2008 New England Patriots Mock Draft
Round 1
Pick # 7 – Leodis McKelvin – Cornerback, Troy
I know and realize that most mock drafts have the Pats going after hybrid DE/OLB Vernon Gholston from The Ohio State University. While I do agree that value wise Gholston would be the ideal pick, it seems that after OSU’s pro day Gholston has made an ascent in his draft stock. Indications are that St. Louis (2) and the NY Jets (6) both teams ahead of the Pats are interested in the specimen. With Gholston gone, the Pats would most likely pick top rated CB Leodis McKelvin. McKelvin is 5’10 and weighed in at 190lbs at the combine in February. While a bit on the shorter side McKelvin has shown his ability to cover taller WR’s. At the Senior Bowl he did a great job on a pair of big WR’s in Limas Sweed and Malcom Kelly. He has great speed, flexible hips, and can locate the ball quickly. An issue with McKelvin is that he played his college ball in a smaller D1 school and competed against players in the Sunbelt Conference, not exactly known as the hotbed on NFL talent. Since 2003 12 small school corners have been drafted, of which 6 have been starters (1 Pro Bowler, Antoine Bethea), and 1 has been a consistent Nickel Back. While none of the aforementioned corners have gone as high as 7, also none have the skill set and potential that McKelvin can bring to a DB deprived Patriots. With the defections of Asante Samuels and Randall Gay, the Pats will have to reach a bit to fill the void. Fernando Bryant was signed to start opposite of Ellis Hobbs allowing McKelvin time to play some Nickel and ease into the starting rotation.
Round 2
Pick # 62– Erin Henderson – OLB, Maryland
With an aging linebacking corps the Patriots will look to infuse some young talent. Henderson has the dimensions and skills that work well in the Patriots scheme, at 6’3 245lbs he has the size to play inside (the Jack linebacker) and the speed and range to play outside (the Will linebacker). Henderson could be the 2008 version of Demeco Ryans, essentially a tackling machine at the NFL level; both come from large programs with mediocre results and are both physical freaks. Two major knocks on Henderson are that he already has had a repaired ACL (2005) and shoulder surgery. Even though he is quick for his size, he tends to have some issues in coverage situations, especially with backs in the flats. Overall Henderson would be brought in slowly and groomed to take over Bruschi or start opposite of Vrabel in 09’.
Round 3
Pick # 69 – Chris Johnson – RB, East Carolina
It has become pretty evident that Maroney works his magic when he splits carries. Towards the end of the season we saw what a healthy Maroney can do, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pats snatch up a compliment to Kool-Aid in the 3rd round. The beauty of Johnson is that he is as versatile as it gets for a skills position player. Johnson spent part of his career at ECU as a Wide Receiver and had great success there with his combination of 4.24 speed and soft hands. Projects to be the perfect replacement for an aging Kevin Faulk.
Pick # 94 – Martellus Bennett – TE, Texas A&M
Belichick loves to draft tight ends, and we actually need one right now. Kyle Brady was cut and that leaves us with just Ben Watson and Dave Thomas (spent season on IR). In the Pats system a FB is seldom used, we favor using the double tight formations. Watson and Thomas are both better pass catching TE’s than the maulers we have had in Graham and in K Brady. Bennett is a punishing blocker with the skill set to be a short range pass catcher. Does not have the speed and hands that the aforementioned pair does, but could develop into a threat after some development. Bennett does have the skills to come in and be the motion TE and available on goal line packages
Round 4
Pick # 129 – Mike McGlynn – G/T, Pittsburgh
Another versatile football player that the Pats love to take a chance on. Played guard and tackle while at Pitt. Has a nasty streak and is a hard blue collar worker. With Stephen Neal being injury prone and Billy Yates and Ryan O’Callaghan being less than stellar in sub roles, McGlynn could earn some time as a reserve with the possibility of taking over for Neal down the road.
Round 5
Pick # 164 – Trae Williams – CB, South Florida
Williams game is very similar to the departed Randall Gay. A perfect nickel/dime guy in the Pats zone system. Known as a hard worker at USF, he has the intangibles to become a role player and contributor for a solid team.
Round 6
Pick # 197 – Quinton Demps – FS, UTEP
Great ball skills and instincts while ball is in the air. Will make team as a special teams ace.
Round 7
Pick # 238 – Mike Dragosavich – P, North Dakota State
Last season we saw very limited amounts of our punter. Dragosavich has a strong leg and could be brought in for a camp battle with Chris Hanson.