Early Patriots Draft Prospects

How about this for putting yesterday's disappointing loss to the Jets in the rearview mirror? Let's look at the some potential targets for the Patriots in April's draft. The Patriots have six picks in the first three rounds, which will allow them to continue building up their base of young talent. I would think the team would look to get younger on the offensive and defensive lines, look to add a play-making receiver and running back, and add depth at linebacker and defensive back. For the purpose of this post, I will break down potential targets by round. First Round The Patriots have two picks in the first round. They are slated to pick at #17 courtesy of their 2009 trade of Richard Seymour to the Raiders and their own selection at #30. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin - The Patriots need to replenish their line after injuries forced them to play UFL'er Eric Moore significant minutes in the second half of the season. Watt would be a great fit on a line next to Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren (who missed 2010 with a hip injury). Julio Jones, WR, Alabama - The 6-5 Jones would give Tom Brady the big target on the outside that he lacked after the Randy Moss trade. Bill Belichick's relationship with Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban would allow the Pats to do their due diligence on Jones before investing a high draft pick on him. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama - Ingram, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, would be a nice addition to a backfield of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead. Ingram is a physical runner who would help the Patriots move the chains against tough defenses like the Jets and Steelers. Cameron Jordan, DE, California - Jordan had an excellent season for the Bears, recording 5.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. Jordan played one of his biggest games against the explosive Oregon Ducks. Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia - The biggest need for the Patriots defense is a consistent pass rusher and Houston recorded 11 sacks in 2010. Gabe Carimi, T/G, Wisconsin - The Badgers were one of the most physical offenses in the country in 2010 due in large part because of their powerful line which was led by Carimi. With Matt Light and Logan Mankins potentially heading into free agency, Carimi would help add talent to the line. Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State - Paea had a very underrated 2010 season playing in the shadow of the rival Oregon Ducks. Paea is big (315 pounds) which would help him fit into Belichick's 3-4 defense and can get after the passer (he had 7 sacks). Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida - Pouncey struggled in 2010 with his move to center but in 2009 he was one of the best guards in the country. Mankins potential loss - as well as the end of Stephen Neal's career on the horizon - creates a need for a big, physical guard. Second Round The Patriots own the top pick (#33) in the second round courtesy of the Panthers and their own pick at #60. Stefen Wisniewski, C/G, Penn State - Wisniewski would fit in like to Pouncey. His father was one of the toughest interior linemen of his generation and he has developed into a similar presence under the tutelage of Joe Paterno. Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh - Baldwin is a 6-5, 230-pound monster and like Julio Jones, he would give Brady a big target on the outside. Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky - The Patriots have plenty of small receivers but Wes Welker and Deion Branch are not getting any younger and a talent like Cobb could help keep Brady happy in the final years of his Hall of Fame career. Curtis Brown, CB, Texas - Belichick has invested a high pick at defensive back each of the last few years but Kyle Arrington and Darius Butler do not look like the long term answer across from Pro Bowler Devin McCourty. The 6-1 Brown runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4-seconds and after playing for four years in the pass happy Big 12 he should be ready for the NFL. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech - Williams had a great 2009 season as a redshirt freshman but his production slipped in 2010 as he struggled with a hamstring injury. He could be a steal for the Pats on the second day of the draft. Third Round Like the first two rounds, the Pats have two picks in the third round. The Randy Moss trade gives them pick #74 to go along with their own pick at #92. Jerrelle Powe, NT, Ole Miss - Powe is built in the mold of Vince Wilfork (6-2, 330) and would add needed depth and talent to the defensive line. Powe was the center of attention for opposing offensive lines but he still recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Jordan Todman, RB, UConn - Todman is a bit undersized (5-9, 195) but his physical running style helped the Huskies win the Big East title and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl. He would be a nice third option to go along with Green-Ellis and Woodhead. Quinton Carter, S, Oklahoma - Earning two trips to the Pro Bowl will not be enough to save a roster spot for the inconsistent Brandon Meriweather. Carter is a safety that can play the pass (8 career interceptions) and help in the run game (17 tackles against Texas Tech in 2010). Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia - Green-Ellis and Woodhead are fine backs but neither is a "home run" threat. Devine is a threat to score every time he touches the football and would give the team the added bonus of contributing in the return game.