Each day over the next 10 days, this space will focus on one position in the NFL draft by highlighting a prospect in Rounds 2-7 who might fit for the Patriots. With so much attention placed on the first round in mock drafts, "Beyond the first round" focuses on lesser-publicized options beyond the first 32 picks. Today, it's quarterback, a position in which the Patriots have devoted significant time and resources in the pre-draft process.
Second round: Tom Savage (Pittsburgh)
Good size (6-foot-3 7/8, 228 pounds) and arm strength, he might not be available by the time the Patriots pick at No. 62. He's been our target from the get-go as the best development type for the Patriots, but it now seems as if his stock is rising to a level where he won't be available. Even at 62, that seems a bit rich for the team to consider a quarterback.
Third round: Zach Mettenberger (LSU)
The 6-foot-4 7/8, 224-pound Mettenberger combines good size and arm strength. He has a background in running a pro-style system under LSU coordinator Cam Cameron, the longtime NFL coach, and is coming off a torn ACL.
Fourth round: Stephen Morris (Miami)
The 6-foot-1 7/8, 213-pound Morris is shorter than teams would probably prefer, and could be viewed as a challenging evaluation in that he played under three coordinators over four years, thus affecting part of his development. He showed a knack for running the two-minute offense, is a two-time captain, and his hand size (10 1/4 inches) figures to appeal to the Patriots because gripping the ball in inclement weather often takes on added importance in New England.
Fifth round: David Fales (San Jose State)
The 6-foot-1 5/8, 212-pound Fales started 25 games over the past two seasons and worked mostly out of the shotgun in a spread offense with a knack for delivering the accurate pass. He was a team captain.
Sixth round: Jeff Mathews (Cornell)
Has ideal physical makeup at 6-foot-3 3/4 and 223 pounds to go along with strong football IQ and a strong arm. He is a three-year captain and four-year starter.
Seventh round: Kenny Guiton (Ohio State)
The 6-foot-3, 208-pound Guiton was a backup who performed well when called upon, putting him in a similar category as Matt Cassel in 2005. Perhaps lightning could strike twice for the Patriots.
(Round projections aided by Scouts Inc., NFL.com and independent analysis.)
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