NFL Mock Draft: Patriots Add Franchise Left Tackle?

Offensive tackle is arguably the biggest need for the New England Patriots heading into the NFL Draft.

The NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up last weekend with the offensive line and running backs taking the field inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. With the Combine out of the way, the draft board will soon be finalized for the New England Patriots.

In their first mock draft since the Combine, the Boston Herald has the Patriots addressing one of their pressing needs with the No. 14 overall pick, drafting Broderick Jones, the left tackle out of Georgia. Writes the Herald:

If Jones, or Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski, a projected top-10 pick, is available, the Pats should sprint to the podium. Sunday's performance at the Combine added to his resume by running the fastest 40-yard dash time of all offensive linemen with a 4.97. 

But as the Herald points out, Jones produced in his first and only season as the starting left tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs, never allowing a sack last fall. At 6-5, 311 pounds, Jones certainly brings the frame of an NFL left tackle and has some freaky athleticism, as evidenced by the Combine. 

The Patriots are then projected to stick with adding to their offense with their second and third-round pick. 

At No. 46, the Herald projects New England to select Luke Musgrave, the tight end out of Oregon State. "He’s a threat down the seam, after the catch and as a run-blocker. The Patriots could use him as their No. 2 tight end this season and No. 1 option moving forward," the Boston Herald said of Musgrave.

Then with their third-round selection, the Patriots are projected to take a wide receiver, Marvin Mims, out of Oklahoma. Who, as the Boston Herald points out, ran a 6.9 three-cone drill, making him one of the fastest players in the class. 

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