BOSTON — The New England Patriots selected offensive lineman Marcus Cannon of TCU and tight end Lee Smith of Marshall in the fifth round of the NFL draft today.

Cannon is projected as a guard after playing tackle for an offense that set a school record with 70 touchdowns last season. New England has an opening at guard with the retirement of Stephen Neal.

The Patriots chose the 358-pound Cannon with the 10th pick of the fifth round which they obtained on Friday in a trade with Houston.

Later in the fifth round, the Pats took Smith.

The 6-foot-6, 266-pound Smith is an outstanding blocker who eventually could replace blocking tight end Alge Crumpler. Last season, Smith caught 38 passes for 358 yards and three touchdowns. He also was a long snapper at Marshall.

The Patriots have two more picks before the draft winds up today, one each in the sixth and seventh rounds.

The Patriots also have drafted offensive tackle Nate Solder in the first round, cornerback Ras-I Dowling and running back Shane Vereen in the second, and running back Stevan Ridley and quarterback Ryan Mallett the third.


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