The New England Patriots may be Super Bowl champions but that doesn't mean they still can't improve.
Losing cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency hurt what was a strength of this team. Although Bill Belichick has signed Bradley Fletcher as a replacement further talent is still needed. That's where the NFL Draft comes into play. ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects the Patriots to select Washington cornerback Marcus Peters with the 32nd overall pick in his Mock Draft 4.0.
"Cornerback is the Patriots' top need after the losses of 2014 starters Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner," McShay wrote. "Based on game tape alone, Peters might have been the top cornerback prospect in this class, but his behavioral issues at UW - including his eventual dismissal from the program - have hurt his stock. He has all the tools to be a good NFL cornerback, including size, strength, athleticism and playmaking instincts. Linebacker and defensive tackle are other needs the Pats could look to address early in the 2015 draft."
The Pats are probably hoping that UCONN's Byron Jones falls to them at the end of the first-round. But Jones has been linked to both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys so it's unlikely he makes it that far. Even with Peters the Patriots may face some competition. The Green Bay Packers, who pick two spots before New England, have been mentioned to be a possible landing spot for the talented yet embattled CB.
Projecting a pick for the Pats at No. 32 may be a futile cause. Belichick is infamous for moving around the draft board so it's possible, even likely, that the Patriots don't hold on to that draft slot.
What he ultimately decides won't be known until the draft kicks off on April 30.
