The NFL Draft is finally here.
Not only is it a big one for the Patriots given all the needs that they have, but it also will have many more eyes than usual since it's the only thing going in sports.
The Patriots enter the draft with 12 selections, but as is always the case that will likely change with Bill Belichick making a few deals along the way.
Here is our first and only seven-round Patriots mock draft.
Round 1, No. 23 overall: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
While Patrick Queen from LSU is intriguing, Murray makes the most sense for New England's defense. Not only is Murray a tackling machine, totaling over 100 in each of his past two seasons, but he also had 17 for loss last year, showing he can make plays. Trading back could be an option, but if a player like Murray is still available, the pick needs to be made.
*Before Day 2, the Patriots trade Joe Thuney to the Dolphins in exchange for their third-round pick, No. 70 overall.
Round 2, No. 43 overall: EDGE Josh Uche, Michigan
*Acquired in trade with Bears. Patriots send pick Nos. 70 and No. 98 to Chicago in exchange for No. 43.
Uche is a versatile pass rusher who can also play as a linebacker outside the box, including in pass coverage. Since he only started one year at Michigan, he still has room to grow as a player and given his versatility, he could be a good fit in New England. Last year, he recorded 35 tackles, including 11.5 for a loss and 8.5 sacks. He's climbed some draft boards of late to be considered a top-five edge player in the draft.
Round 3, No. 87 overall: QB Jake Fromm, Georgia
The Patriots are going to take a quarterback in the draft, it's just a matter of where. If a player they like (Tua Tagovailoa or Jordan Love) slips a great deal in Round 1, we could potentially see that happening, but the more likely scenario is taking one in the middle rounds. Fromm, who is one of the smartest players in the draft, is a fairly safe pick who will compete with Jarrett Stidham. He's also known for his accuracy, which is another trait the Patriots value a great deal. New England needs to make sure it finds its QB of the future and if both players turn out to be starters, the team can always trade one down the road.
Round 3, No. 100 overall: TE Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri
Tight end is another position that will be selected in the draft, as it perhaps is the biggest need on the roster right now. Unfortunately for them, tight end is one of the worst positions of the draft and may not see one selected in the first round at all. Okwuegbunam, who had a great combine highlighted by his 4.49-second 40-time, is the fourth-best player at the position and could be good value in Round 3. He's known for his pass-catching ability, but has shown a willingness to improve his blocking.
Round 4, No. 125 overall: LB Markus Bailey, Purdue
At Purdue, Bailey was a two-year captain, three-year academic All-Big Ten selection and four-year starter, which is similar to linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, who the Patriots selected from the school two years ago. He does come with injury concerns having torn his ACL twice, but since this is the fourth round, it's more about the upside with a player rather than being concerned with injuries.
Round 4, No. 139 overall: WR James Proche, SMU
Proche, who stands just under 6-feet tall, has some of the best hands in the entire draft. A four-year starter at SMU, he's lined up both inside and outside and finished his career No. 1 in school history in receptions (301), receiving yards (3,949), receiving touchdowns (39) and all-purpose yards (4,996). He could be a nice fit in New England as a potential replacement for Julian Edelman down the road.
*On Day 3, the Patriots trade away their fifth-round pick (No. 172) to a team for a 2021 fourth-round pick.
Round 6, No. 181 overall: K Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia
*Acquired in trade with Broncos as Patriots send pick Nos. 195 and 204 overall to move up to No. 181 overall.
After losing Stephen Gostkowski this offseason, it seems the Patriots are looking to draft their kicker of the future and Blankenship is the best kicker in this year's draft. This is why the trade was made, so the Patriots could be assured they got him.
Round 6, No. 212 overall: S Jordan Fuller, Ohio State
Fuller was a three-year starter at Ohio State, but may be most known for what he does off the field when it comes to his high character. He was one of the leaders of the Buckeyes defense, which could be something that stands out to the Patriots this late in the draft.
Round 6, No. 213 overall: EDGE D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina
Wonnum was one of just three sophomores who have been named a permanent team captain in South Carolina history, which obviously the Patriots love. If someone like this is still available late in the sixth round, the Patriots have to pounce.
Round 7, No. 230 overall: EDGE Mike Danna, Michigan
Danna has received a decent amount of interest from teams late in the draft and is coming off a season where he recorded 38 tackles and three sacks.
