2017 NFL Draft: New England Patriots Post-Super Bowl 7-Round Mock Draft

By Fansided and Dan Schmelzer/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone
Published

Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

How will the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots attack the 2017 NFL Draft? Find out in this complete seven-round 2017 NFL Mock Draft.

The 2017 NFL Draft has not been on the fore-front of the New England Patriots’ minds. In the mix of a Super Bowl run, who could blame them? That being said, with the season officially coming to a close, it is time for the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots to look ahead to the off season.

The Patriots will have to wait a while to make their first selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, it is not as bad as last year when they were forced to sit out the first round completely. Bill Belichick and company have some nice draft capital to work with and can improve their already Super Bowl caliber team.

Let’s take a look at a potential route for the Patriots in the 2017 NFL Draft with a complete seven-round mock draft.

This mock draft was completed using the FanSpeak On the Clock Mock Draft Simulator.

Derek Barnett

Defensive Line, Tennessee

It will be interesting to see how the Patriots build their defensive front seven in the 2017 NFL Draft. They obviously got along fine without them, but losing guys like Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins was a serious loss of talent up front.

The Patriots were able to piece together a strong defensive front seven, but I would like to see them find more long-term options. Derek Barnett was an extremely productive college football player who would fit in great in New England.

Barnett piled up 52 tackles for loss and 32 sacks in three seasons at Tennessee. He was an absolute beast off the edge who showed nice quickness and great power. That being said, there are questions about Barnett’s true athleticism to play on the edge at the next level.

Barnett is a talented player, but he is not a freak athlete with ridiculous edge. However, his mix of skills are impressive and you cannot deny the production. Barnett primarily played defensive end at Tennessee, but I wonder if he could throw on a few pounds and play an interior pass rushing role as well.

I could see the Patriots using Barnett on the outside in early down work, and having his combination of quickness and power on the inside on obvious passing downs. He may not have elite athleticism for the edge, but Barnett would be able to run circles around those guys on the inside. Plus, nobody loves versatility as much as Belichick.

Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad tight end O.J. Howard of Alabama (88) is tackled by North squad inside linebacker Haason Reddick of Temple (57) after a pass reception during the first quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Haason Reddick

Linebacker, Temple

Speaking of versatility, Temple linebacker Haason Reddick has really burst on to the scene since the Senior Bowl. Reddick is an extremely talented and athletic player who shows a ton of upside at the next level.

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    In college, Reddick primarily played as an edge rusher. He was particularly effective as a senior, posting an impressive 22.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Reddick showed the ability to get pressure on the quarterback with speed on the edge and shows fantastic natural instincts against the run.

    However, at the Senior Bowl, Reddick played a variety of roles. Primarily, teams seemed to want to see if Reddick can play a more traditional inside linebacker role. Well, as one of the stars of the week, Reddick shined as an inside linebacker. His ability to make plays in the pass rush and against the run are obvious, but Reddick really shined in coverage as well. He has a chance to really shoot up draft boards in the next few weeks.

    That being said, if he is available for the Patriots in the second round, Reddick is a perfect fit. His athleticism and toughness would make him an ideal replacement for Jamie Collins at the inside linebacker position. However, Reddick’s ability to rush the quarterback is legitimate as well. I would not be surprised to see the Patriots use him in both roles depending on the game situation.

    Reddick’s versatility, toughness and overall athleticism is going to make him a Bill Belichick favorite. They land him here at the end of the second round, but do not be surprised if Reddick is the Patriots’ first round choice.

    Nov 19, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Cameron Sutton (23) defends during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 63-37. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

    Cameron Sutton

    Cornerback, Tennessee

    The teammate of the Patriots’ first-round pick in this mock, Cameron Sutton had an extremely up-and-down college career. Early in his Tennessee career, Sutton appeared to be a first-round cornerback in the making. He showed great athleticism, fantastic field awareness and elite-level natural instincts for the position.

    However, as the years have gone on, Sutton’s stock has slipped. He struggled with injuries throughout his college career, but a serious ankle injury forced him to play in only seven games as a senior in 2016. Even when Sutton was on the field, he was not particularly effective. if you watch his 2016 film only, Sutton is nothing more than a late-round flyer.

