2017 NFL Mock Draft: Week 16 Update
By Jon Dove
New England Patriots
1st Round, No. 31 overall- Derek Barnett, Edge, Tennessee
2nd Round, No. 63 overall- Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky
3rd Round, No. 65 overall (via Clev)- Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
3rd Round, No. 95 overall- Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
Some reports have surfaced today that Mason Rudolph could be returning to Oklahoma State. However, I haven’t seen anything official yet so I’m going to keep him in this version of my 2017 NFL Mock Draft. The Rudolph pick is based on the possibility the New England Patriots trade Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason.
They have a very valuable piece in Garoppolo and this offseason would represent the best opportunity to maximize that value.
Derek Barnett is a highly productive and savvy pass rusher. He’s someone that would fit New England’s system and help replace some of the pass rushers they lost over the past few years. Barnett could come off the board much earlier depending how well he performs at the combine.
Taywan Taylor is an under the radar receiver prospect who is an instant spark. He’s someone who can take the top off a defense and turn a short pass into a long gain. Taylor is someone that would work well in New England’s short passing attack.