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 offensive tackles, attempting to identify good fits for the team:
Second round: Jake Fisher (Oregon) -- The 6-foot-6 1/8, 306-pound Fisher is a borderline first-round draft pick consideration who has played left tackle in college, but could also potentially move inside to guard for a year before kicking out to tackle (e.g. Jonathan Ogden) or stay at guard long-term (e.g. Logan Mankins). Like current Patriots left tackle Nate Solder (entering last year of his contract), Fisher is a tight end turned offensive tackle, and moves well for a player his size. He was a three-year starter at Oregon, and thus knows a thing or two about fast-paced offensive play.
Middle rounds: Daryl Williams (Oklahoma) --The 6-foot-5 1/4, 327-pound Williams has NFL-type size, started the last three seasons at right tackle, and is known for playing with a physical edge. He is also considered to have good intangibles. Williams could potentially get a look at right guard, making him a similar fit on the roster to a player like 2014 fourth-round draft pick Cameron Fleming.
Middle rounds: Austin Shepherd (Alabama) -- A two-year starter at right tackle, the 6-foot-4 3/8, 315-pound Shepherd is considered a tough blocker who might be more of a guard projection in the NFL (32 7/8 arm length). Media analysts have pointed to his smarts and instincts, as he's shown a knack for adjusting on the fly, which is a characteristic that might be valued in New England more than other locales.
Middle rounds: Darrian Miller (Kentucky) -- The 6-foot-4 7/8, 309-pound Miller is viewed by media analysts as an intelligent blocker who does his best work in pass protection and in recognizing pre-snap reads. He played both tackle spots at Kentucky, generally faring well against top competition, but might be a better fit at either guard or center in the NFL. He was suspended one game in 2014 for violating team rules, but overall, is considered an overachiever.
Late rounds: Sean Hickey (Syracuse) -- A team captain in 2014, the 6-foot-5 3/8, 309-pound Hickey has a thicker medical file than desired. He has experience at both tackle spots but he might project to guard in the NFL (32 3/4 arm length). Similar to Shepherd, he lands on this list because media analysts view him as a blocker who has shown a knack for adjusting on the fly and understanding pre-snap reads.
Late rounds: Chaz Green (Florida) -- The 6-foot-4 5/8, 314-pound Green has some desirable physical traits (10 7/8 hand size) and potential position flexibility (has experience at both tackle spots). He was a team captain in 2014, earning respect for working his way back from a torn labrum that sidelined him in 2013, as well as his all-out-effort approach.
Beyond-the-first-round series
Monday: Off-the-line linebacker
Tuesday: Wide receiver
Wednesday: Cornerback
Thursday: Running back
Friday: Defensive tackle
Saturday: Tight end
Monday: Guard
Tuesday: Defensive end/outside linebacker