2015 Mock Draft: New England Patriots select Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut 32nd overall

The final pick of the 2015 Big Blue View Community Mock Draft is in!

32) New England Patriots

GM - Rudy2930

Pick - Byron Jones CB, Connecticut

Explanation

The Patriots biggest perceived need might be at Cornerback where they lost starters/mercenaries Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. They do however still have Kyle Arrington, Logan Ryan, Alfonzo Dennard, Superbowl hero Malcolm Butler and newly acquired Bradley Fletcher. While none of these guys are Revis …or Browner, there are at least a couple capable starters in that group. This depth at CB, and all over their roster really, lets the Pats take a swing for the fences with this pick. Byron Jones brings unparalleled athleticism to his position and a ceiling as high as any DB in this draft. Jones athletic tools should let him stand out on special teams while honing his skill set as a reserve CB/FS early on. High character, high upside, likable, quasi-hometown kid, seems like a perfect scenario for the 32nd pick. I also considered FSU DT Eddie Goldman to fill the extra large space recently vacated by Vince Wilfork, as well as perhaps more highly regarded CBs Ron Darby and Kevin Johnson.

Raptor's View

This feels like a "Belichick" pick. Jones has been on NFL radar long before his obscene Combine workout, and presents good value here. New England lost both of their starting CB's, and Jones could probably start immediately. He also could be a guy who can transition to safety if better corners come along, and push Devin McCourty out the door in classic Patriots fashion.

The Picks So Far

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston (QB, FSU) - Full Story
2. Tennessee Titans - Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon) - Full Story
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Leonard Williams (DL, USC) - Full Story
4. Oakland Raiders - Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama) - Full Story
5. Washington Redskins - Dante Fowler Jr. (DE/OLB, Florida) - Full Story
6. New York Jets - Kevin White (WR, WVU) - Full Story
7. Chicago Bears - Vic Beasley (OLB, Clemson) - Full Story
8. Atlanta Falcons - Alvin "Bud" Dupree  (DE/OLB, Kentucky) - Full Story
9. New York Giants - DeVante Parker (WR, Louisville) - Full Story
10. St. Louis Rams - Brandon Scherff (OL, Iowa) - Full Story
11. Minnesota Vikings - Andrus Peat (OT, Stanford) - Full Story
12. Cleveland Browns - Danny Shelton (DT, Washington) - Full Story
13. New Orleans Saints - Randy Gregory (DE/OLB, Nebraska) - Full Story
14. Miami Dolphins - Trae Waynes (CB, Michigan St.) - Full Story
15. San Francisco 49ers - La'El Collins (OL, LSU) - Full Story
16. Houston Texans - Shane Ray (OLB, Missouri) - Full Story
17. San Diego Chargers - Ereck Flowers (OT, Miami) - Full Story
18. Kansas City Chiefs - Cam Erving (OL, FSU) - Full Story
19. Cleveland Browns - Marcus Peters (CB, Washington) - Full Story
20. Philadelphia Eagles - Landon Collins (S, Alabama) - Full Story
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Malcom Brown (DT, Texas) - Full Story
22. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jalen Collins (CB, LSU) - Full Story
23. Detroit Lions - Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia) - Full Story
24. Arizona Cardinals - Eli Harold (DE/OLB, Virginia) - Full Story
25. Carolina Panthers - DJ Humphries (OT, Florida) - Full Story
26. Baltimore Ravens - Jaelen Strong (WR, Arizona State) - Full Story
27. Dallas Cowboys - Melvin Gordon (RB, Wisconsin) - Full Story
28. Denver Broncos - T.J. Clemmings (OT, Pittsburgh) - Full Story
29. Indianapolis Colts - Arik Armstead (DL, Oregon) - Full Story
30. Green Bay Packers - Benardrick McKinney (ILB, Mississippi State) - Full Story
31. New Orleans Saints - Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma) - Full Story