As mock drafts begin to unfold, one NFL analyst has the New England Patriots addressing their defense in the first round. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid has the Patriots picking Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. with the No. 21 overall pick.
Booth had 37 tackles for Clemson last season, along with three interceptions. His best game of the season statistically came against South Carolina on November 27 in the season finale. He had two interceptions and a pass deflection in what turned out to be a 30-0 victory.
The former Clemson star has many tools that Bill Belichick looks for in a cornerback. That is part of the reason why Reid believes Booth would be a good fit in New England.
“Booth is a ball hawk (five picks over the past two seasons) with the tools and technique to fit in Bill Belichick’s versatile scheme,” Reid wrote. “He improved as the season went along, showing off his ability to create turnovers. Booth has great instincts against the pass and run, and he has the talent to be an early starter in the NFL.”
With New England needing to upgrade their defense, Booth could be a good fit to revitalize the New England secondary. At the very least, he would give the Patriots depth beyond J. C. Jackson, as the Patriots look to tighten up their secondary.