    That being said, the ankle injury is an important factor to keep in mind. Sutton suffered a fractured right ankle and worked hard to get back on the field for the Vols in 2016. He could have just mailed it in and got ready for the 2017 NFL Draft, but Sutton showed the toughness to get back and help his teammates.

    The Patriots have a solid mix of players at the cornerback position. Malcolm Butler is a star in the making, and both Eric Rowe and Logan Ryan have played well in 2016. However, Ryan is unlikely to be back with the team in 2016. Cyrus Jones will be the favorite to take over Ryan’s slot role, but it would not hurt to get more competition for him and Rowe.

    Sutton has to get through the injury issues, but he is a talented guy who can certainly play a role in the mix. He has nice upside at the next level is a great value for the Pats here in the third round.

    Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Alec James (57) and Western Michigan Broncos offensive lineman Taylor Moton (72) in action in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

    Taylor Moton

    Offensive Line, Western Michigan

    After loading up the defense with three picks, the Patriots finally look to the offensive side of the ball in the 2017 NFL Draft. With the pick acquired from the Jamie Collins trade, the Patriots add a significant asset up front.

    Taylor Moton is a massive man, listed at 6-5, 330 pounds at the Senior Bowl. Moton played a dominant right tackle at Western Michigan, showing elite strength and power up front. He is a physical run blocker who will absolutely maul opposing defenders.

    While power is obviously the center-part of Moton’s game, do not discount his ability to move. Moton shows good athleticism for a man of his size and does a great job of reaching the second level in the run game. Moton also shows nice quickness in pass protection. He will sometimes get beat by speed on the edge, but the upside is there for him to become a strong pass protector at the next level.

    The Western Michigan product would immediately come in and provide elite depth up front for the Patriots. Moton could step in at right tackle if Marcus Cannon slips back next season, and his power and run blocking skills would also make him a strong fit at guard. If Moton works on his pass protecting technique a bit, he may even be a strong backup option for Nate Solder at left tackle.

    Simply put, Moton is a talented offensive lineman with a lot of ability. He is a massive man who would instantly make the Patriots’ offensive line a more dangerous unit.

    Oct 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) runs the ball against Texas Longhorns cornerback Kris Boyd (2) in the game at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

    Samaje Perine

    Running Back, Oklahoma

    The Patriots running backs were impressive down the stretch. The three-headed monster of Dion Lewis, LeGarrette Blount and James White struck fear into opposing defenses. Between the three, they could do it all from the running back position.

    The 30-year-old Blount had the best season of his career in 2016. Blount carried the ball 299 yards for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns through the regular season. Strong overall numbers for the big back, but his 3.9 yards per carry average leaves plenty to be desired. Blount has been a productive back for the Pats, but they would be better off finding a cheaper and younger version.

    With their fourth-round selection, the Patriots find a possible replacement for Blount in Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine. A powerful one-cut runner, Perine could come in and be a more youthful power compliment to White and Lewis.

    Perine had an extremely productive college career at Oklahoma, but his best year came as a Freshman in 2014. That season, Perine totaled up 1,713 yards and 21 touchdowns on 263 carries. Perine’s production slipped a bit as a sophomore (226 carries, 1,349 yards and 16 touchdowns), before sharing time with Joe Mixon in 2016.

    In a pretty even time-share, Perine carried the ball 196 time for 1,060 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. A far cry from his 2014 production, but still strong numbers nonetheless.

    Perine does not have great elusive ability. If he is going to make a defender miss, it will be with his power. That being said, he is an explosive runner who hits the hole hard and shows strong ball carrier vision. He is not one of the most talented backs in this loaded 2017 NFL Draft running back class, but he is a strong one-cut runner who has some nice upside.

    The Oklahoma product is not going to be a receiving threat at the next level, but with Lewis and White in the mix, the Patriots do not need Perine to catch passes. He would be a power back who would be expected to pick up the tough yards. Perine is a talented guy who does not put the ball on the ground. Feels like a strong fit for the Patriots in the fourth round.

