Year: Senior Height: 6’2 Weight: 243 40 Time: 4.59 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/6/07) – Rank: 46th Mock Median: 45.0 (3 mocks) Lo: 43 Hi: 51 Most Frequent: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/6/07)

The mocks say Harris is a mid second round player, and we know the Pats attended the Michigan pro day and later worked him out privately. I’d hope so, considering their need at that position. The profiles say Harris has the prototypical size, strength and makeup of a run-stopping inside linebacker in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. Excels at reading and reacting, gets to where he’s supposed to be, and is a solid hitter and tackler. Productive; led Michigan in tackles twice. The lack of top-end speed troubles the profilers, who think it may limit him in the pros. They say his coverage skills need work, he’s not an effective blitzer, and it doesn’t sound as though he’s a particularly rangy player. Had some knee problems early in college. To the good, he’s been healthy ever since, and he’s said to have the right work ethic and commitment to get better in coverage and improve his chances of being a three-down player. Nobody’s jumping over his upside, but it seems like Harris could at least be a solid, dependable player and a factor inside.

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Year: Junior Height: 6’1 Weight: 241 40 Time: 4.62 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 4/6/07) – Rank: 65th Mock Median: 54.5 (2 mocks) Lo: 45 Hi: 66 Most Frequent: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 4/6/07)

Rated by some as the #2 inside linebacker behind first rounder Patrick Willis, Siler sounds in a lot of respects like a blue chip prospect for the Patriots. Though a early entry as a junior, the profiles say he’s a heady, consistent performer who is known for a grasp of his assignments and everyone else’s. Strong upper-body run plugger with instinct and aggressiveness. Good speed, quickness and range, can go sideline to sideline. Can get upfield in run defense and pass rush. Might not be the most nimble, athletic, instinctive guy in pass coverage, though. Unless he can overcome that, he could be limited to being an early down run stuffer. Nothing wrong with that – it’s a need for the Pats, and his intelligence and character seem to be perfect fit for New England, perhaps as a Ted Johnson-type. Bill Belichick worked him out privately in March. According to the mocks, we can expect to see Siler come off the board in the latter half of the second round. The Pats, as it stands today, have no picks between 28 and 91; it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the sweet spot of the draft could be in that range, and unless the Pats can manufacture some picks there, they will miss out on players like Siler.

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The Patriots haven’t been connected with any of the following players, but since they always force us to hedge our bets, here’s a five-pack of second and third round defensive prospects.

Justin Durant, ILB, Hampton
Senior, 6’0, 230, 4.51
Ranked 54th overall on BSMW Mock Board (as of 4/7)

Athletic, speedy, productive 1-AA linebacker that might need to get stronger in order to be a full-time player. The profiles aren’t sure if he’s an inside or an outside player. The mocks see him coming off the board in the middle of the second round.

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Aaron Rouse, SS, Virginia Tech
Senior, 6’4, 223, 4.58, Stats
Ranked 56th overall on BSMW Mock Board (as of 4/7)

Good size, speed, competitiveness and potential, but is said to have been inconsistent mentally and physically. Hasn’t put it together consistently. The mocks see him as a second rounder but that could be too early to select a player that could be hit or miss, according to the profiles.

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Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE, Hawaii
Senior, 6’5, 280, 4.73, Stats
Ranked 72nd overall on BSMW Mock Board (as of 4/7)

Tremendous athlete with all kinds of upside, but raw, inexperienced (came to Hawaii as a basketball player) and not all that productive. The mocks see him coming off the board at the end of the second round, but mostly because of his potential.

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Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida
Senior, 6’2, 314, 4.96, Stats
Ranked 76th overall on BSMW Mock Board (as of 4/7)

Ol’ Marcus likes the sticky-icky, so much so that it got him booted off the squad in Florida. Twice. Nothing wrong with that, if he plans on sitting on his couch on Sundays. The profiles say he can be physical, dominant player in the trenches when he’s not getting baked.

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Tim Shaw, OLB, Penn State
Senior, 6’1, 236, 4.51, Stats
Ranked 80th overall on BSMW Mock Board (as of 4/7)

High intensity, high motor guy with some speed and range. He’s played out of position (defensive end) for awhile and might not have a true spot, and he isn’t seen as very physical or disciplined. Could be a special teams ace. The mocks see him as a third round player.

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By my count, the Patriots have made contact this draft season with no fewer than 13 running backs, undoubtedly with the idea that reinforcements are needed to support second year man Laurence Maroney. This would seem particularly true in light of the departure of Corey Dillon, who carried the ball 200 times in 06. The common perception is that the Patriots will wait until later in the draft to address this need, but just in case, here’s a two-pack of first-day runners.

