2016 NFL Draft: New England Patriots’ Early Seven-Round Mock

New England Patriots' Early Seven-Round Mock Draft

The New England Patriots are off to an outstanding start this season, and appear primed to make a serious push to play in Super Bowl 50. While it’s been all fun and games for Bill Belichick and Co., there will be work to be done this offseason.

That’s where the 2016 NFL Draft comes in. The Patriots have always excelled at finding talent during the draft, and I’ve taken a look at how they can keep that trend going in April.

FYI: The Patriots traded away their fifth- and sixth-round picks, acquired a sixth- and seventh-round pick from the Houston Texans and forfeited their first-round pick as a result of the DeflateGate scandal.

The New England Patriots are off to an outstanding start this season, and appear primed to make a serious push to play in Super Bowl 50. While it’s been all fun and games for Bill Belichick and Co., there will be work to be done this offseason.

That’s where the 2016 NFL Draft comes in. The Patriots have always excelled at finding talent during the draft, and I’ve taken a look at how they can keep that trend going in April.

FYI: The Patriots traded away their fifth- and sixth-round picks, acquired a sixth- and seventh-round pick from the Houston Texans and forfeited their first-round pick as a result of the DeflateGate scandal.

Round 2: Leonte Carroo, WR, Rutgers

We all know that Bill Belichick loves his Rutgers players, which makes Carroo an interesting fit here. While he doesn’t offer outstanding size, Carroo excels at making plays with his athleticism and after-the-catch abilities. As long as he can stay out of trouble and continue to build on his impressive understanding of the position, there’s no reason to believe he couldn’t shine with New England.

Round 3: Denver Kirkland, OT, Arkansas

So far this season, the Patriots have had a lot of issues with depth along the offensive line. Although Tom Brady has countered that issue with quick, decisive passing, New England could certainly use some extra bodies. Kirkland is an underrated talent with the power, athleticism and versatility to line up all along the offensive line. The value alone would make this pick a no-brainer for the Patriots.

Round 4: Maurice Canady, CB, Virginia

Canady still has a lot of work to do in terms of technique before he’s an every-down cover man, but the potential is there for him to be a long-term part of the Patriots’ defense. He has the size, speed and swagger that NFL teams are looking for at cornerback, and certainly knows how to make plays when given the opportunity. With the proper coaching, Canady should develop into a reliable starter.

Round 6 (via HOU): Keyarris Garrett, WR, Tulsa

With Garrett, you’re not getting any sort of otherworldly talent. However, the Tulsa product would give the Patriots a big body with a reliable pair of hands and the ability to create separation in coverage. With how inconsistent New England’s backup receivers have been over the years, adding Garrett would certainly give the Patriots some steady depth in the passing game.

Round 7 (via HOU): Jamal Golden, FS, Georgia Tech

The Patriots are losing a lot of safety depth to free agency in 2016, so adding some insurance at the position makes sense. While New England wouldn’t be getting anything special with Golden, he’s a solid cover man who has shown impressive ball skills and read-and-react abilities. Given his special teams value and instinctive play, the Patriots would be pleased to grab Golden here.

Round 7: Dillon Lee, OLB, Alabama

The Patriots’ depth at linebacker is a concern, which makes this a decent option so late in the draft. Lee is nothing more than a backup and special teams player, but his versatility and motor make him a player worth keeping an eye on. Lee seems like just the type of scrappy, team-first player that would shine on a Belichick-led Patriots team.