The New England Patriots have some decisions to make come draft day. With the NFL Draft only two weeks away, the team is bringing in multiple players for pre-draft workouts in order to determine what position they will focus on with their first-round pick. The Patriots will make their first selection at No.29 and they have narrowed their options down to a wide receiver or a cornerback. Both Justin Hunter and Tyrann Mathieu have been brought in for a private workout.
Hunter is a former Tennessee wide receiver and could be a perfect fit into the Patriots offense. New England currently has maybe two wide receivers that could be considered No.1 guys. After losing Wes Welker to the Denver Broncos, the team signed Danny Amendola. However, in his four year career, he had never recorded more than 700 receiving yards. They signed Michael Jenkins who again, is not ready to be the main threat.
Hunter would give the Patriots a deadly deep threat receiver. Hunter was a former All-American high jumper, posting a 39.5 inch vertical jump which was the best in his position. He ran a 4.44 40-yard dash and would be excellent in the X position. In his three years at Tennessee, he recorded 1,812 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 17 yards per catch. He has experience in the slot position as well as on the outside. He could become quarterback Tom Brady's new best friend.
The Patriots have also heavily scouted Hunter's teammate Cordarrelle Patterson as another potential wide receiver for the team. Patterson was one of the surprises in the 2012 season. He exploded for 46 catches, 778 yards and five touchdowns. He ran a 4.42 40-yard dash. His speed and versatility make him a tempting draft pick. He fits the Patriots mold of tall and fast.
Tyrann Mathieu is an interesting candidate for the Patriots. The team has taken an extensive look at the defensive star. While his off-the-field issues are all anyone associates with him, his draft stock continues to rise the more he impresses people with private workouts. Mathieu went from a late-round option, to a first-round contender. There is no saying whether he will be taken early or late in the draft. If the Patriots can move past his character issues, they might just risk taking him in the first round.
The Patriots are looking for a playmaker with their first pick. They have set their sights on the two top receivers in this year's draft class, knowing that one of them is guaranteed to be around when their selection comes up. If there is going to be a team that takes a chance on grabbing Mathieu early, it will be the Patriots.
