2020 Patriots Mock Draft 2.0

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. Here is take #2. Take a look back at 1.0 here.

For Mock Draft 2.0 I used Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft simulator.

Round 1

In the first round I opted for a trade. At #23 I was left with a number of options and guy’s that I really liked so traded back hoping other teams could make the decision for me. I ended up making the trade with Miami who then had FOUR (4!!!) first rounders. Luckily for all you Pats fans it’s the Dolphins so…..

TRADE: #23 (Round 1) and #87 (Round 3) to Miami | #39, #56 (Round 2) and #70 (Round 3) to New England

Round 2

Round 2, #39 Overall (via Miami) – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

Murray falling to #39 floored me. When I was contemplating #23 Murray, Patrick Queen, and Zach Baun were all still available. Sliding to #39 was a risk that could allow me to still pick up one of those players while adding more capital for the early rounds. Ultimately it paid off.

Strengths: Murray sizes up well against any other NFL linebacker. He is a natural playmaker with long arms and speed to improve his positioning in the run and pass game. He can rush from both inside and outside. Moves like a safety in a linebackers body. Has all the physical tools you could ask for as a potential defensive signal caller. Durable at Oklahoma. Had a GREAT combine until he pulled up with a hamstring during the 40.

Weaknesses: Sometimes he looks to make the flashy play instead of the smart one, not something you see in a prototypical Patriot. Had inconsistent games when it comes to his play recognition, makes you wonder if he guesses sometimes. Desire to take on blocks isn’t where it should be.

Pro Comparison: Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers

Round 2, #56 Overall (via Miami) – Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton

I drafted Trautman in Mock Draft 1.0 so you can check out my thoughts there. Here is a bit of what he looks like.

Round 2, #70 Overall (via Miami) – Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin

I may get flack for drafting an interior offensive lineman so high but looking at all of the factors, the Patriots interior doesn’t look so hot. David Andrews is no sure thing after missing last season with blood clots in his lungs, Joe Thuney is a superstar but given his contract situation, he might not still be in New England by the start of the season, Shaq Mason’s play has continuously declined since his contract extension two offseason ago. The backups Eluemunor, Froholdt, and Toran haven’t shown anything in their Patriot careers that guarantee them a spot on the final 55. Biadasz gives the Patriots a sure thing as a backup, though he’d cost them.

Strengths: Biadasz (pronounced: bee-AH-dish) was a three year starter for a Wisconsin team that pumps out quality offensive lineman. He plays wide and balanced, smart player with position flexibility. Held the pre-snap protection responsibilities at Wisco. Won the Remington Trophy, given to the nations best center.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t excel in any specific protection, has average strength. Struggles in one on ones against athletic tackles. Good, not great.

Pro Comparison: Ryan Jensen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 3

Round 3, #98 Overall – Van Jefferson, WR, Florida

After drafting N’Keal Harry in the first round last year the Patriots go back to a receiver with their makeup. Jefferson, an Ole Miss transfer, is a smart and versatile slot receiver who played in two different systems with five different quarterbacks. His father is former Patriot Shawn Jefferson, who has played and coached in the NFL since 1991.

Strengths: Incredibly smooth route runner with good hands. Very agile and extremely competitive. Smart player on and off field. Draws a lot of penalties and plays with tremendous leverage. Son of a player/coach and it shows in how polished he is.

Weaknesses: Production was modest in college, lacks top end speed and doesn’t block very well. Lacks tenacity and strength in run game.

Pro Comparison: Adam Humphries, Tennessee Titans

Round 3, #100 Overall (comp) – James Lynch, DT, Baylor

As was the case with Biadasz, drafting Lynch prepares yourself for the future. Adam Butler is someone you want to keep around but nothing is a sure thing. Lynch is a guy who can supplement a lot of what Butler gives you.

Strengths: Lynch is a very good pass rusher from the inside, versatile in where he can play. Heavy hands and nasty demeanor on field. Very productive in his 3 years at Baylor. Good bend and athleticism for a tackle.

Weaknesses: Relied on his physical superiority too much. Lacks a variety of pass rush moves. Takes bad angles as a rundown tackler and can get out of position.

Pro Comparison: Taven Bryan, Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 4

Round 4, #125 Overall (via Chicago) – Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU

This is the second pass catching, transfer student who is also the son of a former Patriot wide receiver we’ve taken in this draft. Moss is also the second tight end we’ve taken as the Patriots need desperately to find one that can play at the NFL level.

