Missouri outside linebacker Aldon Smith is projected to go to the New England Patriots with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, according a majority of draft experts.
Smith, a 6'4", 263-pound sophomore, has 108 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble in two seasons at Missouri. In 2010, Smith had 48 tackles (34 solo), six sacks and one interception. Smith's best season came as a freshman in 2009, when he amassed 60 tackles (40 solo), 11 sacks and a forced fumble.
Rob Rang of CBS Sports is the only expert of note that Real Clear Sports listed as having Smith go to the Patriots. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicts the Patriots will draft California defensive end Cameron Jordan at No. 17 will Todd McShay projected New England to draft Wisconsin's J.J. Watt with the selection.
Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo is projected to be drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 16 overall pick, according to Real Clear Sports. However, Kiper Jr. has Castonzo going No. 22 overall to the Indianapolis Colts while McShay projects Castonzo will be drafted by the New York Giants at No. 19.
With the No. 28 overall pick, the RCS average pick for the New England Patriots is Mississippi State offensive tackle Derek Sherrod. Sherrod is a 6'6", 305-pound senior from Columbus, Mississippi. Kiper Jr. has the Patriots drafting Georgia linebacker Justin Houston and McShay has New England drafting Alabama running back Mark Ingram at No. 28 overall.