The New England Patriots hold the No. 32 pick in the NFL Draft after winning the Super Bowl for the second time in three years, and this team is looking to add an impact player to help them repeat next season. However, drafting the wrong player could send them in the opposite direction. Here are three players the Patriots would be smart to avoid in the first round of the draft:
1) O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
Rob Gronkowski has injury concerns and Martellus Bennett will be a free agent this offseason, meaning the Patriots have a need at the tight end position. Howard has risen to be the top tight end prospect in this class because of his immense physical tools, but never turned those tools into production while at Alabama. Drafting an overhyped player who fades away in games is not the Patriot Way.
2) Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
McMillan is projected to be more of a second-round prospect, but with a need at the position after trading Jamie Collins, he could come into play for New England. However, he struggles in coverage and may only be a two-down linebacker, lessening his value - meaning he's definitely not worth a first-round pick.
3) Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
The Patriots could use tackle help and Bolles has potential. A highly touted JUCO recruit, Bolles has upside, but he'll turn 25 and had serious off-the-field issues before getting his act together in college. New England needs someone who can contribute right away, and Bolles doesn't appear to be that guy.
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