Strengths: Physical, willing, and more than capable as a run blocker. Great hands (obviously, he’s Randy Moss’ son) and instincts as a pass catcher. Good route running recognition against zone defenses. Has yet to hit his ceiling.

Weaknesses: Not a great athlete and lacks tremendous strength. Not a great route runner. Feet are a bit heavy.

Pro Comparison: Randy Moss, Retired (HOF)

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jk

Virgil Green, Los Angeles Chargers

Round 5

Round 5, #172 Overall (via Detroit) – Terence Steele, OT, Texas Tech

Steele is a bit of a project at tackle. A lot of people would want more of a sure thing but if you feel confident in Yodny Cajuste’s ability to come on strong this season then Steele could be a good test for the Patriots new offensive line coach.

Strengths: Size. Good height and weight, long tree trunk arms, powerful upper body. Plays with good vision. Smart player, 2x team captain and four year starter.

Weaknesses: Stiff, lacks necessary bend. Narrow base, poor lower body strength and explosiveness. Slow on his set, can be beat with speed rush.

Pro Comparison: Cameron Fleming, New York Giants (sorry Pats fans)

Round 6

Round 6, #195 Overall (via Denver) – Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia

Blankenship is another guy I picked last mock draft. Here are his highlights.

Round 6, #204 Overall (via Houston) – Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland

Antoine Brooks Jr. does a little bit of everything. With this late round pick the Patriots get an NFL ready special teamer and with the mobile quarterback numbers trending upward in the NFL he can play the spy on defense. Has a chance to compete with Cody Davis and Adrian Phillips.

Strengths: Tenacious effort and mentality on the field. Plays and is built like a linebacker. Very good tackler and has a lot of experience blitzing. Smooth movement in open field with good leaping ability. Has the potential to be a great coverage guy on special teams.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t fully fit in any defensive position, needs to improve in coverage. Hands aren’t great and doesn’t have good discipline in coverage. Needs to improve on his discipline.

Pro Comparison: Deone Buccannon, Free Agent

Round 6, #212 Overall (comp) – Kendall Coleman, DE, Syracuse

Coleman is a raw pass rushing prospect who put up good numbers in his career at Syracuse. The Patriots love taking on guys who they think they can develop. i.e Kamalu, Thurman, Harris, Grissom, etc.

Strengths: Great work ethic. Diverse in his pass rush, has the ability to split double teams. Good play recognition.

Weaknesses: Not quick off the ball and has heavy feet. His athleticism leaves some to be desired. His play strength also needs to be improved on. Not a run stopper, may never be one.

Pro Comparison: Cliff Avril, Retired

Round 6, #213 Overall (comp) – Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island

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As we move later in the draft it usually becomes about taking the best player available and that’s what I did here with Coulter. He may be a long shot to make the roster but an extra camp body and potential practice squad guy isn’t a bad take at #213.

Strengths: Good size and speed, athletic in air as a leaper, moves well in open field. Had his best game against Virginia Tech. (high end competition for URI) Has quick hands and feet.

Weaknesses: Can be a sloppy route runner, hasn’t learned about leverage yet. Had decisive height and speed advantage over competition. Doesn’t work back to the ball well.

Pro Comparison: Marcus Johnson, Free Agent

Round 7

Round 7, #230 Overall (via Philadelphia) – Michael Divinity, LB, LSU

Divinity is a good football player. He falls because of his off the field issues. He missed most of last season due to failed drug tests.

Strengths: Productive pass rusher with long arms. Experience in all LB spots. Flows well to ball and has versatility that allows him to play in multiple schemes. Strong and aggressive.

Weaknesses: Off the field issues, slow in his change of direction. Doesn’t trust his eyes as a linebacker and gets caught up in traffic.

Pro Comparison: Donald Payne, Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 7, #241 Overall (via Seattle) – Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa

This is for all you quarterback lovers out there. Personally, I don’t think the Patriots need to draft a quarterback and if they do it will be late. Stanley was the best option available, he also played for Belichick’s buddy Kirk Ferentz.

Strengths: Has NFL size, above average arm talent. Throws with anticipation and leads receivers. Natural thrower.

Weaknesses: Very inconsistent in his time at Iowa, not a threat to run at all. Misses throws and open receivers at times. Looks like he fails to read the defense sometimes. Not great against pressure.

Pro Comparison: Landry Jones, XFL

There’s mock draft 2.0 for you. Let me know what you think in the comments or wherever you find this. Here’s the draft in short form.