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
Junior, 5’11, 215, 4.46, Stats
Ranked 15th overall on BSMW Mock Board (as of 3/31)

The profiles call the early entry a three-down back because of Lynch’s proficiency as a runner, receiver and blocker. He is said to have the size and explosiveness to be a home-run hitter inside and out, as a lead back and as a receiving threat. Not seen as particularly shifty or elusive, and has had some durability issues. He was the accused in a rather unsavory off-field incident last December, which may red flag him. For what it’s worth, Lynch is considered a good team player, and after Adrian Peterson, the best RB prospect in the draft. There is almost universal belief among the mocks that he will go to the Packers with the 16th pick. The Pats have not been linked to Lynch to date. New England doesn’t seem to be in the market for a feature back as much as they are for a complimentary one, so this doesn’t seem like the most natural fit for Lynch.

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Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers
Senior, 6’1, 226, 4.52, Stats
Ranked 36th overall on BSMW Mock Board (as of 3/31)

Leonard is so goddam Dirt Doggy that I fear he would be spirited away by the extreme elements of Red Sox Nation should he be drafted by the Pats. Prototypical high character, big effort guy. Seen as a hybrid type that may not be fast enough to be a halfback nor big enough to be a lead blocking fullback. Has carried the workload as a one-back, and as a senior, he moved to fullback, where he displayed determination as a blocker and good hands as a receiver. Runs hard with good balance, excellent in gaining yards after contact, and he can break one every once in awhile as both a runner and receiver. Nobody seems to know exactly where he will play, but everyone seems to agree he will play somewhere and contribute. He’s seen as a possible first-rounder by a couple of mocks, and one even earmarks him for the Pats (Draft Countdown, at #28), but largely, it’s expected he’ll come off the board somewhere in the second round. He might be an intriguing addition to the Pats backfield, particularly as a halfback, but the question is whether they can use a high pick in this draft on a guy that could end up simply as a utility player in the New England offense.

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Year: Senior Height: 5’10 Weight: 203 40 Time: 4.45 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 3/31/07) – Rank: 72nd Mock Median: 56.0 (3 mocks) Lo: 43 Hi: 95 Most Frequent: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 3/31/07)

The little coat-and-tie yearbook photo of Irons that accompanies every profile makes me think of a young Charlie Murphy, which is reason enough for the Patriots to draft the Auburn back. The profiles like Irons as a runner, citing quickness and leverage as strengths. Flies off the ball and (here it comes) runs downhill. Is said to be effective between the tackles and a breakway threat if he turns the corner. The profiles like his vision and patience as a ball carrier. One profile said he gets the most out of every run. The concern is that he is allegedly of average size for a lead back; but all this is predicated on the traditional ‘lead back’ that carries the ball 25 times a game. That model is changing, clearly. Of more concern for Pats fans are reports of average speed, or adequate-at-best blocking and receiving skills. Apparently a bit of a fumbler. Fell off in 06 after having his best season as a junior. The Pats worked out Kenny and his brother David, a defensive back, on the Auburn campus in March.

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Year: Junior Height: 5’10 Weight: 207 40 Time: 4.40 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 3/31/07) – Rank: 59th Mock Median: 50.6 (3 mocks) Lo: 43 Hi: 59 Most Frequent: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 3/31/07)

The profiles see Pittman as a north-south inside runner who hits the hole quick and hard, with good run vision, balance and cutbacks. Enough speed to break it if he hits daylight. He’s thought to be a respectable pass protector as well. The word is, though, that Pittman might be a little small to play the power game on the next level, where he may struggle on the inside against stronger pros. As usual, people would like him to get bigger without losing quickness and speed. Until he does, there will continue to be doubts as to whether he can handle a full workload in the pros. Though the profilers say he has good hands and some natural receiving talents, he has not been used that way, and can’t be considered a threat in the passing game. The profiles claim he is not flashy or exceptional in any one area, and he may have gotten beat out if he had stayed for his senior season at TOSU. The mocks place him somewhere in the 40-60 area. The Pats worked him out in Columbus in March, and though there seem to be other more attractive prospects for this role, he may be a candidate to pair with Laurence Maroney in a two-back rotation.

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Year: Senior Height: 6’1 Weight: 243 40 Time: 4.62 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 3/31/07) – Rank: 82nd Mock Median: 60.5 (2 mocks) Lo: 46 Hi: 75 Most Frequent: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 3/31/07)

A former Heisman favorite that was felled by a broken leg during the first game of his senior season, Bush was once considered a premier prospect and a legitimate first round talent. Big, powerful and fast, the profiles say he’s a patient runner with good vision and quick feet. Wildly productive prior to his injury. Considered very smooth as route runner and pass catcher, he’ll also step in and handle blitz pickup. Thought to be an unselfish, team leader type. The profiles suspect he won’t make people miss or be as much of a breakaway threat against faster pros. Though there isn’t expected to be any long-term effects from his leg injury, he nonetheless has slipped down the board to the third round area, where he may be an intriguing pick up for the Pats. They worked out Bush on the Louisville campus in March. He sounds like a player – providing he has sufficiently recovered – that could end up outperforming his draft position.

