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2018 NFL Draft: Full Round 1 mock to celebrate New Year’s Day

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Haason Reddick of Temple reacts after being picked #13 overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: Haason Reddick of Temple reacts after being picked #13 overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is sacked by Ogbonnia Okoronkwo #31 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is sacked by Ogbonnia Okoronkwo #31 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Ohio Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

player. 47. . EDGE. Oklahoma. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. 32

The Patriots managed to figure out their early season defensive woes in the second half, but they should still spend their first pick addressing this side of the ball.

Cornerback could be a top priority, especially if Malcolm Smith leaves in free agency. But one could make the argument a true edge-bending pass-rusher is more important.

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I’ve seen some big boards listing Oklahoma EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo as a top-20 prospect, which would make this pick at No. 31 quite valuable. Indeed, Okoronkwo’s 17 sacks the last two seasons, including eight this year, would be a nice addition to a Pats team lacking a pure pass-rusher.

In turn, this would ease any pressure off New England’s secondary, allowing head coach Bill Belichick to target lesser-known corners later in the NFL Draft.

We hope you enjoyed Niner Noise’s latest NFL Draft mock. And if you’re not sure of the selection or think the draft will go differently, please chime in on the comments section.

Next: These 5 teams need a quarterback the most in 2018

Oh, and Happy New Year too!