Leading into the NFL draft, my "favorite five" prospects for the New England Patriots at their five primary positions of need -- running back, cornerback, offensive tackle, defensive tackle and wide receiver -- will be highlighted. Part V is on wide receivers:
Daniel Braverman (Western Michigan) -- His 109 receptions last season were second behind only UMass' Tajae Sharpe, as his assets are short-area quickness, the ability to get in and out of breaks with ease, and the ability to catch the football in traffic. At 5-foot-10 and 177 pounds, he is undersized and would project to a slot receiver role in New England, where his fiery competitive streak would fit in nicely in a hard-driving program. He's a mid-round projection.
Leonte Carroo (Rutgers) -- A team captain who set the Rutgers record for career receiving touchdowns (29), the 5-foot-11 7/8, 211-pound Carroo played for four offensive coordinators in four years at Rutgers and his ability to play multiple spots and pick up different schemes fits the Patriots' profile. He's a solid route-runner and showed up on special teams with blocked punts. Put that together with his alma mater (five Patriots players from Rutgers on the current roster), and it looks like a fit in the early to middle rounds.
Keyarris Garrett (Tulsa) -- The long-striding 6-foot-3 3/8, 220-pound Garrett projects as an outside receiver as his length and ability to track the ball in the air ability shows up on tape. He's a middle-to-later round consideration and fits a different profile from many of the receivers the Patriots tend to lean towards. His production, however, is hard to miss as he led the nation with 1,588 yards. He's a mid-to-late round projection.
Malcolm Mitchell (Georgia) -- Projected as a mid-round pick, the 5-foot-11 5/8, 198-pound Mitchell stands out with his short-area quickness (1.51 10-yard split) and high-end intangibles. He's one of my favorite players in the draft, having begun his college career as a cornerback before switching to the offensive side and playing with a toughness and edge that would fit well in New England.
Keenan Reynolds (Navy) -- It will be more of a surprise if the Patriots don't select Reynolds based on the time investment they've made in scouting him, and Bill Belichick's affinity for talented, high-intangibles players from Navy. Reynolds played quarterback at Navy, but like Julian Edelman in 2009, he'll be making a position switch in the NFL and would likely fit best at receiver.
PREVIOUS POSTS
Part I: Running backs
Part II: Cornerbacks
Part III: Offensive tackles
Part IV: Defensive tackles