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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after first bowl weekend

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) rushes the ball against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) rushes the ball against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

47. . RB. Stanford. Christian McCaffrey. 31. player

There’s no doubt about it, Christian McCaffrey would absolutely flourish in the New England offense as long as Tom Brady is playing at his usual MVP-type level. Sure, the offense already has guys like Dion Lewis, James White and LeGarrette Blount in the backfield, but McCaffrey could play anywhere to contribute.

You might be thinking that there really is no need for another back, but McCaffrey could play the position that Julian Edelman does right now as well or what Wes Welker did before him. Also, think could be the Patriots’ return man for the next decade.

McCaffrey has done it all at the collegiate level. Even during a season in which the Cardinal have struggled in 2016, he has rushed for 1,596 yards while catching 38 passes for 317 yards and three more scores. He has over 400 punt and kickoff return yards as well.

This kid can flat-out contribute and he might just become a favorite weapon of Brady in his first season. The Patriots don’t need much help on the defensive side of the ball, even though adding a linebacker might be wise, nor do they need it on offense.

However, adding a weapon like McCaffrey could just be a ‘best available’ pick.

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