NFL Mock Draft: Patriots Pick WR After Missing Odell Beckham
The New England Patriots overcame a quiet start to the NFL's free agency period with a couple of key signings, adding help to their offense with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and tight end Mike Geisicki. While they also beefed up on the offensive by signing two veterans, Calvin Anderson and Reily Reiff.
But they can still use some help if they hope to right the ship toward competing for a spot in the playoffs after an 8-9 season in which they missed out.
With the NFL Draft just weeks away, I put together a three-round mock draft using Pro Football Focus's simulator without any trades and earned an A- grade for three selections in the first two days of the draft.
No. 14: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
At No. 14 overall, the Patriots can justify themselves taking almost any position, but really only three stand out as major needs. Those blinking lights are receiver, offensive tackle, and cornerback.
But here, the Patriots land go wide receiver, landing arguably one of the best at the position in Smith-Njigba.
The ex-Ohio State Buckeye was shaping up to be potentially a top-five pick just a year ago after an incredible sophomore season which ended with him posting a Rose Bowl-recording-breaking performance, recording 347 yards and three touchdowns on 15 receptions in route to a 48-45 win over Utah.
Yet after only playing in four games as a junior due to injuries, Smith-Njigba's draft stock seems to have fallen slightly. Landing Njigba could be a steal for the Patriots as they add a dynamic slot receiver who can play inside and out but would mostly play inside for the Patriots serving as a short to intermediate target for quarterback Mac Jones.
No. 46: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
Okay, so box checked on wide receiver, but what about offensive tackle?
Well, that is where pick No. 46 comes into play, as with Njigba's fellow Buckeye Dawand Jones already off the board, the Patriots select Syracuse's, Matthew Bergeron.
The ex-Orange would bring experience at both tackle spots along with the potential to kick inside to guard, as his run-blocking is what makes him special. Despite being a second-round projected pick, Sports Illustrated's Draft Bible called Bergeron one of the "safest" prospects in this year's class.
No. 76: Jordan Battle, S, Alabama
Rounding out the second day of the draft, the Patriots would select Alabama safety Jordan Battle. After the retirement of long-time captain and centerfield safety Devin McCourty, Battle would be brought in to help replenish depth and potentially develop into a future starter.
No, Battle isn't a direct replacement of McCourty, as he doesn't offer the speed and range necessary to man the deep middle of the field. But his ability to play in the slot, or near the box, and lurking underneath a deep safety is where he'd thrive.
Battle already has experience in a very similar system to what the Patriots run defensively, seeing as Bill Belichick and Nick Saban brought man-match defense into existence in their time with the Cleveland Browns, something that both still run today.
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