The NFL draft is here.
For the first time in the Bill Belichick era, the Patriots have two picks in the first round and two picks in the second round, so really anything can happen. The team has the ability to move up or down in the draft to wherever it wants. Or, it can stay where it is and select four quality players in the first two rounds. No matter what the Patriots do, this is one of their biggest drafts in years.
Here’s how we see the draft going for the Patriots, which includes a trade back at No. 31 overall.
Round 1 (No. 23 overall): Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Evans seems to be a consensus pick to the Patriots in the first round, and it’s easy to see why. Linebacker is the position of greatest need and he seems to be the perfect Patriot in terms of skill, versatility and value. The Alabama product would have the ability to learn from Dont’a Hightower, who he says he models his game after.
Round 1 (No. 31 overall): New England trades pick to Indianapolis for fourth pick in second round (No. 36 overall) and fourth pick in fourth round (No. 104 overall)
Round 2 (No. 36 overall from Indianapolis): D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
Wide receiver is a sneaky need for the Patriots, as while they are set for 2018, they have a few receivers approaching 30 years old and need to start thinking of the future at the position. Moore took a top 30 visit to the Patriots, so it would seem the interest is there. Historically, the Patriots haven’t had great luck drafting receivers, but they hope Moore can change the trend.
Round 2 (No. 43 overall): Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh
There isn’t much drop off between O’Neill and some of the tackles projected to be drafted in the first round, so we see the Patriots waiting until the second round to take a tackle. O’Neill and 2017 third-round pick Tony Garcia would then battle for playing time, but it is worth noting Garcia cannot be fully counted on given he missed all of last season with reported blood clots in his lungs.
Round 2 (No. 63 overall): Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond
Like Evans, Lauletta is another player who has been connected to the Patriots by a ton of people, but he has a lot of traits the Patriots value in their QBs. He also has some mobility, similar to Jimmy Garoppolo. It is worth noting if Lamar Jackson is available at No. 23, the Patriots could take him there and then wouldn’t need another quarterback in the second round, but we don’t see Jackson lasting until No. 23.
Round 3 (No. 95 overall): Lorenzo Carter, DE, Georgia
Belichick got a good look at him as he was at Georgia’s pro day. New England has a need for another edge rusher or two, and Carter seems like a solid pick, especially in the third round.
Round 4 (No. 104 overall from Indianapolis): Nyheim Hines, RB, NC State
This draft is full of value running backs who can be drafted in the middle rounds and Hines seems like a solid fit for New England. He has family from Connecticut and considers himself a Patriots fan. Also, he seems to take football very seriously, a trait the Patriots love.
Round 6 (No. 198 overall): Dorian O’Daniel, LB, Clemson
Linebacker is the biggest need on the Patriots roster so it wouldn't be a surprise in the least to see them double-dip at the position. O’Daniel’s numbers seem to fit what the Patriots are looking for, and he was also a team captain.
Round 6 (No. 210 overall): Logan Woodside, QB, Toledo
We’re fully on board with the drafting two quarterbacks approach. It just makes most sense to give the Patriots the best chance of finding the right one. Of course if Jackson is selected in Round 1 this goes out the window, but we like them selecting a QB in Rounds 2 or 3 and then in the late rounds. Nick Caserio attended Woodside's pro day, so they did their homework on him.
Round 7 (No. 219 overall): Sean Welsh, OL, Iowa
Seventh-round picks are typically fliers and the team could be in the need for an interior lineman down the road, so why not take a shot at Welsh, who was coached by Belichick’s good friend Kirk Ferentz at Iowa.