2009 Patriots NFL Mock Draft All 7 Rounds Version 2.0

Here, we go, the first post-combine mock draft for the Patriots, and I’m jumping to all seven rounds (including a compensatory picks in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th rounds; Asante Samuel, Donte Stallworth, and Randall Gay).

Round 1, Pick 23: Connor Barwin, OLB, Cincinatti

Round 1: Connor Barwin

Connor Barwin’s stock has skyrocketed due to his combine performance, as well as the comparisons he has garnered to Mike Vrabel due to his ability to play defensive end, backer, tight end, and even power forward.  While the Patriots already have outside linebacker prospects in Shawn Crable and Vince Redd, Barwin looks to good to pass up here, in my opinion.

Round 2, Pick 47: Victor “Macho” Harris, CB, Virginia Tech

Victor Harris is a true ballhawk with tremendous instincts.  At 5′11″, 187 pounds, I think he could really thrive in the Patriots zone schemes.  He also has tremendous versatility, with the ability to return kicks, play free safety, and even line up at wide receiver.  The Patriots havve also expressed a strong interest in Harris to this point.

Round 2, Pick 59: Max Unger, C/OL, Oregon

While Unger’s primary position is center, he has played guard and even tackle for Oregon.  He is sort of a jack of all trades for offensive lineman.  His stock may be rising, but if around at this point, he would be an excellent pickup.

Round 3: Nic Harris

Round 3, Pick 89: Nic Harris, SS, Oklahoma

As I said in my last post, if the Patriots are looking for a Rodney Harrison clone, Nic Harris may be that guy.  He is a hard hitter, has played linebacker, and has good instincts.  His only issue may be pass coverage.  He may be too stiff in the hips to pick up some of the more athletic tight ends.  Still, would be a nice value pick at 89, and could be a perfect system fit.

Round 3, Pick 97 (compensatory): Aaron Kelly, WR, Clemson

6-5, 193 pounds.  4.49 forty yard dash.  Great vertical.  What’s not to like about Aaron Kelly?  The Patriots also have some interest in him, so they may see him as a sort of developmental prospect.  He is one of my top draft binkies this year.

Round 4, Pick 121: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss

Shawn Nelson is blessed with a rare combination of size, speed, agility, and pass catching ability.  In my opinion, he could be the second coming of Antonio Gates.  And it just so happens that the Patriots are in need of a tight end.  Interesting.

Round 4 (Compensatory): Terrance Taylor, NT, Michigan

The Patriots need a backup for Vince Wilfork, and Terrance Taylor could fit that build.  Taylor had a very dissapointing senior season, however, he has the size, brute strength, and run stuffing abilities that could make him very enticing for 3-4 teams like the Patriots.

Round 5: Frantz Joseph, ILB, Florida Atlantic

At 6-2 243 pounds, Frantz Joseph would project as an inside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4.  He is a sleeper who I really think could be a physical presence at the next level.  Needs to work on his pass coverage though.

Round 5 (compensatory): Tyrell Sutton, HB, Northwestern

He might only be 5-8, but Tyrell Sutton is the definition of production.  If he can put his injury woes behind him, he could be a great all-around, versatile back at the next level.

Round 6: Khalif Mitchell

Round 6: Khalif Mitchell, DE, East Carolina

Khalif Mitchell would project as a defensive end in the 3-4.  He is a big body at 6′5″, 318 pounds, but looks to have the strength and athleticism to control two gaps as a stout defender.  Could be a sleeper.

Round 7: Kevin Huber, P, Cincinatti

The lefty punter is likely the best punter in the draft.  If he’s around here, he may be worth getting to groom for the future at the position (although I’ve actually liked what Chris Hanson has done here).