniably intriguing from an on-the-field perspective but his off-the-field baggage has been well documented as well.

I don’t always write off a player immediately based on off-the-field stuff even though we are talking about the Patriots who have a penchant for what I call “football nerds”.

Regardless of whether Jenkins is a changed man who can fall in line in Foxboro or not, when I look at the rest of the corner class, especially the players ranked just below Jenkins there look to be some excellent Patriots prospects.

Stephon Gilmore, Chase Minnifield, Trumaine Johnson, and Jayron Hosely may all be slightly less talented than Jenkins, but all of them seem to me as safer choices who have the intangibles that they look for at the Football Academy in Foxboro.

With only a small drop off in talent, but a much safer off-the-field profile, there are plenty of corners in the 2nd and 3rd round for the Pats to choose from. I expect them to make the safe play, rather than take a risk on Jenkins.