The Patriots have acquired the 85th pick in the draft from the Lions, tweets Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. New England has given up the 96th and 124th picks, per Field Yates of ESPN (on Twitter), and will select Troy offensive lineman Antonio Garcia.
The 23-year-old Garcia was a stalwart at left tackle with Troy, but if he remains a bookend in the pros, he could have trouble getting on the field for the time being. The Patriots are all set at both tackle spots with Nate Solder protecting Tom Brady‘s blindside and Marcus Cannon manning the right. Solder is entering a contract year, though, so Garcia could be in position to step into the starting lineup in 2018.
Moving up for Garcia gave the Pats two of the three picks from 83 to 85. With the 83rd selection, they chose Youngstown State defensive end Derek Rivers.
Marcus Cannon sucks. He might not start if this guy is any good.
Cannon doesn’t suck but he is by no means the entrenched starter at RT. I could see Garcia give him a run for his money.
I don’t know if I like the trade down for the lions as much. I really liked Hunt or Foreman there. I can live with Golladay at 96 though. Love his size and potential but would have rather had a more established runner to go with Abdullah.