2011 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft - The New England Patriots Select....

For the No. 17 pick in the second-annual Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, UpStateMike selected for the New England Patriots, who have six picks available. Here is the pick...

With the No. 17 pick in the 2011 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, the Patriots select...

Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College

New England Patriots had a weakness going into 2010 that was called its offensive line. It was one of the things that gave me hope the Bengals would be victorious against them, or at least make it a good matchup in our week one meeting. However, Bill Belichick pulled out his magic bag and managed to turn his O-line around in time to be very serviceable, and they walked away from the season with a 14-2 record and a return to the playoffs.

The problems for 2011 are extensive and immediate. There are contract issues, hurt feelings and age concerns which mean they are going to rely on this draft to shore up their line. All-Pro and 3x Pro Bowler Guard Logan Mankins is most likely leaving NE via free agency (you reading this Alexander?). Tackle Matt Light is also a free agent. 12 year veteran guard Stephen Neal had to have surgery on his shoulder and might just retire instead of trying to come back for "one last season" a-la Brett Favre. When you have several SuperBowl rings, you probably are not feeling like year 13 will be that special. Their only reliable keeper is Sebastion Volmer at Right Tackle.

"Bound to the Patriots instead of becoming an unrestricted free agent under the previous terms, Mankins and the organization became embroiled in an ugly dispute that oftentimes spilled over into the media.
The issues were set aside and, after he reported to the team, Mankins said he didn't accomplish what he wanted by holding out, though he refused to speak poorly of the organization during the season.
That all ended Friday, though, when the 28-year-old guard told the Boston Herald that he thinks the door could be "totally shut" on a return." - Nick Underhill; MassLive.com

Fortunately for the Patriots, they have a sickening number of early draft picks this year which brings us to a very reasonable and logical pick to secure one of the very best tackles in the draft. I doubt they are looking to move Volmer so who is the best Left Offensive Tackle available at #17 in the draft, and one that fits into the NE Patriots mold?

Enter Anthony Castonzo. Not only did he start all 13 games for Boston College, he'd been starting for the Eagles since he was a freshman. He's got a record 54 starts for BC and a laundry list of awards to boot. He's 6'7" and weighs in at 311. I think he will need to beef up a bit to make the transition into the NFL, but this should not be an issue for him. I also like the "home town" aspect being from BC and I'll bet the Patriots have been watching this kid develop over the years and know a lot about him, and they know he'll be reliable from day one to help improve their O-line.

Anthony Costanzo Highlights:

Draft Overview: