With the 31st pick in SB Nation's 2012 NFL mock draft, the New England Patriots select Connecticut DT Kendall Reyes.
2012 NFL Mock Draft: Patriots Defensive Makeover Continues With Kendall Reyes
The defensive makeover in New England continues. After picking up Whitney Mercilus with their first pick, the Patriots continue to add to the defensive line. Kendall Reyes is a future defensive end in the Patriots’ 3-4 defense. Of course, the Patriots are just as likely to trade this pick to a needy team in the second round and end up with another first-round pick next year.
SB Nation’s Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit, explains the pick:
After picking up Illinois defensive end / outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus with the 27th pick, I have the Patriots continuing to upgrade their front seven with the selection of Connecticut defensive lineman Kendall Reyes with the 31st pick. While the Patriots could very well trade out of one of their two first round spots, they have a pressing need to add talent at the 5-technique position this draft. While Brandon Deaderick, Jonathan Fanene, and Ron Brace can start as needed, none have a very high ceiling. Kendall Reyes would offer that for the Patriots. He's got good size (6'4", 299 pounds), athleticism, and work ethic. He could probably jump into the defensive line rotation as an one-gap interior rusher as a rookie, and be a starter at defensive end in the base 3-4 by year two.
For more analysis of the pick, visit Mocking The Draft. SB Nation's Giants blog, Big Blue View, is on the clock with the 32nd pick.
For more on the Patriots, visit Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston. And click here to follow along the rest of SB Nation’s NFL mock draft.
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