The Patriots will soon be on the clock.
OK, not really. But with the Super Bowl behind us, the NFL mock drafts are starting in full force. Todd McShay, one of ESPN’s leading draft analysts, submitted his first post-Super Bowl projections Wednesday.
McShay believes the Patriots will nab Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon with the No. 21 overall pick. The Patriots traded Stephon Gilmore to the Panthers last season, and J.C. Jackson will be a free agent this spring.
The defensive backfield is a serious need.
“The Patriots were second in passing yards allowed per game (187.1), tied for second in yards allowed per pass attempt (6.4) and second in interceptions (23),” McShay writes. “But the back seven could lose several starters to free agency, including cornerback J.C. Jackson, safety Devin McCourty and linebacker D'onta Hightower.”
Gordon, who stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds, was credited with 45 tackles last season, and made two interceptions. He can also play both outside and in the slot — a definite attraction for Bill Belichick.
Overall, the Patriots need more speed and athleticism on defense, and Gordon fits that bill. Expect his name to come up many more times over the next several months.




