Although the Patriots are still very alive in the NFL playoffs with the AFC Championship this Sunday, it's never too early to take a peek at the upcoming draft. That being said, SB Nation has released their latest 2012 NFL Mock Draft, and they have the Patriots thinking defense.

With the 27th pick, they have the Patriots taking Michael Brockers, the defensive lineman out of LSU:

After Saturday's game, I can imagine the Saints wish they still had this pick. Maybe the Patriots will swap it back to them so they can get some defensive help. If not, New England would be more than happy to have a five-technique guy like Brockers, who'll be racing up draft boards as April gets closer. Long and strong, he can stop the run and get to the passer. 4-3 teams will consider him as well based on his ability to play inside or out.

At pick 32, they have the Patriots taking Stephon Gilmore, the cornerback out of South Carolina:

The Patriots' defense is not where they would like it be, with needs in both the front and the back of the unit. The can't pass up Gilmore with this pick, which will probably be traded as well. If not, Gilmore could help a defense that allowed an average of 300 yards per game in 2011. Gilmore will be attractive here because he's a smart player who understands how the game works and his place in it.

Overall, I think this scenario would represent a solid duo of first round picks for the Patriots. Michael Brockers, at 6'6" and just over 300 pounds, fits the mold to play right defensive end for the Patriots in the 3-4 defense. He's the type of player that has some surprising quickness, but is also stout against the run and could even add a little more weight to his frame.

I'm also a fan of Stephon Gilmore. Although he's widely projected as a second round pick, this wouldn't be a huge reach here. At 6'1" and 190 lbs, Gilmore has good size. He doesn't have great speed, but is comfortable in the off-man coverage schemes that the Patriots love to run and also has a lot of experience in zone. He reminds me a bit of Leigh Bodden. With the Patriots needing to add some bodies to the secondary this offseason, Gilmore seems like a solid pick.

What are your thoughts on this scenario?

Over the past nine days, we ran a series of posts looking at the nine rookies from the Patriots 2011 NFL Draft class, and we projected what they might do in 2011 and beyond.  Lets recap:

Round 1, Pick 17: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado | Story Link

Projection: 16 GP, 5 GS

Bottom Line: Top back-up rookie season, starter by 2012 or 2013 the latest

Round 2, Pick 33: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia | Story Link

Projection:  14 GP, 2 Starts; 33 tackles, 8 PD, 2 INTs

Bottom Line: Top back-up at boundary CB in 2011, starter by 2012/13

Round 2, Pick 56: Shane Vereen, RB, California | Story Link

Projection: 16 GP, 3 GS; 82 carries, 386 yards, 1 TD; 24 receptions, 218 yards, 1 TD

Bottom Line: 3rd down and rotational back in 2011, starting candidate in 2012

Round 3, Pick 73: Stevan Ridley, RB, LSU | Story Link

Projection: 15 Games Played, 1 Start; 58 carries, 224 yards, 3 TDs; 4 receptions, 21 yards 

Bottom Line: Reserve RB and FB in 2011, possible starter on 1st/2nd down in 2012

Ryan Mallett, Marcus Cannon and the rest of the picks after the jump!

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The ninth (and final) in a series looking at the Patriots' 2011 NFL Draft picks, and the roles they might play for the Patriots next year.

Name: Malcolm Williams

School: TCU

Position: Cornerback

Drafted: 7th Round, 219th Overall

Projected Stats: 0 GP, 0 GS

Projected Role: When the Patriots selected Malcolm Williams in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft, it was with one thing and one thing only in mind: special teams.  While Williams could eventually develop into a reserve defensive back, his chance to make an impact for the Patriots will be on special teams.  He will compete with the likes of Matt Slater and Tracy White for those coveted special teams spots, but he likely will not unseat either of them for a spot.  Williams' best shot will likely be through the practice squad.  If he can develop for a year or two there, he may eventually be ready to take over for a player such as Slater.  He certainly has the athleticism to do so and potential to do so.

Bottom Line: Practice squad candidate in 2011, with special teams value in 2012/13

The eighth in a series looking at the Patriots' 2011 NFL Draft picks, and the roles they might play for the Patriots next year.

Name: Markell Carter

School: Central Arkansas

Position: Outside Linebacker

Drafted: 6th Round, 194th Overall

Projected Stats: 2 GP, 0 GS; 3 tackles, .5 sacks

Projected Role: Of all of the Patriots day three draft selections, Markell Carter might have been the most interesting.  While Carter was not on a lot of draft radars, the Central Arkansas product is a real sleeper pick for the Patriots.  He has the ideal size, strength, and speed the Patriots look for in their pass rushers, and he combines that with a quick first step.  Still, no one can really have any expectations for a sixth round pick like Carter.  If he really impresses in training camp, there is a shot that he makes the 53 man roster.  More likely, I think he will land on the practice squad and I think he could be promoted at some point in the season.  Carter is a project pick, but an intriguing one nonetheless.

