With The First Pick
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2017 New England Patriots NFL Mock Draft

By Kyle Davis

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) tries to break a tackle by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) tries to break a tackle by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Devonte Fields (92) celebrates after a sack during the first half in the 2015 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Devonte Fields (92) celebrates after a sack during the first half in the 2015 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

#2.  Devonte Fields – OLB/DE – Louisville

With the Patriots’ 2nd pick in 2017, they elect to go to the defensive side of the ball, selecting Devonte Fields out of Louisville.  Yes, this can be directly correlated to the move they made with Jamie Collins.

Let’s take a look at this.  Jamie Collins was a pass rushing DE/OLB at Southern Miss.  Coming into the 2013 NFL Draft, he was 6’3″ 250 pounds.  He was taken in the 2nd Round by the Patriots.

Fast forward to 2016.  Devonte Fields is a pass rushing DE/OLB at Louisville.  He is currently listed at 6’4″, 245 pounds.  He may also be taken in the 2nd Round, following the path of Collins.

This pick just makes sense for the Patriots.  After trading away Jamie Collins, they could use additional help at this position.  As I said earlier, they have confidence in Roberts, but it would behoove them to draft elite talent with this pick.

Fields is extremely versatile, and lines up on both sides of the defense.  He is a great pass rusher, but has also vastly improved in defending the rush.

If the Patriots are looking to plug in someone and expect similar results to Collins, this could very well be the guy.

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