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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 14

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) reacts during the 21-17 victory against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 8, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) reacts during the 21-17 victory against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

WR. USC. JuJu Smith-Schuster. 31. player. 47.

When you look at the receiving corps of the New England Patriots, you might see one name worth mentioning. Julian Edelman has been one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets over the past few years, along with tight end Rob Gronkowski, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another weapon to his arsenal.

The Patriots aren’t exactly lacking in any category on either side of the ball, especially with a plethora of talented running backs, so why not draft a receiver at the end of the first round if a guy like JuJu Smith-Schuster is still available?

There was a time last season when I though Smith-Schuster was the best receiver in this year’s class but there are 2-3 guys who are slightly ahead of him. For a speedy guy, though, he has good size, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 220 pounds.

Smith-Schuster has a tendency to disappear in games, but he has the talent to potentially be the most successful receiver to come out in this year’s draft class. His numbers were cut in half this season and that may have had something to do with the departure of Cody Kessler who developed a good relationship with him.

Brady would be a nice upgrade, though, and would use the young wide receiver instantly in an impressive offensive scheme.

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