Bottom Line: Project pass rusher who could pay dividends down the road.

The seventh in a series looking at the Patriots' 2011 NFL Draft picks, and the roles they might play for the Patriots next year.

Name: Lee Smith

School: Marshall

Position: Tight End

Drafted: 5th Round, 159th Overall

Projected Stats: 3 Games Played, 1 Start; 1 reception, 7 yards

Projected Role: Lee Smith is a big body who joins a crowded group at the tight end position for the New England Patriots.  Smith is an excellent blocker, arguably the best in-line blocking tight end in the 2011 NFL Draft.  However, he is not polished as a receiver and certainly will not take playing time or a roster spot away from Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez because of that.  He will get a chance to compete with Alge Crumpler for a spot, although I believe Crumpler's veteran leadership, toughness, smarts, and experience will make him a very tough cut.  Smith will have to prove he is worth keeping around as a fourth tight end, or else he will land on the practice squad.  Either way, come 2012, Smith will likely be the top in-line blocking tight end for the Patriots, if they can get him to the practice squad without him being claimed off waivers.

Bottom Line: Practice squad in 2011, top blocking tight end in 2012

The sixth in a series looking at the Patriots' 2011 NFL Draft picks, and the roles they might play for the Patriots next year.

Name: Marcus Cannon

School: TCU

Position: Offensive Guard / Tackle

Drafted: 5th round, 138th Overall

Projected Stats: 0 Games Played

Projected Role: When the Patriots selected mammoth offensive lineman Marcus Cannon of TCU in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, it was likely with the future in mind.  As you have probably heard by now, Cannon was a first or second round talent that slipped all the way to the fifth round because of health concerns; he was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.  While the condition is treatable and the chemotherapy should be finished in a couple of months, it is really hard to know if Cannon will be able to play this season.  He will most likely start the year on PUP, and I do not want to project him into any kind of a role too soon.  There is a chance that Cannon can be a starter for this team in 2011, however, playing it safe, I think it would be easier to project Cannon as a contributor in 2012.

Bottom Line: Recover and learn in 2011, starting right guard in 2012

The fifth in a series looking at the Patriots' 2011 NFL Draft picks, and the roles they might play for the Patriots next year.

Name: Ryan Mallett

School: Arkansas

Position: Quarterback

Drafted: 3rd Round, 74th Overall

Projected Stats: 2 Games Played; 11/18, 124 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Projected Role: Ryan Mallett has absolutely zero expectations heading into the season for the Patriots (expectations that will be even lower if the lockout does not end soon).  He will get the chance to play in the preseason, and possibly even compete with Brian Hoyer for the backup quarterback spot.  Most likely, however, he will have the #3 spot on the depth chart next season, and will get ready to be the top backup in 2012.  Mallett will also likely get a couple of chances to play in mop-up duty (especially at the end of the season, when playoff seeding might be locked up).  However, as we all know, Mallett's greatest value to the Patriots will come in the future (2013, 2014, or 2015) when his trade value is either at its highest, or Tom Brady is ready to hang 'em up (which I doubt).

Bottom Line: 3rd QB for 2011, 2nd QB 2012, with a chance to be traded or take over in 2014

The fourth in a series looking at the Patriots' 2011 NFL Draft picks, and the roles they might play for the Patriots next year.

Name: Stevan Ridley

School: LSU

Position: Running Back

Drafted: 3rd Round, 73rd Overall

Projected Stats: 15 Games Played, 1 Start; 58 carries, 224 yards, 3 TDs; 4 receptions, 21 yards 

Projected Role: Stevan Ridley reminds a lot of fans of current Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and rightly so.  Both played in the SEC.  Both are bigger and more powerful backs.  Both have good vision and do not hesitate.  Both can play a little fullback.  While Stevan Ridley plays a lot like Green-Ellis, he will not be taking over for him in the present.  Next year, I expect Ridley to take on a role that emulates the one that free agent running back Sammy Morris played for the Patriots last season.  Morris played some fullback, reserve tailback, and also had a crucial role on special teams.  Expect Ridley to do many of the same things, although I think he could be used a little bit more than expected in that tailback role.

Bottom Line: Reserve RB and FB in 2011, possible starter on 1st/2nd down in 2012