2017 NFL mock draft: FanSided experts pick for their teams
As of now, the New England Patriots don’t have a pick in the first two round of the 2017 NFL draft. This offseason, they were able to acquire Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints for their first round pick. Following that move, they traded their second round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for defensive end Kony Ealy and the Panthers’ third round pick.
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Unless the Patriots make a trade, they will be on the clock with the eighth pick in the third round from the Panthers. So far this offseason, New England has done an excellent job either re-signing or replacing some of their key free agents.
A team takes a step backward after winning a Super Bowl, but the Patriots might be even better than they were last season. Despite the great offseason so far, the Patriots do have some needs heading into the draft.
With the possibility of Malcolm Butler being traded, cornerback is a position of need. In addition to the uncertain future of Butler, their 2016 second round pick, Cyrus Jones, had an awful rookie season. If Jones is indeed a bust, New England will need some depth at cornerback.
Luckily for the Patriots, cornerbacks Teez Tabor of Florida and Jourdan Lewis of Michigan could be available for them when they are finally on the clock in the third round. Both would be excellent additions for the Patriots’ secondary, which could need some serious help after the 2017 season.