Pats Picks: The 2015 NFL Draft

Next to the combine and the Super Bowl, the NFL draft is my favorite thing ever. I guess you could kind of link the combine and draft as one, but still. As Patriots fans, we've kind of gotten used to how Bill Belichick does the draft. Trade out of the first round, draft at least 3 Rutgers players, draft at least 1 dud, annnd avoid drafting the most blatant need for the upcoming season. That was a little harsh but it was pretty funny...plus you have to admit it's kind of true. But I love Coach Belichick and since he's pretty darn good at what he does, and considering he's brought us 14 consecutive winning seasons, 4 Super Bowls, and 12 division titles, I will not complain. Belichick is a genius on so many levels.

Who do I want to see the Patriots take a chance on in this years draft?

• Eddie Goldman. Defensive Tackle. Florida State. With Wilfork gone taking his talents to Houston, New England's defensive line is going to need some help. Goldman is a good, younger replacement who will likely bring the same level of production, for much cheaper. 
• Byron Jones. Cornerback. UConn. Really hoping for this one. Byron Jones is a skilled, versatile, athletic freak. Reminds me a lot of Patrick Peterson. By no means will he be a Revis or a Peterson or even a Joe Haden in his rookie season. But watching his game film...you have to believe he'll improve a much depleted Patriots' secondary. 
• Laken Tomlinson. Offensive Guard. Duke. Watch his game film and highlights...tell me he doesn't look like a Patriot-type player...he's good. While some rookies take a season to adjust to the NFL, Laken Tomlinson to me looks like he would be good and ready to tackle whatever the Patriots ask of him in his rookie season. 
• Devin Funchess. Wide Receiver. Michigan. Kind of dreaming with a broken heart on this one (cue John Mayer), but Devin Funchess has been a great addition to Michigan's offense over the past couple seasons, and he's been a thrill to watch. While not perfect or even the best WR in this draft, he's skilled and could potentially play tight end (full time) in the NFL. Imagine Funchess lining up opposite Gronk. Scarrrry duo, man. 
• Maxx Williams. Tight End. Minnesota. If we don't get Funchess, we better get Maxx Williams; if we don't get Williams, we better get Funchess. Basically what I'm saying is, I will be very disappointed if we pass on both tight ends. With similar skill sets and size, either Funchess or Williams would be a great fit into the Tom Brady-led-offense and might just be the piece we've been missing since Hernandez was cut. 

While I would love to get all 5 of these players, that's highly unlikely. And by highly unlikely I mean, we maybe get one of these; just one of my favorites in this years draft class. But all is good because I'm convinced that no matter who we do or do not get, the Patriots will be back in the playoffs again this season.

As always, go Patriots.