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Year: Junior Height: 6’0 Weight: 193 40 Time: 4.44 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 3/31/07) – Rank: 43rd Mock Median: 41.0 (4 mocks) Lo: 28 Hi: 53 Most Frequent: 41 (2 mocks – Minnesota)

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 3/31/07)

Pundits near and far invariably drop the name ‘Patriots’ whenever the discussion turns to Gonzalez, the junior slot man that teamed up with first round prospect Ted Ginn, Jr. at TOSU. They claim to see something Patriotic in both the style and substance; the profiles say Gonzalez is a quick, precise route runner and dependable possession receiver with strong work ethic and intelligence. Can work the sidelines or go across the middle. Has good speed and a little burst after the catch. But the profiles say he’s not a home run threat, and they wonder if he might be too slight for the more physical play of the NFL. In the end, the consensus seems to be that he may not be a star, but he’ll be a solid contributor. Albert Breer reported a week or two ago that the Patriots were displaying a keen interest in the early entry. Pro Football Weekly’s mock projects they’ll use pick 28 on Gonzalez; the others see him as a mid second rounder.

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Year: Senior Height: 6’3 Weight: 319 40 Time: 5.32 Stats: NCAA

BSMW GAME DAY BOARD (as of 3/31/07) – Rank: 48th Mock Median: 45.0 (3 mocks) Lo: 22 Hi: 54 Most Frequent: N/A

BSMW SUMMARY (as of 3/31/07)

The Patriots were spotted at Sears’s pro day last month. According to the profiles, Sears is a huge, wide-body guy with sometimes dominating power and quickness in the short area. Experienced and versatile, he started at both guard spots before settling in at left tackle to close out his career. Consistent producer and All-American in 06. The profiles say he’s just average athletically, limiting his upside as a full-time tackle, making him a better pro fit at guard. There are questions about his stamina, and his weight can be a concern. Sears was a leader at Tennessee, and the profiles laud his football intelligence. His versatility, consistency, smarts and leadership seem to be the traits that would be of most interest to the Patriots. Once considered a first round candidate (Scouts, Inc. gives him a first round grade), he seems to be slipping to the latter half of the second round, or further. At first blush, hard to see exactly where Sears fits in to the Pats draft day plans.

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Mike Reiss got me thinking this week – Ty Warren is shaping up to be the next major Patriots free agent, as his deal expires after the 2008 season. This made me see the Patriots interest in defensive ends in this draft – our rumor board links the Pats with no fewer than seven first-day DE’s – in an entirely different way. Neither of these players has been rumored to be on the Pats radar, which of course means nothing. So here’s a two-pack of Georgia defensive ends that seem sure to be chosen on day one of the draft.

Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
Junior, 6’2, 270, 4.84
Ranked 34th overall on BSMW Mock Board (as of 3/31)

Johnson comes out early after a good junior season, when he played opposite Quentin Moses on the Georgia defensive line. The profiles describe a defensive end that combines strength and quickness, offering a strong anchor in run defense and a dogged rush against the pass. Still developing his game as he enters the draft after only one season as a starter. His upper body strength is seen as an edge, but he’s kind of short and is said to lack the oft-elusive ‘explosiveness’. There was a real split on his makeup – some profiles saw him as a hard worker and overachiever; others said his effort is sometimes questionable. The lack of an extended track record of productivity is a concern – several profiles wondered how much of his production was due to being paired up with Moses. Yet there he is, higher on most boards than Moses himself, and there seems to be consensus he will deliver as a solid, if unspectacular, NFL starter. The mocks see Johnson as a late first round, early second round pick. A couple suggest he could go as high as Denver’s first round pick (#21).

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Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
Senior, 6’5, 261, 4.82
Ranked 56th overall on BSMW Mock Board (as of 3/31)

Moses apparently had a great junior season but tailed off in 06, as teams focused their attention on him. The profiles say he’s a fluid, athletic type, a pass-rushing presence on the edge with his initial burst and top-end closing speed. Can make plays in run game but is much better in space than locked in the scrum. Moses is tall and lean, and the profiles say he’ll need to add bulk to stay at end (he has the frame to do so, it’s thought). Most agree he may be a better fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and most think he has the athleticism to do it. At least one profile drew a comparison to Jason Taylor, which should catch the attention of Taylor-fatigued Patriots fans. Oddly enough, there’s been no report of contact between the Pats and Moses. The mocks see him slotted in the middle of the second round, though like his teammate, he has at least one champion pimping him for first round (coincidentally, at #24).

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