2011 NFL Mock Draft Splits New England Patriots No. 28 Pick Between Offensive and Defensive Lineman

The New England Patriots are always the wild card of the draft. In this, their second pick of the first round, they could do a number of things, including trade out.

Their biggest positions of need entering the draft come at defensive end, outside linebacker (pass rusher), offensive line, wide receiver and running back.

This team has shown time and time again they will do whatever they want when it comes to selecting; this year will be no different than any of the others.

Rang: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

“With two first-round picks and three picks in the top 33, don’t be surprised if the Patriots address their concerns along the offensive line sooner rather than later. Watkins erased any concerns about his ability to quickly make the adjustment from his customary left tackle position to guard with his stellar performance throughout the Senior Bowl week, and is precisely the type of blue-collar worker Bill Belichick has built his offensive line around in the past.”

Reuter: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

“Watkins could slide into the left tackle spot if Matt Light does not return, play left guard if Logan Mankins holds out again after receiving the franchise tag, or compete with Dan Connolly for the right guard spot as a rookie.”

Davis: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

“Needs to get stronger, but his athleticism is not questioned. Could work and develop into Tom Brady’s latest blind-side protector.”

Kirwan: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple

“Wilkerson has the traits coach Bill Belichick looks for in his five-technique defensive ends: Height, bulk, long arms and a sub-5.0 time in the 40-yard dash at 315 pounds. I expect this pick to be traded to a team looking for a quarterback before the first round comes to an end and teams go home for the night to regroup.”

Wright: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple

“New England will most likely bring in a top young end with one of their early round picks and it could happen in round one. Temple’s Muhammad Wilkerson has flown under the radar after spending his entire college career playing for a downtrodden program in the MAC, but the more scouts watch the film the more they like the Owls star. The 6-4, 315 pound Wilkerson could fit as either a three-technique in a 4-3 scheme or a five technique in a 3-4 and he’s exactly the type of big-bodied defensive end that the Patriots love.”

Me: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

I like all the aforementioned selections but have gone in another direction for various reasons.

One, Muhammad Wilkerson would be a great fit, but I already have the Patriots taking J.J. Watt at No. 17.

Two, Danny Watkins would be a perfect fit, but the Patriots have a ton of picks and could find another guard later on and get a premier player now.

Three, Mark Ingram has fallen down the board and the Patriots have been rumored to be interested in him for some time now.

“The Law Firm”, BenJarvis Green-Ellis, is a restricted free agent and although the Pats missed on their last attempt at a first round running back (Laurence Maroney), Mark Ingram is an entirely different player.

He can do everything necessary and would be an ideal fit as the main running back in the offense with Danny Woodhead as his smaller compliment.

The value of running backs has steadily declined and teams are more cautious than ever of investing in one. Ingram is truly a first round talent (although rumors surfaced that there are some concerns about his knee) but he could slide out of the first round just because he plays a position of little value this high.

As always, be sure to bookmark our 2011 NFL Draft hub for all your draft needs.