NFL mock draft labels Aaron Donald as Patriots' 1st pick


Well, it's mock draft season everyone. That time of year where people analyze for hours on end or simply pluck the most familiar name. Regardless of how they make their predictions, most news/sports websites want to give their two cents. After scanning a decent amount of these mock drafts, the general consensus is that the Patriots will draft a tight end, specifically Texas Tech's Jace Amaro. 

NFL.com decided to take a different path, saying Pittsburgh's DT Aaron Donald will be the pick. Their reasoning? "Popular thought is a TE selection here, but when have the Pats been conventional?" Valid point, because you never real know with the Patriots. After looking into Aaron Donald a little more, I definitely could see him playing home games in Foxboro. He may be short for his position, but Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith, who coached in the Reese's Senior Bowl, said that he was thoroughly impressed with Donald's "explosiveness" in both the running and pass defense.

At the Senior Bowl, Donald was also named as the Most Outstanding Overall Player for both his play during the game but also his performance in practice all week. The Patriots think very highly of players with great work ethics and the DT's performance also was a representation of that. For those of you who didn't know, Donald also earned the following awards; Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, Nagurski Award, Outland Award, Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award.

As for his spot on the team, the defensive tackle position is currently a question mark. Captain and All-Pro Vince Wilfork's role on the team has suddenly been a hot topic; some believe that he should take a pay cut or may be a cap casualty. Wilfork and fellow veteran DT Tommy Kelly are also coming off a season ending injuries that left the Pats depleted in the middle of their defensive line. Though the Patriots' roster doesn't show any void in the defensive tackle position, there are many possible scenarios that could unfold, especially if the Patriots think highly enough of Donald to draft him.

Anthony Aidonidis
@aidondiis18

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