Patriots best draft Scenario

Well the combine is over, and there were several surprises that came about like Dontari Poe having a very respectable 40 time (4.98)and posting 44 reps on the bench press. Another surprise was Stephen Hill posting a crazy 40 time himself (4.33).But I will discuss the best options for the Patriots, and how they should draft to help improve the team.

The first order of business is to address the defense, more importantly the pass rushing area from the outside linebacker position.

So at #27 the Patriots should target multiple players if they are available when its their turn to select. First is Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End from Clemson. Mercilus led the nation in sacks last year (16) due to his aggressive and physical play. He is a motivated player who has a high motor. I see him as a OLB in the NFL, and can obviously play defensive  end as well. Hybrid formations in the 3-4 defense will utilize Mercilus and prevent protection problems Other players to look at here are Donatri Poe, Devon Still and Michael Brockers. All who are defensive tackles, but can be put at defensive end minus Poe. This allows more strength on the line, and take pressure of Wilfork to control things. A outside possibility here can be Nick Perry or Andre Branch. Both are in similar positions like Mercilus being they can play defensive end, yet will be used as OLB as well.

At #31, the Patriots can target a secondary need positions, which include safety and center, With the secondary getting torched last year, Mark Barron would come in and be a immediate force, and he is from Alabama where Nick Saban was a former Belichick product.Hewill allow Chung to come up in run support and Barron can punish receivers all day. Another option is Peter Konz, the lone center prospect that is worthy of a first round selection. He was very productive at Wisconsin, and is a beast who can start day one for the Pats who may lose Koppen and Connely.

In the second round, depending on the first round you may see the Pats trade up. if Hightower falls to the 2nd round I think a move up to select him would be a rewarding decision. He can play inside and outside linebacker and has good wheels for his size. Another guy to target is Stephen Gilmore, who is fast and uses good cover skills.

If the Patriots do not add a defensive end or linebacker in the 1st round, I think it will be another long year on the defense. Given that a good pass rush can lesson the pressure for the secondary, adding a edge rusher will help the secondary greatly. And if Barron falls, you found a steal at 31, with a player groomed for the NFL system. Bill Belichick needs to strike gold like last year in Grokowski and Hernandez, and Solder will be a great pick when he gets his chance. If they can add some playmaking help to a younger defense that has leadership (Mayo, Spikes, McCourty, Chung) will be great to help this team excel.