The New England Patriots currently have more pressing issues on their mind than the NFL Draft -- some playoff game called the "Super Bowl" or something like that.
But the NFL Draft will ultimately come and the Patriots will approach it in hopes of upgrading their already-Super team.
In its latest 2012 NFL Mock Draft, SB Nation has New England selecting South Carolina defensive end/outside linebacker Melvin Ingram and Nebraska defensive end Jared Crick.
27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans), Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
Ingram is a fast rising talent that will get picked in the first round because he can rush the passer. Nevermind the yak yak about his size being an odd fit for a 3-4 OLB. New England thrives because they value good football players over dogma.
32. New England Patriots, Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska
The Pats' defense surprised shocked the world in their win over the Ravens. They still need to get younger and tougher on the line. Crick bolsters their defensive front, giving it some power to stop the run and occupy blockers while the pass rushers do their thing.
Ingram is rated No. 24 in the National Football Post's NFL Draft Big Board, and Crick is rated No. 38.
For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page or our blog Pats Pulpit. For more on the 2012 NFL Draft, check out the SB Nation blog Mocking The Draft.