2020 Patriots Mock Draft 1.0

With the 2020 NFL Draft fast approaching I thought it would be appropriate to run a few mock drafts with different websites and see what I end up with.

• For Mock Draft 1.0 I used Fan Speak’s Mock Draft Simulator

Round 1

Round 1, Pick #23 Overall – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

Chaisson is a top 3 EDGE rusher in this years class. The reason he falls to the Patriots at 23 is because of the specific team needs ahead of them. The draft is stacked with wide receivers and this year’s pool of offensive lineman are very close in terms of talent. Also there’s the fact that 4 quarterbacks will go top 20 this year.

Strengths: Chaisson is a VERY good pass rusher. He was extremely effective in 2019 posting 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. Physically he has a good frame (6’4″ 250lbs) with a thick lower body and tremendous bend for such a long body. He played a bit of coverage in 2019 holding his own against running backs. High motor guy, gives a ton of effort and is only TWENTY (20!) years old. He was also given #18 by LSU coaches which represents a high character leader.

Weaknesses: This is probably the only time I would take Chaisson to go to New England because he lacks a few things that the Patriots covet. At this point he is a pretty one demential player, he rushes the passer effectively but has trouble against the run. He missed a good amount of time at LSU with a torn ACL in 2018 and an ankle injury in 2019. More of a finesse rusher, has trouble with physicality.

Pro Comparison: Bruce Irvin, Seattle Seahawks

Round 2

N/A

Round 3

Round 3, Pick #87 Overall – Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton

The Patriots biggest need is at tight end. After losing Gronk prior to last season they only got 37 catches and two touchdowns from the four tight ends they trotted out onto the field. This years draft is pretty weak at TE but I have Trautman as my #1 TE this year so it was a no brainer to pick him up at #87.

Strengths: Trautman has the size of an NFL tight end standing at 6’5″ and weighing 255lbs. He was uber productive putting up 916 yards on 70 catches with 14 touchdowns in only 11 games. He has great hands only dropping 2 balls in 2019. He is a two way tight end, being a good blocker and receiver, he has natural athletic ability and definitely looks the part.

Weaknesses: He played FCS football so obviously the level of competition was low. He played in a spread offense that allowed him space to run free and get open. That is not something the Patriots will do, he will have to play a lot more inline tight end at the next level. Though he’s a good blocker he’s not great. He had trouble with hand placement but the power and motor are there.

Pro Comparison: Greg Olsen, Seattle Seahawks

Round 3, Pick #98 Overall – Matt Hennessy, C, Temple

It is no sure thing that Joe Thuney and David Andrews start week 1 for the Patriots. This pick allows them to make up for the loss of Ted Karras and have a G/C that can slide in to either spot and play. Hennessy played in a similar system to that of New England, Temple ran a lot of screens and zone runs.

Strengths: Plays with great technique and balance. Can run with the best of the offensive lineman, moving well on screens which is something that will be asked a lot of him in New England. Has a violent punch that serves well in pass protection. Extremely athletic and was named an All-American in 2019

Weaknesses: He is undersized (can always put on weight) and has short arms that can allow defensive lineman the opportunity to get inside. Has also rarely played guard, he will need to learn all three IOL positions if he ends up in New England.

Pro Comparison: Ryan Wendell, New England Patriots (RETIRED)

Round 3, Pick #100 Overall – Matt Peart, OT, UConn

The tackle position is a bit of a dilemma for the Patriots. Isaiah Wynn was good last season and looks like the future at left tackle but other than that things look bleak. Marcus Cannon retirement rumors have swirled each of the past two offseason, Yodny Cajuste has still yet to practice with the team, and Korey Cunningham who the Patriots traded for last season played very sparingly. Peart gives the Patriots a bit of a sure thing at tackle.

Strengths: Peart is a mauler in the run game. He started for four years at UConn and has a large frame. Physically (6’7″ 320lbs) he can become whatever an NFL team needs him to be. Another highly athletic o-lineman that can be a swing tackle for most NFL teams.

Weaknesses: Punch is a bit weak and lacks the nastiness you look for in an offensive lineman. His pass blocking wasn’t quite where it needs to be and he needs to get stronger. Raw physical prospect who isn’t ready right away.

Pro Comparison: Oli Udo, Minnesota Vikings

Round 4

Round 4, Pick #125 Overall – Lynn Bowden Jr., WR/ATH, Kentucky

Watch a Lynn Bowden highlight tape and try not to fall in love. It’s impossible. Bowden played Quarterback, Running back, Wide Receiver, Kick Returner, and Punt Returner in his career at UK. He has a gift of making plays, you just need to put the ball in his hands. Bowden would allow Josh McDaniels creative freedom to open up the Patriots offense.

Strengths: Has appropriate size for an all purpose player, nearly impossible to take down with one tackler. Natural playmaking ability allows him to play just about every skill position. Both a strong and shifty runner. Strong leadership qualities and beloved by teammates. All-American as an all purpose man and won the Jim Thorpe award. Was involved in a pregame fight before the Belk Bowl (Defended a teammate, has a certain spark to him.)

