Asked the defining characteristic of the overall draft, Caserio cited the record number of underclassmen (nearly 100) and pinpointed receiver, running back and defensive line as spots with good depth. The inclusion of defensive line was a bit of an outlier compared to what we’ve heard from most media analysts. Defensive end, in particular, has been cited by many as one of the lighter positions in the draft, but Caserio and the Patriots might see it differently. “I’d say there’s a deep group of defensive linemen that are different types of players,” he said.
Top takeaways from director of Patriots player personnel Nick Caserio – ESPN Boston
I don’t hate the depth at defensive line, there’s just some uncertainty about Wilfork and Kelly, but if they’re good to go I’d roll into the season with this group no problem. The problem is at defensive end. And while the depth at running back is okay, they still need another rotational guy, especially with Ridley and Vereen in the last years of their contracts.