The New England Patriots are next up in the SB Nation 2011 NFL mock draft picking 17th overall. The Patriots are among the most interesting drafting teams because they've shown they can trade up or down and make unconventional picks.
With that said, representing the Patriots, SB Nation's Pats Pulpit selects Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi. In my opinion, it's hard to complain about an offensive tackle in the first round because it's generally a safe pick and everyone can use a bolster to the offensive line.
SB Nation's Pats Pulpit explains taking Carimi over other players who could fit here like DE Aldon Smith or DE Ryan Kerrigan.
The reason I opted not to select Kerrigan or Smith is because both of these players are projections for the Patriots' system. Smith is an athletic pass rusher, but would certainly have a ways to go before being a polished 3-4 outside linebacker that has the ability to set the edge. Kerrigan has questions surrounding his fluidity and ability to make that transition to linebacker, making him a bit of a risky pick for the Patriots.
Dan from Mocking The Draft says while this is a fine pick it would be surprising if they didn't go with a pass-rusher here.
For the full explanation of the pick, check out Mocking The Draft.
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