2017 NFL mock draft: Who will the New England Patriots pick?

The Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots have seven picks in the NFL Draft, but their first is not until the third round, when they select No. 72 and 96 overall.

Is it true that the rich get richer? It sure seems that way with the Patriots, even though - at least for now - they will sit out the first two rounds of the draft.

The biggest off-season splash came with the signing of former Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore, but was then followed with a flurry of trades that landed wide receiver Brandin Cooks (Saints), tight end Dwayne Allen (Colts) and defensive end Kony Ealy (Panthers).

Also significant was the re-signing of linebacker Dont'a Hightower and safety Duron Harmon.

Consistency is the franchise's biggest virtue, and that will likely lead to a lot of moving around during the three days of the draft. Write down those current draft positions for the Patriots' seven selections. Chances are at least several will be traded for other picks either this year or in 2018.

Here is a look at the Patriots' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

TOP 3 NEEDS IN 2017 DRAFT

1. Defensive end: The off-season saw Jabaal Sheard (Colts) and Chris Long (Eagles) depart, while Rob Ninkovich continues to age and show a decline in production. New England could look to add another young edge playmaker with potential to pair with developing star Trey Flowers, who had a breakout second half of 2016 capped by an impressive Super Bowl. Many consider edge players one of the deepest groups in this year's draft.

2. Tackle: With left tackle Nate Solder heading into the final year of his current contract and no logical replacement on the roster, New England could seek tackle depth on draft weekend to protect itself at the position moving forward. After adding to the youth movement on the interior of the line the last few years, the Patriots may need to dig into a tackle class that's not overly impressive.

3. Tight end/running back: The top of the depth chart at tight end is stocked, but Rob Gronkowski and newcomer Dwayne Allen certainly have injury histories. Adding a developmental No. 3 tight end might be enticing. At running back, the team could very well be in line for a young, big-bodied talent to replace LeGarrette Blount in the committee backfield, joining the likes of versatile newcomer Rex Burkhead and James White/Dion Lewis.

Below is list of all seven of the Patriots picks, with players suggested by NFLDrafScout.com.

Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

PATRIOTS 2017 Draft (seven picks)

Rd./overall pick: Player selected (*indicates compensatory pick)

3/72: DE/OLB Tim Williams, Alabama (6-3, 244, 4.68)

3/96: T Julie'n Davenport, Bucknell (6-7, 318, 5.45)

4/132: RB Wayne Gallman, Clemson (6-1, 215, 4.50)

5/163: CB Shaquill Griffin, UCF (6-0, 194, 4.38)

5/*183): G/C Chase Roullier, Wyoming (6-4, 312, 5.41)

6/200: WR Rodney Adams, South Florida (6-1, 189, 4.44)

7/239: TE Billy Brown, Shepherd (6-4, 255, 4.66)

Now it's your turn. Check NFLDraftScout.com for a list of the top 1,000 prospects in this draft.

Frank Cooney and TSX NFL team insiders contributed to this analysis.