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

For the No. 28 pick in the second-annual Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, UpStateMike selected for the New England Patriots, who have five picks, having their original three plus an extra second-round pick from the Carolina Panthers for trading Armanti Edwards and an extra third-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings for Randy Moss. Here is the pick.....

With the No. 28 pick in the 2011 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, the New England Patriots select...

Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple

While the Patriots had to address the offensive line with their No. 17 pick in order to secure a top level, ready to play Offensive Tackle, their Defensive Squad is in equal need of finding a pass rusher. While it was uncertain who would fall to New England at #28, the best available defensive playmaker was on my mind.

"Wilkerson is one of the most underrated defensive line prospects in April's draft. He's a great combination of size, athleticism and brute force. – Sportsillustrated.cnn.com"

When you couple the value with the need for New England, then it’s really hard to believe Bill Bilichick would let him slip past them and risk him not being there at No. 33. The Patriots have been giving Wilkerson a good amount of attention before the draft as well. Their Scout Frank Edgerly even paid him a visit at Temple and hey, when you have as many picks as the Pats have this year, you can afford a little reaching, but I actually believe in this case this isn’t a reach at all.

Wilkerson enters the draft having played a great junior year for the Owls. He became a solid pick with a great combine. He has the size and look of an NFL Tackle but moves like a basketball power forward with great agility. In 2010 Muhammad had 70 tackles – 13 of them for a loss, plus he racked up 9.5 sacks, 3 PBU and 2 forced fumbles which was good enough to secure a spot on the ALL-MAC First Team. Many believe he should have played his senior year at Temple to up his draft value, mostly his agent. I believe Muhammad feels ready to be a force at the next level.

I’ve seen Wilkerson taken much earlier than No. 28. There’s plenty of interest in him by many teams and being drafted as early as No. 17 (by NE!) but most analysts don’t see him falling any farther than the early second round. With Houston being snapped up right before me by Atlanta, I think this is a solid pick for New England.

Muhammad Wilkerson Highlights:

Draft Overview: