2012 New England Patriots 7 Round Mock Draft
By Editorial Staff
Clemson right end Andre Branch got double teamed constantly last season which allowed DaQuan Bowers to go on a sacking spree when it comes to pressuring the quarterback. Could New England get Andre Branch with one of their first round picks?
This mock draft will feature what the New England Patriots do with their draft picks for the 2012 NFL Draft. New England does not have any draft picks for round 5 and below. So the Patriots target a few players.
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Round 1 Pick from New Orleans Saints Andre Branch Right End Clemson Senior Redshirt The 6 foot 6 270 pound defensive end can be utilized as a 4-3 right end or a 3-4 right outside linebacker. Branch’s double teams created a lot of chances for DaQuan Bowers at Clemson who shifted over to left end. Branch has 8.5 sacks for Clemson in 2011.
Round 1 Pick Stephon Gilmore Cornerback South Carolina Junior New England will spend this pick on a cornerback assuming Alabama free safety Robert Lester is off the board. I have New England going with Alfonzo Dennard in another mock draft, but a lot of Bucs fans believe that Tampa Bay would take Alfonzo Dennard over Dre Kirkpatrick. Assuming Tampa Bay takes Dennard over Kirkparick causing Kirkpatrick and Gilmore to both slide New England probably ends up taking Stephon Gilmore.
Gilmore has prepared South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery by playing man coverage and zone coverage well in practice. Gilmore can be used as a boundary cornerback or a field cornerback going up against New England’s #1 receiver.
Round 2 From Oakland Raiders Mark Barron Strong Safety Alabama Senior The Patriots need a 2nd safety to play next to Patrick Chung. I get the feeling that Robert Lester will get drafted higher than Mark Barron. Barron is a good value pick in round 2.
Round 2 Devin Taylor Left End Junior Redshirt South Carolina Junior Redshirt Jermaine Cunningham has moved down to the 2nd string 4-3 left end on New England’s depth chart. New England should consider bringing in Devin Taylor. Belicheck likes versatile defensive ends. Devin Taylor fits that bill if he comes out and declares in 2011.
Round 3 Jared Crick Defensive Tackle Nebraska Senior Redshirt The Patriots released Albert Haynesworth yesterday. The Patriots have a 4-3 A gap defensive tackle who can play nose tackle or nose guard in a 3-4 system with Vince Wilfork. The Patriots need that B gap defensive tackle who can play 3 technique in a 4-3 or 5 technique in a 3-4. Jared Crick is that player and could be a steal if he falls to the right team.
Round 4 Jeff Fuller Wide Receiver Texas A&M Senior Jeff Fuller has huge potential as a flanker receiver who can stretch the field as a deep threat becoming a quarterback’s #1 receiving target. Fuller’s production has significantly declined in 2011 so I believe New England adds Jeff Fuller with their 4th round pick if he slides this far.