Mike Mayock has to keep straight about 500 prospects and the needs of 32 teams when he’s preparing for each draft.
So when we nitpick or disagree with assessments the NFL Network’s draft expert makes, those occasions come with a very sincere, “all due respect…”
Mayock held a conference call on Tuesday and I agreed with two of the three spots he pinpointed for the Patriots in what he described as a very strong defensive draft.
First need, Mayock said was offensive line.
“Obviously they got beat up this year badly up front,” he said. “They started or played -- they had three rookies play significant time in that interior offensive line, one of whom didn't even get invited to the combine last year, Shaq Mason. So they could be looking at a tackle in that spot.”
Reaction? Yes, they should be looking for a tackle because Sebastian Vollmer is nearing the end and the Marcus Cannon/Cameron Fleming replacement combo is depressing to consider. But the three rookies they played – right guard Tre Jackson, undrafted rookie center David Andrews and left guard Mason – all acquitted themselves well enough to be seen as starters or (in Andrews’ case, a strong backup) going forward. That Mason didn’t get invited to the Combine and ended up starting for one of the league’s best teams and showing huge upside is actually an indictment on the Combine, not Mason. How much of the ineffectiveness was related to talent, how much to coaching and how much to health is something Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio have to determine. But the perimeter and depth need addressing.
Second Mayock point: “I think they have to be looking on the back end with the way they process through defensive backs.” Later, he added, “When you start talking about defensive backs, the corners in the late two, late three range, I keep talking about this (William) Jackson from Houston. I really like him. He can play off, he can play press. I think his value is going to begin to escalate the closer we get to the draft, but he's a long press corner that can play off, and I think the Patriots always value guys that are versatile. Xavien Howard from Baylor, another long corner with really good tape and really bad tape, but a gifted kid, maybe a late third-round pick. Jalen Mills from LSU has some versatility both inside and outside, corner and safety. I think all of those guys are kind of interesting conversations regarding the Patriots.”
Reaction? There are bigger needs – tight end being a primary one to me – but I don’t disagree that adding a corner to push/back up Justin Coleman and Logan Ryan is a bad idea. The Patriots just released Leonard Johnson and this draft will be the best place to find groomable talent if it comes to pass that the team can’t re-sign Malcolm Butler when he’s up after the 2016 season and is no doubt looking for large money.
Finally, Mayock said, “I think the wide receiver position has got to continue to be upgraded. I mean, their best receiver is an inside receiver, and I think (Belichick) would really like to get a significant threat on the outside. So with all that being said, at wideout at the back end of the second round, would Will Fuller from Notre Dame be sitting there or Josh Doctson be there? They already have a great slot in (Julian) Edelman, so they're looking for an outside guy that can be a difference maker in the second or third round. Rashard Higgins maybe from Colorado State in third round.”
Reaction? Agree. Edelman is pushing 30. Danny Amendola is 30 and needs to have his deal reworked, most likely. Brandon LaFell is coming off a lost season in which he battled a toe injury, drops and just seemed generally discontent. Keshawn Martin is fine as – at best – a fourth receiver. Aaron Dobson hasn’t worked out. So either a player to groom as slot-of-the-future, an outside field-stretcher or a move tight end works.