For the New England Patriots, this year’s draft represented a chance to cap a fairly successful offseason by adding some difference makers. It appeared that the consensus among fans was that the primary needs were strong safety and tight end with the defensive front seven needing depth as well. Overall, while the draft did not address those primary needs for 2014, there was a clear logic behind these picks to set up the team for the long term. It is impossible to accurately forecast how these picks will pan out so these grades instead will look at how they addressed the positional needs.
Dominique Easley – 1st Round (29)
It feels like the Patriots have been down this road before, taking a supposedly talented player who is coming off a major injury. The big word with Easley is “if”, if he can stay healthy, then he will become a mainstay in the middle of the line. In 2014 he projects as a depth player filling a spot role behind Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly and potentially as the featured player in the middle of the line down the road.
Grade: B
Jimmy Garoppolo – 2nd Round (62)
Nobody will argue that Tom Brady has his best years ahead of him and this pick is covering for the inevitable point in time where he decides to call it a career. With current backup Ryan Mallett out of contract at the end of the season, Garoppolo looms as the next potential replacement for the franchise legend. Another pick with an eye on the long term future as opposed to winning in Miami on September 7, the logic was there, even if it was not a popular pick.
Grade: B
Bryan Stork – 4th Round (105)
For once, the Stork delivers a positive return. Florida State’s massive man in the middle of the line is perhaps the best pick of the weekend. With the potential to take the place of Dan Connolly or Ryan Wendell immediately, Stork is the first chance of new line coach Dave DeGuglielmo to put his stamp on the side.
Grade: A
James White – 4th Round (130)
Despite Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen having the top two spots on the depth chart occupied, there is not a lot behind them. White can come in and spell Ridley from time to time and cover when he is going through his yearly fumbling issues.
Grade: B
Cameron Fleming – 4th Round (140) and Jon Halapio – 6th Round (179)
Both of these players will provide depth along the line. The selections were based on taking the best player available at the time.
Grade: B
Zach Moore – 6th Round (198)
A selection that will hopefully end the dreadful Jake Bequette experiment as Moore has all the tools to come in and be a bit part player. Like his predecessor Michael Buchannon, look for Moore to be a special teams regular as a rookie before taking on a more in depth role down the line.
Grade: B
Jemea Thomas – 6th Round (206)
Truthfully it should not have taken so long to address the need at defensive back. Thomas has come positional flexibility and if he stays at corner it makes a bit more sense than if they are looking at moving to safety.
Grade: C
Jeremy Gallon – 7th Round (244)
Another player with an undersized build and good hands, Gallon can learn from players like Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. His best chance of contributing straight away will be as a kick and punt returner. In the seventh round, this is about as good as you can hope for.
Grade: B
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