Fansided Local & NFL Sites 2014 NFL Mock Draft (Picks 1 – 29)

Dec 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Jace Amaro (22) after the Texas Tech Red Raiders defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

#29 New England Patriots Select Jace Amaro, Tight End, Texas Tech – With the offseason loss of Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker departing for Denver, and Rob Gronkowski going down to injury once again, the Patriots offense was exposed as a group that lacked the weapons needed to win when it mattered the most. With New England’s window of opportunity closing, they must rebuild an arsenal of aerial targets around Tom Brady if they hope to once again reclaim the ever-elusive Vince Lombardi trophy. Amaro can certainly outrun opposing linebackers and is much too large in stature for defensive backs to effectively guard him. He’ll develop far more quickly with Brady throwing him the football as well. Though his blocking needs work as he spent limited time in the trenches at Texas Tech because they ran the spread offense. Eric Ebron from the University of North Carolina will likely be the first tight end selected, but Amaro should be available when the Patriots are on the clock.

Selection Made By Chowder and Champions: See here their full write up on this selection.

Next on the Clock: San Francisco 49ers

The Patriots look to replace Hernandez and give themselves insurance against Gronk’s health issues. Will they spend more resources here or look to upgrade on the outside wide receiver position? Can Bellichick really ignore his defense? Tell us more in our comments section, then head over to Chowder and Champions to see the full decision making process.