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2015 NFL Draft: Too-Early New England Patriots 7-Round Mock

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By @Spencer_NFL

2015 NFL Draft: New England Patriots Early 7-Round Mock

Bill Belichick Tom Brady Patriots
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Although the Patriots are still in the playoffs, it's not too early to predict how the unpredictable Bill Belichick may attack the draft. With only a few players certain to even be on the roster next season, the team could go in just about any direction. Here's one of the endless ways the Patriots could approach the draft.

Round 1: Jordan Phillips (DT-Oklahoma)

Jordan Phillips Oklahoma
Getty Images

Round 1: Jordan Phillips (DT-Oklahoma)

Jordan Phillips Oklahoma
Getty Images

This pick could be as early as No. 26 or as late as No. 32 overall. New England drafted DT Dominique Easley in the first round in 2014, but Phillips would play a different role. While Easley has been used primarily as a pass-rusher, Phillips is stellar against the run. At 6-foot-6 and 334 pounds, he can throw blockers back with ease. As a redshirt sophomore he's still raw, but learning under Vince Wilfork could do wonders for his career.

Round 2: Josue Matias (G-Florida State)

Josue Matias Florida State
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2: Josue Matias (G-Florida State)

Josue Matias Florida State
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots scouts likely saw a lot of Josue Matias when they were studying his former Florida State teammate Bryan Stork. Stork was a fourth-round pick of the Patriots in the 2014 draft, and Matias is expected to be drafted much earlier. Dan Connolly is the only potential free agent on the offensive line. If he signs elsewhere, Matias would battle Marcus Cannon and Josh Kline for the starting left guard spot.

Round 3: Jay Ajayi (RB-Boise State)

Jay Ajayi Boise State
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3: Jay Ajayi (RB-Boise State)

Jay Ajayi Boise State
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The top two running backs entering 2014, Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, are free agents. LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray and Brandon Bolden have all had their moments this year, and rookies James White and Tyler Gaffney are on the roster as well. The team will likely bring in as many backs as possible to compete for roster spots. Ajayi is skilled as a rusher and receiver, so he could play a role similar to that of Kevin Faulk and Shane Vereen.

Round 4 (from Tampa Bay): Jordan Richards (SS-Stanford)

Jordan Richards Stanford
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Round 4 (from Tampa Bay): Jordan Richards (SS-Stanford)

Jordan Richards Stanford
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Despite Patrick Chung playing much better in his second stint with the club, the Patriots may be looking for a new strong safety next season. Jordan Richards is one of the hardest-hitting safeties in this draft and will add even more physicality to the secondary. He's at his best when the team needs him the most, with his two double-digit tackle games this season against USC and Oregon. Even in a down year for the program, Richards stood out.

Round 4: Tyler Kroft (TE-Rutgers)

Tyler Kroft Rutgers
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Round 4: Tyler Kroft (TE-Rutgers)

Tyler Kroft Rutgers
William Perlman-USA TODAY Sports

In 2013, Kroft was one of the best pass-catching tight ends in college. In 2014, his production was cut in half. He was barely targeted in the Scarlet Knights' new scheme and finished the year without a touchdown. With QB Gary Nova struggling and Rutgers focused on the run game, Kroft was able to show off his excellent blocking skills. The Pats need a run-blocking TE, and Belichick loves to draft players from Rutgers. It seems like a perfect fit.

Round 6 (from Tampa Bay): Hayes Pullard (ILB-USC)

Hayes Pullard USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6 (from Tampa Bay): Hayes Pullard (ILB-USC)

Hayes Pullard USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The pick is a part of the deal that also brought Jonathan Casillas to the Patriots. Pullard's instincts and field awareness have allowed him to lead USC in tackles three out of his four years with the team. Even with Jerod Mayo returning from injury, another ILB needs to be added to the roster. He's from the same town as former Celtics great Paul Pierce. If Pullard is anywhere near the success that Pierce was in New England, this will be a steal.

Round 7 (from Tennessee): Dezmin Lewis (WR-Central Arkansas)

Dezmin Lewis Central Arkansas
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Round 7 (from Tennessee): Dezmin Lewis (WR-Central Arkansas)

Dezmin Lewis Central Arkansas
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Dezmin Lewis is the best WR prospect from this year's class from outside the FBS. At 6-foot-4, Lewis has been able to dominate FCS defenders with his combination of size and speed. Even FBS teams have had trouble covering him. In three career games against FBS teams (Ole Miss, Colorado and Texas Tech), Lewis caught 22 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns. He has a chance to improve his stock in this year's Senior Bowl.

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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