Day one of the 2011 NFL Draft is in the books, with the New England Patriots drafting Colorado offensive lineman Nate Solder with the No. 17 overall pick. The Patriots had a second pick in the first round at No. 28 overall, but they traded the selection to the New Orleans Saints, who used it to draft Alabama running back Mark Ingram.
New England has a grand total of five draft picks in the second and third rounds on Friday night, including three picks in Round Two.
The Pats' are in possession of the first pick in the second round, No. 33 overall, and Mocking The Draft projects that New England will draft Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers with the pick.
Bowers, who surprisingly is still available, amassed 150 tackles, 20 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble in three seasons at Clemson. In 2010, Bowers had a career-high 67 tackles (41 solo) and 16 sacks for the Tigers.
With the Pats' second pick of the second round (No. 56 overall - acquired from the Saints in the deal for the No. 28 pick), Mocking The Draft has New England drafting Justin Houston, a junior linebacker from Georgia.
Houston finished his three-year career with the Bulldogs with 110 tackles, 19 sacks and one interception. This past season, Houston totaled 56 tackles (30 solo) and 10 sacks for Georgia.
The Patriots have another pick at No. 60 overall, and MTD predicts that Bill Belichick will draft North Carolina running back Johnny White. White had 720 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 130 attempts this season for UNC.
Check out Mocking The Draft's complete mock draft for the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft by clicking here.