With the NFL Draft in just a few days, things are heating up in terms of rumors, but also general interest.
The Patriots have 12 selections overall, including No. 23 in the first round. Several positions could be targeted with that pick and range from quarterback to the front-seven of the defense.
The Draft Network has a tool that simulates the entire draft (without trades) and we selected for the Patriots.
Here is who we walked away with.
Round 1, No. 23 overall: QB Justin Herbert, OregonRound 3, No. 87 overall: TE Adam Trautman, DaytonRound 3, No. 98 overall: LB Logan Wilson, WyomingRound 3, No. 100 overall: DL Rashard Lawrence, LSURound 4, No. 125 overall: TE Albert Okwuegbunam, MissouriRound 5, No. 172 overall: WR James Proche, SMURound 6, No. 195 overall: K Rodrigo Blankenship, GeorgiaRound 6, No. 204 overall: EDGE Kendall Coleman, SyracuseRound 6, No. 212 overall: OL Solomon Kindley, GeorgiaRound 6, No. 213 overall: OT Trey Adams, WashingtonRound 7, No. 230 overall: EDGE Mike Danna, MichiganRound 7, No. 241 overall: EDGE D.J. Wonnum, South Carolina
ANALYSIS: With Herbert available at No. 23 overall, the pick just had to be made. Some have Herbert going in the top-five, so it was a no-brainer with him still available in the bottom third of Round 1. ... Getting Trautman in Round 3 was very good value at the tight end spot and then same goes for Okwuegbunam in Round 4. He was one of the best performers at the combine and the hope is at least one of the two will make an impact this coming season. ... Wilson has some high upside, so that was a good value pick in Round 3, as well. ... Proche has some of the best hands in the entire draft and would benefit any quarterback that is throwing passes to him. ... Blankenship is the best kicker in the draft, so that was an easy call in Round 6. ... Lastly, Danna could be a good pick late in the draft and he's received some interest from the Patriots of late, per source.
