NFL Mock Draft 2013: Pats select Xavier Rhodes

New England needs help in the secondary after having so many problems guarding teams last year.

By Matt Verderame Apr 22, 2013, 9:46am EDT

In SB Nation's latest NFL mock draft by Dan Kadar, cornerback Xavier Rhodes of the Florida State Seminoles has been chosen by the New England Patriots at No. 29 overall.

Rhodes has been mocked by many experts in the first round all offseason, most often to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the No. 13 position. However, Tampa stepped up and acquired Darrelle Revis, so the slide may be on for Rhodes and some other corners.

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New England would be thrilled to get Rhodes in this spot. Known as the largest and most physical corner in the draft at 6'2 and 210 pounds, Rhodes would provide the Patriots with a player who could start from the beginning.

With Alfonzo Dennard facing prison time for assaulting an officer, Rhodes would likely be looked upon as the No. 2 corner heading into training camp with Aqib Talib as the top dog.

Other options here could be wide receiver and safety for a team that doesn't have too many holes.