With the 17th pick in the 2011 Draft, the Patriots select: Nate Solder, offensive tackle, Colorado.

To be honest, I don't like the pick. With California defensive end Cameron Jordan sitting there at No. 17, I thought Belichick would have jumped all over him.

Solder has a tremendous amount of upside, perhaps more than any offensive linemen in the draft, but he's raw and needs to add strength to be an effective run blocker.

He is more of a finessee left tackle, but does possess great size at 6'8, 319 pounds with elite athleticism (4.96 forty).

He could be a franchise blindside protector if he adds strength, but at this spot in the draft I think the Pats should have gone with Jordan or even Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo. 

Maybe Belichick will trade up from 28 to get a front-seven defender, but overall you can't fault the Pats for taking an offensive lineman with the uncertainty at the position.

First five picks went as expected with Cam Newton, Von Miller, Marcell Dareus, A.J. Green and Patrick Peterson coming off the board in that order.

However, the Falcons executed a blockbuster deal with the Browns, moving all the way from No. 27 to No. 6 to select Alabama WR Julio Jones.

The Browns made out well, gaining an extra second- and fourth-round pick in 2011 Draft and Atlanta's 2012 first- and fourth-round picks.

The 49ers went with an edge rusher in Missouri's Aldon Smith before the Titans shocked everyone by taking Jake Locker at No. 8.

Dallas seemed to work the clock for a trade, but ultimately took USC's Tyron Smith before the Jaguars traded up six spots to take Blaine Gabbert.

The Patriots are in a prime position to take a defensive front-seven player with Cameron Jordan, Robert Quinn and Ryan Kerrigan all on the board at pick No. 12.

With the draft roughly three hours away, rumors are swirling and the Patriots are right in the thick of things.

Reports have surfaced suggesting the Pats may be interested in trading up to the Cowboy’s No. 9 pick to select California defensive end Cameron Jordan.

There have also been rumors the team may be in play for Cleveland’s No. 6 overall pick.

As much as I like Jordan, if Bill Belichick trades into the top 10, I think he’d be better suited to take Robert Quinn or Aldon Smith considering the depth at the five-technique position later in the first round.

UPDATE: Latest rumors have the Patriots trading up to Washington's No. 10 pick to select Robert Quinn if he's on the board. Quinn has been the player most often linked to the Patriots as the best fit for the 3-4 OLB spot.

What are your thoughts on the Pats trading into the top 10?

Earlier this week, all four contributors to the blog posted their individual "picks" for how they see the first round of tonight's NFL draft unfolding.  Today's piece will be a little bit different in that it's the "official" mock draft of Foxboro Blog and a combined effort from the four of us.  We each took turns making picks round-robing-style and came up with the mock draft below.  Stephen's picks will be in blue, Rick's in Red, Jason's in Green, and Derek's in Orange.  It's an interesting look at how tonight's draft may play out, and, after viewing the results, I think Patriots fans could be pretty happy if that's the case. 

1. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
New regime has no ties to Jimmy Clausen, who flopped in his first year as a starter. Newton has the biggest upside of any player in the draft.

2. Denver Broncos - Marcel Dareus - DT, Alabama
Under new coach John Fox, this team has to address defense first, especially against the run. Denver was 31st against the run last season, and Dareus is a run stopper that can fit right in on the defensive line. Also, he knows how to get after the quarterback, so he can be used in versatile ways. One of the best defensive players, if not the best in this draft.

3. Buffalo Bills -- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
The Bills would probably love to shore up their run defense with this pick, but Peterson is the best player available by a wide margin. He would fill a need (Drayton Florence is a free agent), and Peterson has the raw physical tools and ball skills to someday rival the likes of Revis and Asomugha.

4. Cincinnati Bengals - Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
With Carson Palmer continuing his refusal to play another game for the Bengals, Cincinnati drafts theist NFL-ready quarterback in the draft.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
Arizona would do cartwheels if Miller is still on the board. He's an explosive, elite athlete who will step in and be a double-digit sack artist in the Cardinals' 3-4 system.

6. Cleveland Browns - A.J Green, WR, Georgia
Colt McCoy is in need of a huge vertical weapon downfield. Green makes big plays and has maybe the best hands in this draft. Plus, he can make a direct impact right away as we saw at Georgia where the team struggled on offense until his return from a suspension in the tough SEC.

7. San Francisco 49ers - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
The 49ers have a well-documented need at quarterback, but I'm not sure they're sold on anyone in this draft class except Gabbert. Quinn would give the San Fran defense an elite pass-rushing defensive end capable of taking some of the pressure off the secondary. If not for his medical concerns, he could have gone in the Top 3.

8. Tennessee Titans - Nick Fairely, DT, Auburn
With no reasonable QB available at #8, the Titans go defense. They benefit by picking up Fairely who is a steal at this spot.  Were it not for his character concerns, it's possible that he could have been the top pick.

Well, this is it. The last time we take a look at other mock drafts until the real one begins on Thursday night. With the news of Judge Nelson putting an injunction on the lockout, it makes the draft that much more exciting. In this edition, we take a look at some prospects we highlighted in earlier versions as well as giving their take and my take on the prospects.

