Official WCG Mock Draft - Pick #27: New England Patriots

Starting off the mock draft festivities today will be the Patriots with their 1st of two first round picks. And stepping up to the plate to make the selection is frenchbears113.

With the 27th pick in the WCG Mock Draft, the New England Patriots select...

Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB, Illinois

frenchbears113: The Pats need a stronger pass rush and now that Mark Anderson has gone to Buffalo, there really isn't another viable pass-rushing threat on the team. Mercilus is kind of a polarizing player. Some think he's a one-year wonder and others think he's just a late-bloomer. Either way, Belichick will be able to get the most out of him, especially since the Pats employ both a 3-4 and 4-3.

The Pros: He is a physical freak with the speed and athleticism to get to the QB.Not only that but he's strong (Did 27 reps at the Combine) developed counter moves as his junior season went one and is a high-motor guy that will not give up on plays and can drop into coverage.

The Cons: The elephant in the room is that he hadn't done a thing of note until his junior year, when he lead the nation in sacks with 16 and 9 forced fumbles. As far as technique is concerned he is still pretty raw. He has trouble fighting off blocks in the run game and even though he has great speed and athleticism, he still plays a bit too tight and doesn't seem to be able to diagnose plays at a very fast pace.

Conclusion: As a situational pass-rusher, basically Mark Anderson's role last season, I think he can excel but until he learns to shore up the many flaws in his technique, he'll only just be a situational player as opposed to an every-down one like JPP has become. But at #27 and with one more pick in the 1st, I think the Pats can afford to give Mercilus a shot.

Next on the clock for the Packers: CurtisEnisFan

Be sure to check out the WCG Mock Draft section to catch up on all the picks. And as a reminder to all our mock drafters, we'll email you when it's your pick. So if the email you have on file with SBNation isn't valid, or if you're taking too long to respond, we'll move to the back up drafter.