New England Patriots NFL draft prospects 2011:Gabe Carimi

Profile
Name: Gabe Carimi
School: Wisconsin
Date of Birth: 13th June 1988
Height: 6'7
Weight: 315 lbs

Combine Results
40 yard dash: 5.18 seconds.
3-cone drill: 5.02 seconds.
Vertical jump: 31 1/2 inch.
Broad jump: 9 ft 1 in.
Bench Press: 29 repetitions.

* Outland Trophy (2010)
* Consensus All-American (2010)
* American Football Coaches Association All-American (2010)
* Walter Camp First Team All-American
* Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2010)
* Consensus All-Big Ten (2010)
* 2011 Senior Bowl

Why the Patriots should draft him
Matt Light's age and contract situation means that the Patriots are in need of a blindside protector for Tom Brady, or at the very least a right tackle that will allow Sebastien Vollmer to swing to the left side of the line.

Carimi is a huge body that consistently mauled his opponents at the college level. He has an intelligence that Bill Belichick will love as he recognizes and adjusts to blitzes. He moves expertly for a big man and has the potential to be outstanding in the running game and passing game.

Carimi's biggest issue is his footwork but Belichick will have no problem coaching a player with such impressive raw talent.

Strengths
Physicality: Carimi would be the Patriots' biggest offensive lineman and would give them a dominating pair at the left side of their line, should he play left tackle, alongside Logan Mankins. The run blocking element of his game would give the Patriots' running game a huge lift.

Potential: At 22 years of age Carimi could easily become a staple on the team's offensive line over the next 10-12 years. His intelligence and sheer size means that he shouldn't wear down quickly, similar to a Flozell Adams in Pittsburgh(formerly Dallas).

Pedigree: A consensus All-American, Carimi has been recognized by the media but also his accolade from the Coaches Association is telling. He has received a lot of recognition for his play in college. Deservedly so.

Final Verdict
Carimi has been a tough prediction for draft experts. Some have him as a late first round selection while others see him going in the last few picks of the top ten. The Patriots could take him with either of their first round selections should he still be on the board. It's doubtful that they would trade up to take him but could trade down from their first pick to the early 20s, if he falls that far, to select him.