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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Oct 17, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) pressures Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) pressures Florida Gators quarterback Treon Harris (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

#5.  Lewis Neal – DE LSU

With the 4th Round pick, the Patriots go to Lewis Neal, and bulk up their defensive line.  The Patriots spent a good portion of this season trying to get a pass rusher to compliment their defense, and wound up with Chris Long.  He has been great for the past few years, but looks to have started his decline.

It could definitely help a young player like Neal to learn from veterans Long and Sheard.   The Patriots could use some pass rushing help as well as Ninkovich continues towards older age and retirement.

The great part about Lewis Neal is that he has good size at 6’2″ 264 pounds and has the frame to add more weight.  If he can do that, while keeping his  speed, he could be a very good rotational player at both DE and DT.

That kind of versatility is something that the Patriots value highly in their players.  Neal is currently generating a lot of pressure on the QB and getting sacks.Neal could be a great late-round selection for the Patriots at this position, that is if they don’t target it earlier in the draft.

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