Weaknesses: Not the fastest guy and can lack the separation skills needed by NFL slot guy. Not very careful with the ball in his hand, something Belichick HATES. Was involved in a pregame fight before the Belk Bowl (not necessarily a weakness but he could have controlled himself better)

Pro Comparison: Randall Cobb, Houston Texans

Round 5

Round 5, Pick #172 Overall – John Hightower, WR, Boise State

Hightower is the pick here for one reason, competition. Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry are the only two receivers that are locks to make the roster. (Mohammed Sanu will most likely be there as well.) Other than that this is what the roster looks like.

If Bowden is drafted Olszewski is as good as gone. Ross and Adeboyejo will most likely miss out so that leaves Meyers, who had a good training camp last season but faded hard during the regular season and Damiere Byrd, another slot receiver. Hightower represents a change in receiver type.

Strengths: Hightower is a deep threat. All eight of his touchdowns in 2019 came from more than 20 yards out. He has the speed (4.43 – 40 yard dash) to just outrun defenders.

Weaknesses: Catches almost exclusively with his body, lends itself too drops. Skinny frame that lets defenders bully him at the line of scrimmage. Had consistency issues and modest production in college.

Pro Comparison: Josh Doctson, New York Jets

Round 6

Round 6, Pick #195 Overall – Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia

Admittedly I think the Patriots draft a kicker in the 4th or 5th round to ensure they get their guy. In this case I knew I could get Blankenship later so I waited. The Patriots released Stephen Gostkowski last week which almost guarantees they take either Blankenship or Tyler Bass. Blankenship is my guy.

Strengths: Was very good in college and a fan favorite. Hit 82.5% of his field goals at Georgia. Best kicker in the draft.

Weaknesses: Drives a lot of kicks which can lead to blocked attempts. Had 3 blocked in his career.

Pro Comparison: Stephen Hauschka, Buffalo Bills

Round 6, Pick #204 Overall – Dalton Keene, TE/H-Back, Virginia Tech

This is a bit of a risky pick. A lot of teams asked Keene to workout with the running backs because they project him to play fullback at the next level. I think he can stay at tight end and be pretty solid. Picking up another tight end allows the Patriots another chance at finding an NFL caliber player.

Strengths: Versatile, a “superback” type like Danny Vitale who the Patriots just signed. Strong at the point of attack as a blocker, uses his pads well. Not necessarily a receiving tight end but can catch the ball.

Weaknesses: Limited experience running routes. Feet get left behind during blocks. A bit small for a tight end and too tall to be a full time full back. Tweener.

Pro Comparison: Charles Clay, Free Agent

*These players will most likely be UFA if they end up in New England*

Round 6, Pick #212 Overall – Evan Weaver, LB, Cal

I may have waited a bit too long to take a LB but that doesn’t mean I didn’t end up with a good one. Weaver fills a spot in the middle and is a tackling machine, may allow Hightower to move outside again.

Strengths: This guy is your classic late round linebacker. Tackling machine that has a high motor and is beloved by his teammates and coaches. Plays smart but has reckless abandon.

Weaknesses: Not built like an NFL linebacker. Looks like an undersized center. Lack of speed makes him a mediocre pass rusher from inside. Plays upright and doesn’t have great athleticism to play laterally. Not great in pass coverage.

Pro Comparison: Kyle Emmanuel, Free Agent

Round 6, Pick #213 Overall – Josh Metellus, S, Michigan

Metellus is listed as a safety but plays like a linebacker. He would project as a backup/special team guy but he’s a good football player.

Strengths: Plays downhill and is a good tackler. Plays violently in coverage allowing him to knock away passes. High motor guy with good instincts.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t fit very well in what the Patriots already have at safety. Speed mismatch downfield and has trouble getting off of blocks.

Pro Comparison: Laron Landry, Washington, (RETIRED)

Round 7

Round 7, Pick #230 Overall – Binjimin Victor, WR, Ohio St.

Victor is very similar to John Hightower. Speedy deep threat with a small frame. He would be a good camp body to compete with the existing guys in New England.

Strengths: Definition of a big play threat, average a TD per every 5 catches. Has extremely long arms and good speed. Smooth and fluid runner who can make people miss.

Weaknesses: Very slight frame, doesn’t have great hands. Not a natural route runner. Never put together a great season despite showing bursts.

Round 7 , Pick #241 Overall, Jon Runyan, OT, Michigan

This second generation offensive lineman played well as a tackle at Michigan but project as an NFL guard.

Strengths: Legacy guy, father of the same name was a Pro-Bowl tackle. Smart pre-snap and physical post snap. Stays connected throughout play and experience at tackle will help at guard.

Weaknesses: Everything he does is just a bit off. Needs to improve technique and consistency.

Pro Comparison: Jon Runyan Sr., Philadelphia Eagles (RETIRED) (It was too easy to pass up)

So there it is. The first Patriot Mock Draft. Let me know what you guys think. Here’s how the draft played out in short form.