Dream Draft

It’s not holiday-worthy like the first full Sunday of NFL games, but it’s almost as important. The NFL Draft begins Thursday as teams hope to find building blocks for years to come.

Like the experts, I wasted hours of my time making educated guesses at who will go where in my mock draft. I projected Penn State DT Jared Odrick as the Patriots’ pick at 22, but that’s not who I wish New England drafts. Considering they have four picks in the top 53, I can imagine the four players I dream would be the Pats’ selections:

Texas LB Sergio Kindle

After watching him in the National Championship game against Alabama, I was sold on his talent. It also helps that he’s following in the footsteps of DE Brian Orakpo. Washington drafted Orakpo last year and he had eleven sacks. I hope Kindle is that good as a pro. But he would have to get by Miami, which lost both starting OLBs in Joey Porter and Jason Taylor, and Tennessee.

Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham

I was familiar with Gresham from his outstanding junior season. He finished with 10 touchdowns, and he did it as a red zone target and by running after the catch. Gresham doesn’t get enough credit for the latter. Rumor has it New England tried to trade for Denver’s Tony Scheffler, so Gresham shouldn’t be out of the question. Some say Cincinnati at 21 is interested, but the Bengals don’t throw to the tight end much and they drafted Chase Coffman last year. If Cincy passes on Gresham, then Baltimore apparently is interested because Todd Heap isn’t getting younger.

Alabama NT Terrence Cody

Head coach Bill Belichick is wearing multiple hats for the Patriots, but hopefully he would have enough sense to hire a nutritionist for Cody. As long as Cody keeps his weight under control, Cody should be an anchor for years to come. I don’t care that he will only be a two-down tackle. No one will be able to move Mount Cody on running plays.

Cincinnati WR Mardy Giliard

He’s not a big, physical specimen like the other wide outs the Pats checked out. But he has great hands, is a deep threat, is great running after the catch, returns kickoffs, and played in a spread offense. Giliard already caught his share of screen passes, and could continue to do so with the Pats. Giliard in Gillette. Sounds meant to be to me.

And there are two late round picks I strongly desire:

South Florida LB George Selvie

After leading the nation with 14.5 in 2007, Selvie’s production declined. He says he played through ankle and back problems the past two seasons, as well as fighting through double teams. Selvie’s status took another hit when he ran 4.90 and 4.99 40s at South Florida’s pro day. But looking at his highlights, Selvie doesn’t look slow. He’s projected to be a fifth round pick.

Michigan RB Brandon Minor

Minor didn’t put up big numbers for the Wolverines because he was constantly nicked up and he was part of a rotation in the backfield. But when he played, Minor looked like the best running back for the Wolverines by far. If he gets a chance at the pro level, I think Minor becomes another Ryan Grant story. Minor could go as late as the seventh round, or signs as a rookie free agent.

Click here for my mock draft.

Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com