Patriots 7 Round NFL Mock Draft Version 3

1st Round, Pick 24: Aaron Ross, CB, Texas

Ross’ stock has only been going up.  He has tremendous speed, decent size, and a sixth sense on finding the ball.  He will give the Patriots another future shutdown corner.

Other possibilities: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan

Round 1, Pick 28: Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State

(see previous explanation)

Other Possibilities: Michael Griffin, S, Texas

                        Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU

                        Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State

Round 3, Pick 92: Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers

Sammy Morris was a solid pick-up, but can he really do what Corey did for us last year (as in be a power runner)?  My guess is no (unless he changes his running style), and Brian Leonard might be able to do just that.  Leonard is a big bruiser who is a hybrid runningback (fullback/halfback).  The Patriots have to hope he gets overlooked to fall this far, but if he does, he will be a real solid selection.

Round 4: Steve Smith, WR, USC

His stock is falling, but he’s certainly worth a fourth round pick.

Round 6a: Leonard Peters, S, Hawaii 

The Patriots need some depth at safety, and Peters is good enough he could be groomed into a solid backup / spare starter.  But I like James Sanders as Rodney Harrison’s replacement.

Round 6b: Chris Leak, QB, Florida

Patriots need a 3rd QB, so why not give Chris Leak a shot in training camp?  He’d give the Pats some versatility at the quarterback position.