NFL 7-Round Mock Draft: Patriots Pick Star Cornerback

In ESPN's latest projection, New England bolsters its strong defense by drafting Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

With 11 picks and multiple holes to fill, the New England Patriots will again have busy and important NFL Draft.

From the 14th overall pick to three fourth-round selections and another four in the sixth, Bill Belichick has the ammunition to be a mover and shaker in the draft.

In ESPN's latest seven-round draft - which doesn't project trades - the Pats start out by addressing the defense by taking Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon. New England hasn't drafted a cornerback higher than No. 27 (Devin McCourty) in 2010, but according to the mock draft Witherspoon is "too good to pass up."

Writes ESPN:

At 6 feet, 181 pounds, he plays with a consistent physical nature, and Belichick and the defensive coaches could fall in love with him. With the versatility to play inside in nickel as well as on the outside, Witherspoon has the technique to immediately fit into the complex New England defense.

The rest of New England's projected draft haul:

2nd Round (46th) - Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse. Allowed just three sacks in 11 starts last season.

3rd Round (76th) - Cedric Tillman, WR, Tennessee. Intriguing 6-foot-3 Red Zone target.

4th Round (107th) - Mike Morris, DE, Michigan. New England has taken at least Wolverine in the last four drafts.

4th Round (117th) - Sydney Brown, S, Illinois. Three-year starter on one of the best defenses in the Big Ten.

4th Round (135th) - Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon. Speed and athleticism would make him attractive for special teams as well.

6th Round (184th) - Matt Landers, WR, Arkansas. 6-foot-5 target caught eight touchdowns for the Razorbacks last season.

6th Round (187th) - Juice Scruggs, OL, Penn State. New England's offensive line needs all the depth it can get.

6th Round (192nd) - Jaren Hall, QB, BYU. Good college career, but do Pats need a third young quarterback on the roster?

6th Round (210th) - Hunter Luepke, FB/TE, North Dakota State. Blue-collar dual threat who racked up 619 rushing yards and nine touchdowns as a fullback and 196 receiving yards and four touchdowns as a tight end in 2022.

7th Round (245th) - Bryce Baringer, P, Michigan State. With Jake Bailey's departure, the punting job might be open competition in training camp.

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