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New England Patriots: Early April 7-Round 2018 mock draft

By Dan Schmelzer

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch #38 of the Boise State Broncos walk onto the field through smoke as the team is introduced before playing the Oregon Ducks in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 38-28. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch #38 of the Boise State Broncos walk onto the field through smoke as the team is introduced before playing the Oregon Ducks in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 38-28. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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B.J. Hill
Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images /

Rob Gronkowski is probably still the single best tight end in the NFL. However, injuries are always a concern for Gronk and the whispers of a possible retirement seem real. Gronkowski is obvious a huge part of the Patriots offense, and when he’s gone, they always have a giant hole to fill.

With their compensatory fourth-round selection of this mock draft, the Patriots find a new weapon at the tight end position in Ian Thomas. Thomas is a quick and athletic tight end who shows exciting playmaking ability as a receiver. He can legitimately stretch the middle of the field and make plays after the run. Thomas is not much of a blocker, but he does some upside in that area.

Godwin Igwebuike is a fast and athletic safety who always seemed to be around the ball in college. He is an extremely smart player who shows impressive ability as an in-the-box safety. Igwebuike is a strong run defender who always finds himself in a position to make a play. He is also good in zone coverage and has impressive ball skills.

Igwebuike does not showcase great man-to-man coverage skills, but he has incredible short-area quickness that could easily translate to the ability to play slot corner at the next level.

I think Igwebuike has a future as a versatile defensive back who can play in-the-box safety, slot cornerback and even some nickel linebacker. He is also a fantastic special teams asset. Nobody loves versatility and special teams ability as much as Belichick, making Igwebuike an obvious target for the New England Patriots.

B.J. Hill is a strong defensive tackle prospect who shows a balanced skill set up front. Hill has some legitimate power at the point of attack and has shown the ability to handle two-gap responsibilities.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-round projection

However, he is also a relatively athletic interior defensive lineman who can make plays in the backfield as a one-gap penetrator. Hill is an interesting late-round prospect who can make an impact up front both against the run and in the pass rush. Snagging him in the seventh round would be a strong move for the New England Patriots.

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