NFL Mock Draft 6.0: Dueling GM mock sees Redskins land EDGE help
Rock Ya-Sin. 32. player. 47. . Cornerback. Temple
Jacob: With Noah Fant coming off the board just a pick earlier, the Patriots had a difficult decision to make. They have a massive hole at the tight end position, and they seemingly have interest in Irv Smith. However, he may be a slight reach at the end of the first round, so it may behoove them to wait until Round 2 or trade down for him.
The Patriots tend to like players that are leaders and play hard. That description fits Rock Ya-Sin to a tee. In his one year at Temple, he was a playmaker, logging 47 tackles and two picks, and he landed one of the coveted single-digit jerseys given to the players that show the most leadership. That’s an impressive achievement for a transfer student to achieve in just one year with the team.
Ya-Sin has performed well in the pre-draft process. In a weaker cornerback class, he is steadily rising up the board. It’s possible that he could come off the board in the late first round, so the Patriots will certainly have a level of interest in him.
The Patriots also could use some youth at cornerback. The team brought back Jason McCourty on a team-friendly deal after he helped win the team a Super Bowl, but he doesn’t have a lot of time left in the league. Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson can continue on as starters, but adding a third long-term option at the position would be a smart move. And Ya-Sin would give the team that.
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And for those pointing to the Patriots’ second-round pick from last year, Duke Dawson, as a potential part of the corner group, that could work out. However, he seems like more of a slot corner, so perhaps he could fight for that role and give the team a formidable and versatile secondary.