2018 NFL Mock Draft: Complete first round after pro days, trades
Cornerback. Louisville. 23. 47. Pick Analysis. Jaire Alexander. player. Scouting Report
Needs: CB, QB, OT
The New England Patriots have traded Brandin Cooks to fall into this 23rd overall selection. Cooks was a one year rental that made New England’s loss of a first round pick in 2017 negligible by getting this selection from the Rams for 2018.
New England is another franchise with an aging quarterback, and holes along their offensive line that needs to be good to protect Tom Brady from injury. The Patriots also need to replace the departed cornerback Malcolm Butler who was benched for the Super Bowl.
New England will draft former Louisville Cardinals cornerback Jaire Alexander. Alexander is slight of size at 5-foot-10 and 196 pounds but has elite speed after being clock at 4.38 in the 40 yard dash. His quickness also stands out as he logged a 4.39 in the 20 shuttle making Alexander one of the quickest players in the 2018 draft class.
A 35 inch vertical jump and 127 inch broad jump detail Alexander’s explosiveness which should negate his short stature in jump ball situations. Alexander is a player that can immediately improve the Patriots’ issues at defensive back for the 2018 season.