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Inside the Patriots Draft Room: Finding the Final Pieces to Reclaim the Lombardi Trophy

By Shawn Spencer

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 8: Tom Brady
FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 8: Tom Brady /
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Stephon Gilmore Patriots
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Cornerbacks

Malcolm Butler’s greatest moment as a member of the New England Patriots was in a Super Bowl. Butler’s worst moment as a member of the team was also in a Super Bowl. In three years Butler went from Super Bowl hero to being benched in favor of Eric Rowe and Johnson Bademosi. While the entire truth that led to Butler’s benching in Super Bowl LII may never be known, his departure has left a sizeable hole on the roster.

The Patriots did acquire Jason McCourty, a move that had been rumored for the past few seasons, but questions remain. Can Eric Rowe consistently play up to his potential? Can Jonathan Jones continue to develop into a solid role player? Can Cyrus Jones cover anybody? Unless Bill Belichick is absolutely certain the answer to all three questions is “yes,” New England must add to the position through the 2018 NFL Draft.

Highly-valued skills:

hand size, 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone (154 graded)

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Super Bowl hero had a lot to say about the Patriots
Super Bowl hero had a lot to say about the Patriots /

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    • 1. Jaire Alexander (Louisville) 41.1%

    1. Quenton Meeks (Stanford) 41.1%

    1. Emmanuel Moseley (Tennessee) 41.1%

    4. Denzel Ward (Ohio State) 29.4%

    4. Andre Chachere (San Jose State) 29.4%

    4. Tafon Mainsah (Richmond) 29.4%

    4. Jomez Applewhite (Southern Mississippi) 29.4%

    4. Robert Jackson (UNLV) 29.4%

    4. Jackson Porter (Massachusetts) 29.4%

    10. Josh Jackson (Iowa) 17.6%

    11. Isaiah Oliver (Colorado) 11.7%

    12. Christian Campbell (Penn State) 5.8%

    12. Amari Coleman (Central Michigan) 5.8%

    12. Cornell Armstrong (Southern Mississippi) 5.8%

    Fell below the minimum threshold in one category, but still finished with a positive score:

    1. Tony Brown (Alabama) 23.5%

    1. Justin Abston (Southern Mississippi) 23.5%

    It’s possible that the Patriots will have their choice of just about any player on this board. Denzel Ward won’t be available and it’s questionable as to whether or not Jaire Alexander will be. With all the frustration Patriots fans have directed towards Rowe and Cyrus Jones, there won’t be any complaints if the Patriots do move up to ensure Alexander ends up playing his home games at Gillette Stadium next season. Other potential first-round picks include Josh Jackson and Isaiah Oliver, both possessing the size and length that NFL teams covet in a starting cornerback.

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