32 in 32: Who Will the Patriots Draft?

The New England Patriots are one of the league’s elite teams year in and year out, and last year was no exception.  A record setting season by Tom Brady lead his team into the playoffs once again, where they were upset by the New York Jets.  The Patriots were exposed in that game, primarily being weak in rush defense, and not having a “go to” guy at wide receiver.  You know Bill Belichick CAN’T WAIT to fix those problems in the draft.

The Patriots are know for wheeling and dealing, and probably will not use both their first round selections (one will probably get traded) but here are the most likely choices for their first first-round pick (acquired via a trade with the Raiders for DE Richard Seymour).

1. Mark Ingram RB Alabama

Ever since drafting Lawrence Maroney the Patriots have been struggling to find that consistent 15-20 carry back to help them control the clock in tight games.  BenJarvis Green-Ellis has played admirably but lacks the game changing qualities that many see in Ingram.  Ingram would be a nice choice to round out the offense and compliment Green-Ellis.

2. Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue

Ryan Kerrigan just “fits” what the Patriots do so well.  He is a versatile, well coached football player who can play OLB or DE.  Most project him to be a 3-4 OLB and the Patriots could definitely use any help they can get to sure up their run defense.

3. Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin

I’m going to put Gabe Carimi down here with the idea that the Patriots project him as a guard in the pros and not a tackle.  With the contract status of Logan Mankins at a constant standstill, the Patriots could elect to trade him and draft his replacement in this upcoming draft.  As a matter of fact, most pundits believe that is exactly what will happen.  Carimi gets the nod here as he is a more polished and considerably younger player than top rated guard Danny Watkins.