new england patriots

Here’s the paired down Patriots Only Big Board. The Pats are going to make some major noise on Friday!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
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9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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 .
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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
27. 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.
28. 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
29. Craig Marshall (DE/OLB, 6-04, 265, South Florida) Raw but has the frame and skills to warrant a draft pick.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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
34. 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.
35. Chris Matthews (WR, 6-05, 219, Kentucky): developmental, big physical WR with natural athletic ability. Builds speed, not quick off line.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. JT Thomas (LB, 6-01, 241, West Virginia) undersized but has intangibles, speed and instincts.
40. Steven Friday (OLB, 6-04, 250, Virginia Tech) can get after QB, will need time in other areas.
41. Corbin Bryant (DT/DE, 6-04, 285, Northwestern) great first step, developmental 34 DE. Interior pass rush type player.
42. 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.
43. 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
44. 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
45. 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
46. Alex Linnenkuhl (C, 6-02, 304, Oregon State): tough, hard working, wrestling background.
47. 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.
48. 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.
49. 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.
50. 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.

Seems like people are generally accepting that while not the sexiest of picks, the selection of Nate Solder is what good teams do. They make sure that their offensive and defensive line always remain priority one.

I’m excited because I have been very high on Solder throughout the draft process. He is definitely still raw. But he is very similar to Sebastian Vollmer in that he is a) huge, b) athletic, and finally c) a model citizen.

This mean Solder, Vollmer and Gronkowski will be the future of protecting Tom Brady as he enters the “fragile” years. That’s a whole lotta man.

My quick top five top targets for a pick at 33:

1. Jabaal Sheard – DE/OLB
2. Clint Boling – G/C
3. Ryan Williams – RB
4. Aaron Williams – CB
5. Brooks Reed – OLB

More to come throughout the day!