TST Community Mock: Round 1, Pick 17

With the 17th Pick of the TST Community Mock Draft, the New England Patriots, represented by Abrantes, select: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Abrantes has this to say about the pick:

I've looked at enough mock drafts that this pick feels all too obvious, but there's a reason for that, and I'm not about to ignore a great fit just to be different. Even with Ty Warren set to return next season, the Patriots' front seven is in sore need of playmakers. Despite their sack total in 2010, the team's pass rush was anything but consistent, and this pick aims to stabilize the position. Watt plays nasty, with great hands, power and footwork. Uses his long frame very well, with a nice set of pass rush moves and consistently high motor. I've heard comparisons to Justin Smith, and he's a perfect fit for the Patriots, as a 3-4 DE who can slide inside when they run 4-3 packages. It's been a while since the Pats last spent a first-round pick on a DE, but it fits from a value, scheme and need standpoint...which is probably why they'll just trade down in the actual draft.

Also considered Anthony Castonzo here, but my gut feeling is that this pick won't be an offensive lineman. I'd consider Watkins, if he weren't 26 already.

J.J. Watt is a good pick here. Most mock drafts have the Patriots selecting a defensive end, and rightly so, because they need some help getting younger and getting more pash rush. This pick just signifies how deep the defensive line position is in the draft. Good pick!

Weezul12 and the San Diego Chargers are now on the clock!

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