The New England Patriots wisely stayed away from splash free-agent signings, but now they have their work cut out for them in the NFL draft.
The Patriots still have plenty of needs to fill before the 2015 NFL season starts, including finding a replacement for All-Pro nose tackle Vince Wilfork. The Patriots also should look to take a cornerback after losing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency.
The Patriots typically double up on a position each year in the draft. This April, they could look to take two wide receivers, since they lack dependable depth and competition after their three starters, Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola.
See how the Patriots’ draft could shake out in late April:
First Round (32nd overall): Jordan Phillips, defensive tackle, Oklahoma
The Patriots could look to select a defensive lineman in the first round in consecutive drafts. They picked Dominique Easley last year to fill their interior pass-rushing need, and now Phillips could help replace Wilfork as a run stuffer.
At 6-foot-5, 329 pounds, Phillips has the size to play nose tackle, three-technique defensive tackle or five-technique defensive end. His size, versatility and athleticism could help boost the Patriots’ run defense, which could be sorely lacking without Wilfork.
Second Round (64th overall): Byron Jones, cornerback, Connecticut
The Patriots need a potential No. 1 cornerback after allowing Aqib Talib and Revis leave via free agency in consecutive offseasons. Jones has elite size and athleticism at 6-foot-1, 199 pounds with a 12-foot, 3-inch broad jump and 44.5-inch vertical leap. He’ll run his 40-yard dash at his pro day in late March, but he also timed extremely well in the 3-cone and short-shuttle drills at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Jones played one year under Randy Edsall at UConn. Edsall is known as a hard-nosed head coach, and Belichick has brought in plenty of his former players in the past for that reason.
Third Round (96th overall): Josue Matias, guard, Florida State
Patriots starting center Bryan Stork’s former teammate, Matias was a four-year starter at left guard for the Seminoles. The Patriots are expected to upgrade their offensive line at guard through the draft. Last season’s starting left guard, Dan Connolly, is a free agent, and even if he re-signs, he likely would compete with right guard Ryan Wendell for one starting spot. Matias could come in and start from Day 1.
Third Round (projected compensatory pick): Cameron Artis-Payne, running back, Auburn
The Patriots would be smart to pick up a running back who can contribute on early downs with LeGarrette Blount entering the final year of his contract. Artis-Payne rushed for 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, and he caught 13 passes, so he also could contribute in the passing game.
Artis-Payne would add depth and competition to a group that also includes James White, Tyler Gaffney, Jonas Gray and Brandon Bolden.
Fourth Round (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Ben Heeney, linebacker, Kansas
The Patriots have yet to address their need for a reserve linebacker after allowing Jonathan Casillas and Akeem Ayers to walk in free agency. Heeney has the size and athleticism to contribute on defense or special teams. The Patriots must be drooling looking at Heeney’s 6.68-second 3-cone drill.
Fourth Round: Chris Conley, wide receiver, Georgia
Conley is a freak athlete, and he has tremendous character to match. He ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash with a 45-inch vertical leap and an 11-foot, 7-inch broad jump at the combine.
The Patriots should add wide receivers to compete with Brian Tyms, Brandon Gibson, Aaron Dobson, Kevin Dorsey and Josh Boyce for roster spots.
Sixth Round (from Buccaneers): Stefon Diggs, wide receiver, Maryland
Diggs is another prospect who played under Edsall. He’s a versatile, big-play receiver who has some durability questions after missing games in 2013 and 2014.
Diggs was a junior captain for the Terps who has experience in the passing game, on the ground and as a returner. He ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine.
Seventh Round (from Tennessee Titans): C.J. Uzomah, tight end, Auburn
The Patriots don’t necessarily need a tight end after picking up Scott Chandler in free agency, but they showed interest in the upside-heavy flex tight end at Auburn’s pro day.
This is a weak class for the position, so a player like Uzomah, who didn’t receive many opportunities in Auburn’s offense despite 4.63-second 40-yard-dash speed at 6-foot-5, 262 pounds, could be worth a late-round flyer. He caught just 29 passes for 435 yards with seven touchdowns in four years with the Tigers.
Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images
