New England Patriots: 7-Round 2018 mock draft pre-Combine

I wouldn’t call center a major position of need for the Patriots. David Andrews has grown into an extremely reliable player for the Pats at the position, and we should expect him to be their starting center for the foreseeable future. That being said, the Pats could certainly use some quality depth across the interior offensive line and we know how much Belichick loves a Nick Saban prospect. In the sixth round of this mock draft, the New England Patriots select Alabama center Bradley Bozeman.

Bozeman was the starting center at Alabama the last two seasons and was a major reason for all of their offensive success. Especially when it comes to the run game.

He is a phone booth offensive lineman who loves to get opposing defenders in small spaces and beat them up. His power and overall strength is painfully obvious, especially in the run game. Bozeman is a real weapon on the inside, consistently showing the ability to move defensive tackles, no matter their size.

A big, smart and physical offensive lineman, there is a lot to line about Bozeman’s game. However, he is far from a perfect prospect. His quickness and overall athletic ability is below average and it causes him to struggle against speed in pass protection. He also does not reach the second-level well, losing to linebackers who have the space to work around him.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: One unexpected pick for each team

With Bozeman, you take the good with the bad, but there is certainly a fair amount of upside in his game and a relatively safe floor. He would be a strong backup center and right guard for the Pats who could even push Andrews for the starting job if they want to run a more power based rushing attack. Not bad for a late sixth round selection.