2017 NFL Mock Draft: Clemson stars dominate
By Brad Weiss
Christian McCaffrey
RB, Stanford
The New England Patriots won another Super Bowl earlier this month, and will head into the offseason with something they did not have last year. Due to the team’s role in Deflategate, the Pats were stripped of their 2016 first round selection among other penalties. In 2017, the team will be looking to capitalize on the final pick in round one, though they could be picking higher.
If they only have one pick, look for them to grab someone with some versatility, and that player could be Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey once again was dominant in 2016, shaking off a rough patch in the middle of the season to be the most productive back in the FBS. The Pats like to use a bunch of different looks with their running backs, and McCaffrey would fit that mold very nicely.
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There have been plenty of speculation that the team is looking to trade backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who is one of the more sought-after players this offseason. In exchange, the Pats are asking for a first round draft pick, which means they could draft as early as No. 12, where the Cleveland Browns will have their second pick of the first round. Still, McCaffrey should be available this late in round one, and if he is there, the Pats would certainly be able to use a player of his caliber in their backfield next season.