Sylvester Williams in 1st round?

The NFL Draft keeps creeping closer and closer. With that, analysts everywhere are scrambling to put their two-cents in. Although the draft is still over a month away, analysts have already gone through multiple mock drafts, because fans read into them almost as if they were the real deal. Well, SI.com's Michael Conroy just released his second mock draft, and believes that the Patriots will be selecting senior DT Sylvester Williams:

If Trufant gets past Denver, the Patriots should pounce, given their continuing issues in pass coverage. Mississippi State's Johnthan Banks is another option, although his "slow" 40 time (4.61) might knock him out of the first round. If there's no cornerback the Patriots deem worthy of a first-round grade, there's a need to find help at defensive tackle, with hopefully some ability to disrupt the play and rush the passer from the interior. Williams is a better fit than the run-stopping Johnathan Hankins of Ohio State or Kawann Short of Purdue.

It is without a doubt that the Pats need to address their need for another capable DT to complement the aging, but still very capable Vince Wilfork. Giving Wilfork a break here and there as well as a young player to mentor for the future (and the present too), seems to be a priority for the team. As reported a week ago, DT Desmond Bryant, a possible free agent target for the Patriots, was arrested in Miami on Sunday. Although the Patriots deal well with troubled players and Bryant may possibly have the greatest mugshot of all time, maybe they opt for a young and fresh option in the draft. As for Sylvester Williams, here's an awesome video that highlights his strengths and weaknesses. Check it out!




For everyone else that thinks drafting a wide receiver should be the Belichick's concern, that scenario is simply not realistic. Unless one of the top-flight receivers falls into their laps at the 29th pick, it won't happen. Especially on the heels of a possible contract agreement with Welker, and additional cap space to spend on a proven veteran.

Anthony Aidonidis
@aidonidis18