Now that the Scouting Combine is complete a new round of mock drafts are just starting to hit the internets so it's time to check back in on some of our prospects and see who could be rising up the Pats draft list.
Cornerbacks on the rise
Two names sit atop the cornerback rankings right now: Dominique Rogers-Cromartie and Leodis McKelvin. Both turned in great performances at the Combine, with DRC putting up some freakishly athletic numbers. The biggest question becomes whether or not the Pats think either of these guys is worth being selected at 7th overall. This years corner class is deep and that could very well motivate the Pats to trade down toward the bottom of the first-round where the contracts paid to rookies aren't so overwhelming. Whether or not Darren McFadden or Matt Ryan are still available at #7 could have teams looking to make a deal with the Pats.
Gholston is a Beast
Vernon Gholston tore up the Combine as well, and with the release of Rosevelt Colvin the Pats might need a pass-rushing OLB (assuming Adalius Thomas doesn't move back to OLB full time). With the Jets signing OLB Calvin Pace to a huge contract the chances they take Gholston were slightly lessened. Belichick is not known for taking LBs high in the draft. Is Gholston special enough to break that tradition? Only Belichick and Scott Pioli know for sure.
Here's the Patriots draft picks early in the draft:
2008 New England Patriots Draft Picks in First Three Rounds
- First Round, 7th Overall
- Second Round, 62nd Overall
- Third Round, 69th Overall
- Third Round, 94th Overall
Clearly there's a sizeable gap between their first and second selections, right in the area where they historically like to draft. Based on this it has to be a very strong possibility that the Pats will trade down. The only factor will be if they think an available player at #7 is worthy of being selected that high.
Keywords: New England Patriots Draft Leodis McKelvin Dominique Rogers-Cromartie Vernon Gholston
