Predicting the Pats picks on Draft Day

It’s that time of the year when we start to throw darts at the wall. In other words, it’s when we try to predict what the Patriots will do in the upcoming NFL Draft.

This year is unique. Tom Brady is gone to free agency, so there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team for the first time in 20 years. With an aging roster, the Pats need to start hitting on some cornerstone young pieces in the draft to help fill their many holes.

The way we look at it, [...]

It’s that time of the year when we start to throw darts at the wall. In other words, it’s when we try to predict what the Patriots will do in the upcoming NFL Draft.

This year is unique. Tom Brady is gone to free agency, so there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team for the first time in 20 years. With an aging roster, the Pats need to start hitting on some cornerstone young pieces in the draft to help fill their many holes.

The way we look at it, the Patriots should draft the best players available regardless of position. The team needs depth at outside linebacker, inside linebacker, defensive end, defensive tackle, tight end, receiver, quarterback, offensive line and at kicker. Luckily, the Patriots are working with a dozen picks.

Here’s a look at one avenue the Patriots can go in.

First round, pick 23: A.J. Epenesa, defensive end, Iowa

Epenesa would give the Patriots a solid boost to their pass rush. He made 22 sacks over his last two seasons at Iowa. At 6-foot-5, 275 pounds, he profiles as someone who could play both on the edge and inside for the Patriots. Like Trey Flowers did.

Third round, pick 87: Jalen Hurts, quarterback, Oklahoma

Hurts is a winner. He’s a leader. When you hear him talk, he sounds like a Patriot. He was one of the best quarterbacks in college. He’s a dual-threat who relies on athleticism. Hurts isn’t your prototypical Patriots quarterback, but he’s worth the risk.

Third round, pick 98: Hunter Bryant, tight end, Washington

Bryant was one of the top tight ends in college football. He’s athletic and more of a move tight end than a blocker. He runs good routes and has good hands. Bryant would give the Patriots an offensive tight end. He met with the Pats at the NFL Combine.

Third round, pick 100: Logan Wilson, linebacker, Wyoming

Wilson is super athletic. He was ultra-productive at Wyoming and also a three-year captain. He’d give the Patriots a replacement for Jamie Collins. He also profiles as someone who would help on special teams. The Pats met with him at his Pro Day.

Fourth round, pick 125: James Proche, receiver, SMU

Proche is a 5-foot-11 receiver with outstanding speed, quickness and ball skills. He's more of an outside receiver at the moment. Proche tied for the national lead with 111 receptions last season. He's also a standout returner (kickoff and punt). Athletically, he compares with Robert Woods, Golden Tate and Randall Cobb.

Fifth round: pick 172: DaVon Hamilton, defensive tackle, Ohio State

Hamilton's a 6-4, 320-pound defensive tackle. He had six sacks last season, but doesn't profile as a pass rusher in the NFL. He'd give the Patriots depth behind Lawrence Guy, Beau Allen and Adam Butler. Athletically, he’s one of the best defensive tackle fits for the Patriots in this draft.

Sixth round, pick 195: Jon Runyan, guard, Michigan

Runyan played tackle at Michigan but projects as a guard with versatility in the NFL

Sixth round, pick 204: K’Von Wallace, safety, Clemson

Wallace profiles as a backup safety and core special-teamer in the NFL. Athletically, he fits the mold of what the Patriots look for.

Sixth round, pick 212: Mykal Walker, linebacker, Fresno State

Walker also hits all the measurables the Patriots covet at linebacker. He’d contribute on special teams and as a backup.

Sixth round, pick 213: Tyler Bass, kicker, Georgia Southern

Bass is an All-American kicker who hit 93% of his kicks between 30 and 50 yards last season. The Pats met with him at the NFL Combine.

Seventh round, pick 230: Jared Pinkney, tight end, Vanderbilt

The Patriots need more tight end depth. Pinkney profiles as a backup tight end/H-back in the NFL and is said to have solid hands. He met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.

Seventh round, pick 241: Alex Taylor, tackle, South Carolina State

Taylor is huge (6-8, 308 pounds) and compares with former Patriots draft pick Conor McDermott. A college basketball player, Taylor played football the last two seasons. He's raw, but has upside.