With The 28th Pick In The 2011 Stampede Blue Community Mock Draft, The New England Patriots Select...

Muhammad Wilkerson - DE, Temple

Pick made by mgrex03:

Having already taken an OT at pick #18 (Anthony Castonzo), it's time for the Patriots to add depth to their defensive line with Temple DE Muhammad Wilkerson. He looks to be a perfect fit for the 3-4 DE spot, a position that is quite thin up in New England. They finished 29th last season in RB Success rate defense, one of the primary jobs for a 3-4 DE.

NFL Network's Mike Mayock believes that Wilkerson is a starting 5-technique in the NFL, and I'm going to defer to his expertise, since tape of Temple games is sparse. At 6'4", 315 lbs, he still ran a sub-5 second 40 yard dash at the Scouting Combine. He had 68 tackles last season, including 10 sacks. For a team that will be looking to keep leads late in the game, and one that gave up some late leads last season, Wilkerson would step in immediately and make an impact.

If Wilkerson is taken 28th overall, it'll be the first time since 2003 the Patriots have taken a DE in the first round (Ty Warren). Also, he'd be the only the third first round pick in Temple's history, joining John Rienstra (G, 1986, Steelers) and Paul Palmer (RB, 1987, Chiefs).

Muhammad Wilkerson Scouting Report from Mocking the Draft

The Bears, and Dclark#44 are on the clock...