Mel Kiper Mock Draft: Patriots Select CB Despite Free-Agency Signings
With NFL free agency out of the way, the attention of the New England Patriots will start turning to the NFL Draft. New England was able to fill some holes on its roster through free agency, like wide receiver, and added depth along the offensive line. So where does that leave them for April's Draft?
Is wide receiver and offensive tackle still 1a and 1b on their draft board with the No. 14 overall pick?
The latest ESPN mock draft from Mel Kiper projects that the Patriots draft Joey Porter Jr., the cornerback out of Penn State.
"The biggest need now is in the secondary. Jonathan Jones was re-signed and Jack Jones had a really solid rookie season, but the Patriots have to add more corners," Kiper wrote. "Porter is a 6-foot-2 press cornerback whose 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine was stellar for his size. He didn't allow any touchdowns in coverage last season. He's physical - he'll tackle in the run game. I see Porter as a player who could thrive for Bill Belichick's defense."
As Kiper described, Porter fits the mold of a Belichick cornerback with his size, speed, and physicality. While his numbers don't jump off the page statistically, only recording one interception in his four years with the Nittany Lions, Porter would fill a big remaining need defensively.
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