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 -- were highlighted. With those areas accounted for, and an additional link below to No. 3 quarterback options, here is one final entry on "wild cards" in the draft:
OLB/DE Shilique Calhoun (Michigan State): The 6-foot-4 3/8, 251-pound Calhoun is a high-intangibles prospect with an inspirational story that makes him easy to root for. A team captain, his physical traits and football intelligence make him an obvious fit in a New England defense that varies its fronts and has a knack for tapping the versatility of edge players like him. If he's available at No. 60/61, which is a question, he might not fill an immediate need but it might be difficult for the team to pass him up.
RB Kenneth Dixon (Louisiana Tech): If the Patriots can't land a top running back prospect like Devontae Booker, there are several other intriguing options, and the 5-foot-10 1/8, 215-pound Dixon is one of them. He's a top pass-catcher and high-intangibles prospect who falls into the early-to-middle-round range of the draft. He's the school record holder with 4,480 rushing yards and 72 rushing touchdowns.
RB Tyler Ervin (San Jose State): Undersized at 5-foot-9 7/8 and 192 pounds, he's one of the more explosive players in the draft and would also factor into the mix in the return game (five career TDs). Get him in space and he can make things happen, as he's almost like a part running back/part slot receiver, a la Dexter McCluster. He viewed as a middle-round projection.
S/LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (Eastern Illinois): The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Grugier-Hill is a late-round projection who has some similarities to 2015 undrafted free agent Brandon King, who emerged as an impact special teams player with the Patriots last year. He ran well at Northwestern's pro day (clocked by some at 4.4 in the 40) and lands here because players with his "tweener" skill set (safety/linebacker) seem to be increasing in value around the NFL.
LB Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame): He's the ultimate wild card because prior to a serious knee injury he was considered a top 10 pick. If he slips to the late second round, or even the late third round, do the Patriots take the plunge? Tom E. Curran of Comcast SportsNet nicely detailed the dynamic with Smith and the Patriots, and Peter King of TheMMQB.com passed along his "best guess" that Smith to the Patriots at No. 96 could fit. Tom Pelissero of USA Today Sports recently spent time with Smith and updated his medical status.
PREVIOUS POSTS
Part I: Running backs
Part II: Cornerbacks
Part III: Offensive tackles
Part IV: Defensive tackles
Part V: Wide receivers