Mocking the Possibilities

The NFL Draft will start three weeks from tonight.  While I'm leaning against having my own mock draft this year, I do want to take a look at what some of the leading experts think the Patriots will do with the 29th pick in the first round.

The ten mock drafts I am going to reference are Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay of ESPN.com (Insider Account needed); Akbar Gbajabiamila, Gil Brandt, Charley Casserly, and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com; and Rob Rang, Dane Brugler, Pat Kirwan, and Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com.

In case you were wondering, here is my analysis on what I believe the Patriots' needs are and who they may target in the draft.

Mel Kiper Jr. - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Todd McShay - Justin Pugh, Guard, Syracuse
Akbar Gbajabiamila - Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
Gil Brandt - Margus Hunt, DE, Southern Methodist
Charley Casserly - Eric Reid, S, Louisiana State
Daniel Jeremiah - Margus Hunt, DE, Southern Methodist
Rob Rang - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Dane Brugler - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Pat Kirwan - Kawaan Short, DT, Purdue
Pete Prisco - Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

I did have all the possible targets except Reid mentioned in my analysis from March 18.

It's nearly impossible to accurately predict the NFL Draft and one never really knows what Bill Belichick is going to do when it's the Patriots turn to choose a player.  The Patriots do have significant needs on both sides of the line as well as at receiver and in the secondary.  With that many needs and with only three picks in the top 100 (five overall), there is a strong chance that Belichick will trade down to add additional picks.