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5 NFL Draft Prospects New England Patriots Fans Need To Know About

5 NFL Draft Prospects New England Patriots Fans Need To Know About

Devin Funchess Michigan
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

It has been a week unlike any other in the past 10 years for New England Patriots fans. Basking in Super Bowl glory will be short-lived, however, as the NFL Combine is fast approaching and the course is being set for May’s draft. Here are five prospects who should be on the radar of Patriots fans.

5. Adrian Amos

Adrian Amos Penn State
Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

5. Adrian Amos

Adrian Amos Penn State
Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Amos is a very steady, dependable safety. Bill Belichick likes that. Amos is a versatile defensive back; Belichick likes that too. Whether it's slot duty in sub packages or playing zone coverage as a free safety, Amos uses his high football IQ to play at a high level. He compares to the Pats’ starting free safety, Devin McCourty, in that he doesn’t take many chances. If Amos is available beyond the second round, he would be a nice addition.

4. Nate Orchard

Nate Orchard Utah
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

4. Nate Orchard

Nate Orchard Utah
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots did a good job generating sacks on Russell Wilson in Super Bowl XLIX, but pressuring the quarterback is something this team struggled with for stretches throughout the year. Orchard compares to Chandler Jones with his long, lean frame and ability to shed blockers. Jones and Rob Ninkovich played a staggering amount of the Pats’ defensive snaps, so adding a formidable pass rusher to spell those two would be beneficial.

3. Ladarius Gunter

Ladarius Gunter Miami
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ladarius Gunter

Ladarius Gunter Miami
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

At 6-foot-1 with foot speed and cover skills, Gunter is the ideal modern cornerback. Remember how much Kyle Arrington and Logan Ryan struggled covering the Seahawks’ big-man receiver, Chris Matthews? Having a guy like Gunter to cover opposing teams’ third and fourth receivers would round out the Pats’ already stout cornerback group.

2. Tre' Jackson

Tre' Jackson Florida State
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tre' Jackson

Tre' Jackson Florida State
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots’ selection of FSU center Bryan Stork in last year’s draft paid off tremendously, as Stork started in the Super Bowl. It would be wise to draw from the FSU offensive line pool again in 2015, as Jackson proved his worth this season by earning ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors three times. Jackson is considered overrated by many pundits, but there is no doubt that he his one of the best run blockers in the draft.

1. Devin Funchess

Devin Funchess Michigan
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

1. Devin Funchess

Devin Funchess Michigan
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Last but not least, here’s a guy who could be Gronk 2.0. It’s up for debate whether or not he will play tight end or wide receiver in the NFL, but the Patriots could care less; that 6-foot-5 235-pound frame is enough to make Tom Brady’s mouth water. Imagine Funchess and Gronk lining up together on the field. Simply put, the addition of Funchess would make the Patriots’ pass offense even more difficult to slow down.

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