2011 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft - Round 2 - The New England Patriots Select...

For the thirty-third pick in the second-annual Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, UpStateMike selected is for the New England Patriots, who have six picks available, this one through a "future draft pick" trade during last year's draft that became Armanti Edwards. Here is the pick...

With the thirty-third pick in the 2011 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, the New England Patriots select...

Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona

New England thus far snagged a couple of much needed players in the first round, with Constanzo and Wilkerson, but many fans have voiced their concerns about the Defense needing a whole lot of help; Pats Fans begin to screech and hiss whenever you mention the New York Jets. They feel the defense (rightly so) cost them the critical games at the end of the year and want to see a big improvement this year. After all 14-2, is actually embarrassing to a Pats Fan.

Pick #33 of the draft (thanks Carolina) gives a nice advantage to the Patriots, and looking for another quality pass rusher led me right to Brooks Reed, outside linebacker for Arizona. Of the 22 prospects showing off for those in the audience on Arizona’s Pro Day, one stood out amongst them all: Brooks Reed.

The Patriots had a couple of bright spots with rookie Cunningham, but he only recorded one sack. Ninkovich also worked out well last season, with 62 tackles, 4 sacks and a couple of interceptions. But they need to generate constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks to make an impact.

"Over the last couple of seasons, the Patriots have seeked [sic] a consistent pass rush, so being able to rotate players and keep everyone fresh will prove to be beneficial for New England. Reed seems to fit what Bill Belichick and staff looks for in a college prospect." – SportsofBoston.com

Although he started for three years as a Defensive End, Brooks is readily adaptable as a 3-4 OLB. He might even excel there because he has excellent vision and pursuit. If he makes the move to OLB he doesn’t have to always fend off huge tackles and he gets to move around a little to find a seam. Take this combine stat: His 10 yard split time was 1.54 seconds. Clay Matthew’s time was 1.49 second as a comparison. If he gets in the right situation Reed is going to be immediately in the QB’s face.

Brooks Reed stays low and moves to the ball well. Reed put up consistent numbers with 47 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2010. He pursues relentlessly and tackles extremely well. He’s going to have to work on his pass coverage and not just rely on his bull-rush to always get to the QB, but Brooks is a fast learner and smart enough to fit well into the Patriots Defense.

Brooks Reed Highlights:

Draft Overview: