A majority of the media coverage entering the NFL draft focuses on the first round, so the "beyond the first round" series is meant to fill out the picture for the New England Patriots, who enter the draft with nine selections, beginning with the final pick of the first round (No. 32).
The "beyond the first round" series continues with guards, attempting to identify good fits for the team:
Second round: Tre' Jackson (Florida State) -- He was considered one of the top prospects at the position in 2013, playing alongside Bryan Stork, but things didn't necessarily carry over to 2014. The 6-foot-3 3/4, 330-pound Jackson has NFL-caliber size, is considered a powerful blocker, and started 42 games over four seasons in college. He is a possible plug-and-play type of selection and was scheduled to take a pre-draft visit with the Patriots.
Middle rounds: Mitch Morse (Missouri) -- The 6-foot-5 3/8, 305-pound Morse is a tackle who might project best to guard in the NFL, in part because of his arm length (32 1/4). He's also played center, which is valuable versatility. A team captain in 2014, Morse has shown the toughness to play through injury.
Middle rounds: Ali Marpet (Hobart) -- It's rare to see a Division III player in consideration for a pick in the top 100 of the draft, but the 6-foot-3 7/8, 307-pound Marpet might be worthy as his athleticism (e.g. 7.33 time in 3-cone drill) stands out for his size. A three-year starter, he held his own at the Senior Bowl against top competition.
Middle rounds: Andrew Donnal (Iowa) -- A tackle/guard prospect, the 6-foot-5 7/8, 313-pound Donnal is described by media analysts as a technician whose strength is in pass protection, and his 32-inch vertical jump was one of the better marks among those at the position.
Late rounds: Jamil Douglas (Arizona State) -- The 6-foot-4, 304-pound Douglas caught our eye with his combination of playing experience (three-year starter), versatility (guard/tackle), and athleticism (e.g. pulling and finding his target in the run game). Media analysts have dubbed him more of a finesse blocker.
Late rounds: Jon Feliciano (Miami) -- The 6-foot-3 7/8, 323-pound Feliciano is known for playing with an attitude, and lined up at tackle and guard in college. He started all but two games over the last three seasons.
Beyond-the-first-round series
Monday: Off-the-line linebacker
Tuesday: Wide receiver
Wednesday: Cornerback
Thursday: Running back
Friday: Defensive tackle
Saturday: Tight end