New England Patriots Draft Rumors: Shaq Thompson, Nelson Agholor, TJ Yeldon Targets With Seattle Seahawks Interested?

Apr 30, 2015 02:34 PM EDT
Nelson Agholor #15 of the USC Trojans
Nelson Agholor #15 of the USC Trojans runs after his catch in front of Jaylon Smith #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California."

The NFL draft is days away and Shaq Thompson is starting to get some major heat heading into the event, as the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers all could be potential options for the hybrid linebacker, as he can play multiple positions and is one for the most versatile players in the draft.

Thompson played a number of positions in college at Washington and that is one reason why he is getting more attention heading into the first round. According to Pro Football Talk, Thompson has visited with the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers this offseason, while the Patriots are also reportedly interested in the linebacker.

The Patriots are also reportedly interested in Carl Davis, Ronald Darby, TJ Yeldon and Nelson Agholor, as the team could add some depth at wide receiver. Yeldon has been mentioned as a mid-round target for the Seahawks, Patriots and Dallas Cowboys and it will be interesting to see how long he lasts on draft boards. Pro Football Talk reports that at least five receivers could go in the first round and Agholor could be the fifth one.

Names like Amari Cooper, Kevin White and DeVante Parker are expected to go high, while Breshad Perriman and Jaelen Strong are also potential options. Agholor also could slip into the top 20 and Pro Football Talk reports that the Texans are interested. But if Agholor slips, watch for the Patriots at the end of the first round, as they could look at taking him at number 32. The Seahawks are likely to add a running back or wideout in the draft and both positions are deep this year.

Thompson played at running back, safety and linebacker while playing in college and that type of versatility could move him up draft boards. Most mock drafts have Thompson going in the mid to late first round, but he could move up as the Thursday start date gets closer. The Patriots have been interested in Thompson, as NESN reports that Bill Belichick loves versatile players and that he could help replace Dont'a Hightower, who suffered a shoulder injury and will be out for the start of training camp.

Agholor comes in after putting up solid numbers at USC in his three year career, with last season being his best one. Agholor had over 100 catches for 1313 yards and 12 touchdowns and his speed could get him some notice on draft night. Agholor is more than just a speed player, as he has good hands and is a strong route runner according to scouts. But Agholor also is a burner, as he put up a solid 4.42 second 40-yard dash.

Agholor is also capable of playing the slot and that will make him a target for the Patriots if he lasts to the end of the first round. The versatility of Thompson may make it tough for the Pats to pass on him if he lasts that long. The Seahawks traded their first round pick in the Jimmy Graham deal and they now may trade up to try and get into the first round again. 

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