NEPatriotsdraft.com

Pick #17: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Their Take: Amukamara can play corner and safety – and Coach Belichick has let it be known that you can’t have enough quality defensive backs. If the top defensive ends are all picked in the top half of the draft, expect Belichick to pull another shocker. That said, it would certainly be ideal if JJ Watt or Muhammad Wilkerson were to fall to this spot.

Pick #28: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Their Take: Castonzo is a strong but nimble blocker that should help solidify the Patriots offensive line, which has some holes. The former BC left tackle can play guard or tackle, and the Patriots love the versatility.

My Take: Out of the two prospects listed, I like Castonzo more because he is one of the top offensive linemen in this draft. Like the website said, he is a very versatile player and a local prospect. The Patriots’ offensive line has a ton of holes with Matt Light and Logan Mankins potentially leaving and Stephen Neal retiring. I would be thrilled to see Castonzo at 28, but I think he is going to be picked at worst in the top 15. As for Prince, I am high on this royal corner. He has dropped off of most boards in recent weeks, while Jimmy Smith is on the rise as the second best corner behind Patrick Peterson. Smith is the better man on man corner while Prince is better in zone coverage. However, as good as these prospects are, I don’t see New England taking a cornerback till late in the draft with the success of Devin McCourty in 2010 and the return of Leigh Bodden in 2011.

1. Carolina Panthers - QB Cam Newton - Auburn

2. Denver Broncos - DT Marcell Dareus - Alabama

3. Buffalo Bills - LB Von Miller - Texas A&M

4. Cincinnati Bengals - WR A.J Green - Georgia

5. Arizona Cardinals - QB Blaine Gabbert - Missouri

6. Cleveland Browns - WR Julio Jones - Alabama

7. San Francisco 49ers - CB Patrick Peterson - LSU

8. Tennessee Titans - DT Nick Fairley - Auburn

9. Dallas Cowboys - TRADE down to #13 with the Detroit Lions - CB Prince Amukamara - Nebraska

10. Washington Redskins - DE Robert Quinn - North Carolina

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Carolina rolls the dice and goes for a franchise QB with huge upside.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Denver gets to shore up its horrific defense

3. Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Grooming Ryan Fitzpatrick's replacement

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

CB isn't a big need, but Peterson is the BPA

5. Arizona Cardinals: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

The Cards can't go wrong, improving their pass rush with Miller

6. Cleveland Browns:A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

McCoy to Green could become a fixture in Cleveland

7. San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

The Niners look to improve their pass-rush with Quinn

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairely, DT, Auburn

With no reasonable QB available at #8, the Titans go defense.  I could see a trade brewing, but it's such a crap-shoot calling them.  I'll stick to making 1 point picks.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

This pick makes too much sense.  You can be guaranteed that it won't happen.

10. Washington Redskins: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Shanahan goes defense with his top pick.

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

New regime, new quarterback. Newton has the greatest upside of any QB in this draft.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Build throught the trenches. Dareus is the safest pick and brings versatility and toughness to a porous Denver defense.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

Might have struck out on Aaron Maybin in ’09, but Miller is the real deal. Best pass rusher in the draft and a perfect fit as a 3-4 OLB.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

Perhaps the top talent in the draft, Green has the size, hands and body control to be a No. 1 receiver from day one. Would round out a very nice young group of pass catchers.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Dominant cornerback with great return skills. Don’t see the Cardinals reaching for Gabbert, so Peterson is the highest guy left on the board.

6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Colt McCoy has no weapons at his disposal. Jones is a physical receiver who has shot up boards with an impressive combine performance. Would be an instant starter from day one.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

New coach Jim Harbaugh tried recruiting Gabbert while he was at Stanford. Could be a good player down the line, but has lots of questions in terms of adjusting to NFL offense.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairely, DT, Auburn

After the 2010 college season ended, there was no doubt Fairely was the most dominant player in the country outside of Newton. Character concerns have caused his stock to drop, but he’d be a nice piece on a young Titans defensive line.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Dallas has a huge need at right tackle and Smith was very good at that position in college. Has upside and athleticism to play on the left side.

10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

Quinn could have been the first pick in the draft if he played last season. He’d be a great fit opposite Brian Orakpo, solidifying the outside linebacker spots in the Redskins’ 3-4 defense. no comments

#1 Carolina Panthers – QB Blaine Gabbert

#2 Denver Broncos – CB Patrick Peterson

#3 Buffalo Bills – DT Marcell Dareus

#4 Cincinnati Bengals – QB Cam Newton

#5 Arizona Cardinals – OLB Von Miller

#6 Cleveland Browns – WR A.J. Green

#7 San Francisco 49ers – DE Robert Quinn

#8 Tennessee Titans – QB Jake Locker

#9 Dallas Cowboys – CB Prince Amukamara

#10 Washington Redskins – WR Julio Jones

#11 Houston Texans – DT Nick Fairley

Over the next couple of days, all four writers for the blog will be participating in our NFL Draft Pick'em.  The rules are simple: make a selection for each of the 32 first-round 2011 NFL draft picks.   Correct picks count as 1 point.  Correct trades count as 2 points.  The person with the most points win. 

If you'd like to play along, feel free.  Just post your picks in the comments for this article or any of the articles where our four writers will list their picks.

The winner will receive a prize to-be-determined.