The 2016 NFL Draft became a little more interesting for New England Patriots fans Tuesday.
The Patriots traded Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals for a second-round draft pick and guard Jonathan Cooper. New England now will pick back-to-back in the second round with the 60th and 61st overall selections. The Patriots could pair those picks to move up higher in the second round, stay put or, the most likely scenario, trade down.
In NESN.com’s second mock draft of the offseason, the picks stay as is.
Second Round (60th overall): DT Chris Jones, Mississippi State
Yes, that Chris Jones. No, not that Chris Jones.
The Patriots lack height at defensive tackle, and they could be looking for another starting interior defender when Alan Branch’s contract runs out after the 2016 season. Jones currently is ranked as the 74th overall prospect by NFLDraftScout.com, though he could fly up draft boards because of his athleticism and size by the time the draft rolls around in late April.
Second Round (61st overall from Arizona Cardinals): OT Le’Raven Clark, Texas Tech
The Patriots have Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon and LaAdrian Waddle at offensive tackle, but they could be looking for a future starter with Vollmer’s contract running out after this season.
Third Round (91st overall): RB Jordan Howard, Indiana
Howard has the size and ball security the Patriots look for in a big back. They’re lacking at the position with LeGarrette Blount still available in free agency.
Third Round (96th overall compensatory pick): LB Jordan Jenkins, Georgia
Jenkins mostly rushed the passer with the Bulldogs, but he has size the Patriots typically look for in a stand-up linebacker. Patriots coach Bill Belichick attended Georgia’s pro day Wednesday.
Fourth Round (127th overall): WR Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia
Another Georgia product, Mitchell has the speed and agility the Patriots look for in a wide receiver. He’s slightly undersized, but he has the upside to play “X” receiver in the NFL. He caught 174 passes for 2,350 yards with 16 touchdowns in 45 career college games.
Sixth Round (196th overall): TE Dan Vitale, Northwestern
Vitale is undersized for a tight end and doesn’t have experience running the ball, but he has classic measurables for a Patriots skill-position player.
Sixth Round (208th overall compensatory pick): TE David Morgan, Texas-San Antonio
Morgan doesn’t have great speed, but the 6-foot-4, 262-pound tight end ran a 6.93-second three-cone at the combine, showcasing impressive agility for his size.
Sixth Round (214th overall compensatory pick): LB Josh Forrest, Kentucky
Forrest is another big linebacker out of the SEC and fits the Patriots’ size profile.
Sixth Round (221st overall compensatory pick): CB Ryan Smith, North Carolina Central
The Patriots could use additional depth at cornerback. Smith checks the necessary boxes with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and 6.88-second three-cone drill.
Seventh Round (243rd overall from Houston Texans): RB/WR D.J. Foster, Arizona State
Foster finished his college career with 2,355 rushing yards and 2,458 receiving yards. It’s unclear whether he’ll play running back or wide receiver in the NFL, but his 6.75-second three-cone will impress the Patriots.
Seventh Round (250th overall): DE Alex McCalister, Florida
The Patriots lack length at defensive end, and McCalister, at 6-foot-6, 239 pounds with 36-inch arms, has plenty of it. He’ll have to bulk up in the NFL, but he showcased impressive athleticism at the combine.
Thumbnail photo via Marvin Gentry/USA TODAY Sports Images
