McShay, Kiper stick with Graham at 22
March, 10, 2010
3/10/10
3:32
PM ET
By
Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com
ESPN NFL Draft analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper have published the third version of their mock drafts today (Insider content), and both have the same selection for the Patriots at No. 22: Michigan outside linebacker Brandon Graham.
McShay explained his pick this way:
"New England re-signed OLB Tully Banta-Cain but needs to continue to address the position and bolster its pass rush. Graham has been impressive during the pre-draft process and has the burst, tenacity and consistency to make an immediate impact."
Meanwhile, Kiper believes the way Graham plays with leverage could lead the Patriots to overlook the fact he doesn't fit their prototype:
"New England needs help at OLB, and Graham could fill that hole. He has carried the momentum from a dominating season -- he led the nation in tackles for loss -- to an impressive Senior Bowl and combine. Graham is strong, uses great quickness and leverage and pursues well against the run."
McShay explained his pick this way:
"New England re-signed OLB Tully Banta-Cain but needs to continue to address the position and bolster its pass rush. Graham has been impressive during the pre-draft process and has the burst, tenacity and consistency to make an immediate impact."
Meanwhile, Kiper believes the way Graham plays with leverage could lead the Patriots to overlook the fact he doesn't fit their prototype:
"New England needs help at OLB, and Graham could fill that hole. He has carried the momentum from a dominating season -- he led the nation in tackles for loss -- to an impressive Senior Bowl and combine. Graham is strong, uses great quickness and leverage and pursues well against the run."
Mike Reiss
Patriots reporter, ESPNBoston.com- Covered Patriots since 1997
- Blogging on Pats since 2004
- Joined ESPNBoston.com in 2009
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Mike Reiss
Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter here.
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