Next Man Up: Patriots defensive play caller Youth Stephen Gostkowski Jerseys , Brian Flores Every New England Patriots fan knows our head honcho, Bill Belichick, as a defensive wizard. This can partially be credited to the 16 years he spent learning as a defensive assistant and coordinator, especially during the years under Bill Parcells. In fact, Belichick’s defensive game plan from Super Bowl 25, is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Even looking at the Patriot’s past 18 years, the offense has had two cornerstones of consistency and success with Belichick and Tom Brady, but the same cannot be said about the defense. This season marks a new wave of defensive faces and attitudes, all being led by Brian Flores. The Patriots have had defensive captains that were critical to both the on and off field success of the team. Names like Ty Law, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Vince Wilfork, and Jerod Mayo have been at the heart of the New England defense. More recently, Dont’a Hightower and Devin McCourty have been leading the charge under previous defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia. I’ll admit, though the defenses under Patricia had been frustrating at times, there were a lot of great moments we witnessed, and I will definitely miss that trademark beard and humble graphite pencil behind the ear. Patricia accepted the head coaching job of the Detroit Lions this past offseason, leaving a void in the defensive play caller position. In steps Brian Flores Stephen Gostkowski Jerseys Stitched , a native of Brooklyn, New York. Flores started his career in Massachusetts by playing linebacker at Boston College from 1999 to 2003. During his last year at Boston College, he tore his quadriceps muscle, further preventing his jump to the NFL. However, that injury might have been the best thing for Flores as he took a job as a scouting assistant with the Patriots in 2004. Since then, he has been through it all from scouting, special team assistant, defensive assistant, safeties coach, and his most recent position, linebackers coach. So, it is safe to say that Flores understands the Patriot Way — also known as the “fear based” or “no-fun” organization, right Lane Johnson? Like Belichick, Flores has paid his dues, learned from the best and has developed a tough, aggressive approach to his coaching and game planning. While it is impossible to predict what kind defensive season the Patriots will have this in 2018, I do believe we are in good hands with Flores. Take it how you may, but in the preseason this year, the Patriots have registered 14 sacks http://www.patriotslockerroom.com/authentic-jeremy-hill-jersey , 2 fumble recoveries, 3 interception, and 1 defensive touchdown. It is noticeable that our pass rush has improved, and it is great to see players like Derek Rivers, Adrian Clayborn, and Ja’Whaun Bentley making an impact early. Again, this is preseason where everything is speculation and optimism, but it is definitely an exciting time to see how Brian Flores will bring his flare to this team. Well, here it goes. A day-two mock."WhitePatriots News Opinion and Analysis Contribute! FanPostsFanShotsAbout the Site List of Patriots Twitter AccountsWrite For Pats Pulpit!New User Welcome and Commenting GuideCommunity GuidelinesMastheadTopics Patriots Off-Season CoveragePatriots Opinion/AnalysisPatriots NewsPatriots Draft CoverageSportfolio ManagementNFL DraftPatriots Opinion/AnalysisPatriots 2019 NFL Draft Coverage2019 NFL Draft: Taking a shot at mocking day twoNew,20commentsWell, here it goes. A day-two mock.EDTShareTweetShareShare2019 NFL Draft: Taking a shot at mocking day twoChristopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsWith the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft round in the books, it’s time for the “meat and potatoes” portion — day-two’s second and third rounds. Because there is a semblance of fun buried beneath the futility of the exercise, I gave the mock draft machine another shot — this time with the aim of prognosticating which of the 70 remaining collegiate athletes will become NFL players by night’s end, and where they will be headed.Without any trades, and with a +|- 98% margin of error, here’s how I see it going down.Patriots selections:56. Deionte Thompson, S - AlabamaIt feels more like a matter of when than if Bill Belichick will be taking a safety in this draft. Thompson — a guy who carried quite a bit of hype as the 2017 season rolled into 2018 — is almost a name flying under the radar in this loaded safety class. He’s got incredible range, makes plays on every inch of the field, and is as willing and productive in the box as any safety in the draft. The Saban-Belichick connection puts this eventual McCourty/Harmon replacement over the top.64. Mecole Hardman Youth Matthew Slater Jerseys , WR - GeorgiaPerhaps the “chalkiest” name left in the draft as it relates to guys who’ve been mocked to New England, the fit is just too good. Explosiveness, incredible special teams value, the UGA pipeline pattern — it’s all there for Hardman and the Patriots. To avoid the risk of him being scooped up in the third round, I can see them grabbing him at 64, or perhaps even moving up a bit after 56.Patriots selections:73. Zach Allen, EDGE - Boston CollegeThe value here is fantastic as Belichick and Caserio get their hands on this high-floored local product. A long-armed 280-pounder with a relentless motor and excellent instincts against the run, Allen — who many consider a bit of a tweener — has the quick, powerful hands required for success on the interior pass rush. He would be the perfect compliment to guys like Guy, Bennett, Wise, and Butler.97. Kaden Smith, TE - StanfordWith most of the popular names off the board, the Patriots could do a lot worse than this 6’5”, 255-pound red zone monster. He’s a versatile player who can play in line and get the job done in the ground game, and he’s got soft hands and excellent contested catch abilities.101. Connor McGovern, IOL - Penn StateThe Patriots add Joe Thuney free agency departure insurance with another very good value pick. McGovern is a strong, intelligent player with starting experience at both guard and center. A year under the watchful eye of Dante Scarnecchia could produce a long-term answer on the interior for New England.Follow Brian Phillips on Twitter — @BPhillips_SB
