Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com calls Kent State RB Dri Archer a potential "wild card" draft pick for the Patriots in round three of the NFL draft.
"At 5-foot-7 3/4 and 173 pounds, he comes with some durability questions but after running a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash, his speed is tantalizing," notes Reiss. "The Patriots have tapped the Kent State pipeline in the past with success (e.g. WR Julian Edelman, G Josh Kline)." READ MORE>>
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Nick Underhill](http://blog.masslive.com/patriots/2014/04/masslivecom2014nflmockdraf.html) of MassLive.com projects the Patriots to select Florida DT Dominique Easley in his latest mock draft, but adds the team may look to trade down.
"Easley can probably be had during a few spots lower, and will not likely be the pick in this spot, but we aren't doing trades in this mock draft," writes Underhill. "I believe the ideal outcome on draft day would be one of the quarterbacks falling, which would allow the Patriots to trade down to draft Easley and acquire additional picks. The question here is health. Easley suffered two torn ACLs during his collegiate career, but when healthy he was one of the better defensive tackles in the nation." READ MORE>>
Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com believes that if Oklahoma State CB Justin Gilbert is available for the Patriots at pick No. 29 in the draft, he'd be a steal.
"For 2014, the Patriots are in nice shape for the most part," writes Curran. "They added Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in the off-season. Logan Ryan had a very nice first season. Alfonzo Dennard was banged-up at the end of the year but when healthy he's a very competitive No. 2 corner. Kyle Arrington is an excellent slot corner. But if the Patriots don't renegotiate Revis, they'll be right back looking for a corner next offseason. Gilbert is one of the top three corners in this draft. But if he slides into the 20s, the Patriots may look at making a move to get him." READ MORE>>
[
Aaron Wilson](https://sports.yahoo.com/news/source-clemson-wr-martavis-bryant-163052313--nfl.html) of National Football Post reports that Clemson WR Martavis Bryant worked out for the Patriots, according to a league source.
"The 6-foot-3, 218-pounder has run 4.3 hand-timed," adds Wilson. "He's regarded as a fast-rising draft prospect who's rated as a second-round draft target, and perhaps even higher." READ MORE>>
Doug Kyed of NESN.com writes that the Patriots are reportedly among the teams showing the most interest in drafting BYU LB Kyle Van Noy, according to DraftInsider.net's Tony Pauline.
"The Patriots need to draft a linebacker who can cover or rush the passer, depending on how they plan to utilize Collins this season," writes Kyed. "Collins was drafted in the second round (No. 52 overall) of the 2013 NFL draft. The Patriots have recently used high picks on linebackers Brandon Spikes (second round in 2010) and Dont'a Hightower (first round in 2012)." READ MORE>>