    Sep 26, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Texas State Bobcats quarterback Tyler Jones (2) is sacked by Houston Cougars linebacker Tyus Bowser (81) during the first quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

    Tyus Bowser

    EDGE/Linebacker, Houston

    I feel like I have already done a nice job of adding players to the Patriots’ mix in the defensive front seven. Both Barnett and Reddick would be huge additions for the team who would make an immediate impact. That being said, they still have a need for some depth up front, and Tyus Bowser is a fantastic value in the seventh round.

    Bowser showed great ability on the edge at Houston, consistently putting pressure on the passer. In only eight games as a senior in 2016, Bowser collected 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

    He is a stout defender who shows fantastic raw power on the outside. Bowser also shows great natural athleticism and fantastic length for the position. While he was primarily an edge rusher in college, I wonder if Bowser’s well-rounded skill-set would play inside at the next level.

    Similar to Reddick, I think the Patriots could find Bowser a role as a part-time pass rusher and part-time inside linebacker. He certainly has the overall skill-set to make it work. Worst case, Bowser’s strength, athleticism and natural instincts should play extremely well on special teams.

    Bowser is another player who shined at the Senior Bowl and would be an absolute steal for the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

    Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Trent Taylor (5) carries the ball against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the second half the CUSA championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 58-44. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

    Trent Taylor

    Wide Receiver, Louisiana Tech

    Speaking of Senior Bowl stars. With their fifth-round compensatory selection (for losing Akiem Hicks last off season), the Patriots snag Trent Taylor out of Louisiana Tech. Taylor is not your prototype for an NFL receiver, but he proved to be nearly impossible to defend throughout Senior Bowl week.

    Taylor had an extremely productive college career at Louisiana Tech. As a four-year contributor, Taylor left the program with 327 career receptions for 4,179 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was especially impressive as a senior, bringing in 136 receptions for 1,803 yards and 12 touchdowns.

      A consistent producer on the field who proved that he can hang with the big boys at the Senior Bowl, there is a lot to like about Taylor’s game. That being said, he is will not be under early round consideration. Taylor stands at 5-8 and only weighed in at 177 pounds. He has shown elite quickness and play-making ability out of the slot, but Taylor will always have his doubters because of his size. That being said, landing with the Patriots would be a perfect situation.

      Tom Brady and the Patriots have turned little-known slot receivers into impact players many times over. Julian Edelman is the latest example. While Edelman is still playing at a high level, I would not be surprised to see the Pats start looking for his replacement. Edelman turns 31 years old this off season and has struggled with many foot injuries over the past couple of years.

      Getting Taylor into the system now would provide the Patriots with some security at an extremely important position in their offense. Taylor is a quick and elusive receiver who would undoubtedly come in and make an impact with the Pats. His lack of size is a concern, but Taylor is so shifty that he is difficult to stop regardless. He may take a pounding at the next level, but defenders are going to have to catch him first. Snagging Taylor in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft would be a fantastic move by the Patriots as they look towards their future.

      Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars linebacker Steven Taylor (41) reacts after a play during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

      Steven Taylor

      Linebacker, Houston

      With their final selection of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Patriots find another versatile linebacker to add to the mix. A teammate of a guy who we just landed a couple of rounds ago, the Patriots land Houston’s Steven Taylor to round out this mock.

      Taylor played many roles for the Houston defense. There were times where he would line up as an edge rusher. Taylor would also play a hybrid safety role for the team, but a majority of the time he was a playmaking middle linebacker.

      A quick and athletic player on the inside, Taylor showed fantastic overall playmaking skills. He can range from sideline-to-sideline making plays against the run and also shows solid overall coverage skills. Taylor would also show off his athleticism on the edge at times as an extremely productive pass rusher.

      Listed at 6-1, 225 pounds, it will be interesting to see how Taylor fits in the NFL. He is too small to be an every-down rush linebacker and probably does not have the size to play inside linebacker either. He may be able to play an in-the-box safety role, but that does not really play to his strengths as a player.

      It is hard to see a fit here, but one thing is for sure; Steven Taylor is a talented and hard-nosed football player. Even if it is only in a special teams role, Bill Belichick can always find a use for a guy like him. Great upside grab here to round out the 2017 NFL Draft for the Patriots.