2011 NFL Mock Draft: New England Patriots Kick off Their Draft with Pass Rusher

The Patriots Take Ryan Kerrigan


Bill Belichick won the 201 NFL Draft. Looking up and down the draft, no one got better contribution from so many rookies than the New England Patriots. It almost defies belief.


The Patriots have three needs the experts have identified for this year. One of the main areas of need is a new pass rusher.


Given the depth of talent in the pass rushing area, Belichick will address the pass rush first (assuming he does not trade down here). The Patriots could address the offensive line or the need for a deep receiving threat here, but with one more pick in the first round, they’ll go with the best pass rusher first.


MUST READ: Each Team’s Best Late-Round Pick Of All Time


Ryan Kerrigan is projected as an elite pass rusher, and Belichick will jump all over him at this pick. The Patriots need an upgrade at rush, and Kerrigan is catching a lot of people’s attention. Belichick thrives on finding those guys other teams pass on, and Kerrigan will be a great addition to the Patriots defense.


Kerrigan is a versatile player who can fill multiple roles, which is exactly the kind of player Belichick looks for.


There are plenty of good offensive lineman available at the end of the round, and the Patriots have the first pick in the second round, acquired from the Carolina Panthers. So do not be surprised to see Belichick pass on an offensive lineman here because he can fill that need with his next pick or two.















1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton
2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus
3. Buffalo Bills: Patrick Peterson
4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green
17. New England Patriots: Ryan Kerrigan
18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan
19. New York Giants: Mark Ingram
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn
5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller
6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn
7. San Francisco 49ers: J.J. Watt
8. Tennessee Titans: Blaine Gabbert
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Akeem Ayers
22. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Castonzo
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Gabe Carimi
24. New Orleans Saints: Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith
10. Washington Redskins: Julio Jones
11. Houston Texans: Da’Quan Bowers
12. Minnesota Vikings: Jake Locker
25. Seattle Seahawks: Muhammad Wilkerson
26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward
27. Atlanta Falcons: Justin Houston
28. New England Patriots: Andy Dalton
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara
14. St. Louis Rams: Corey Liuget
15. Miami Dolphins: Nate Solder
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith
29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod
30. New York Jets: Stephen Paea
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Pouncey
32. Green Bay Packers: Brooks Reed

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