An Independent Patriots Blog
Patriots Depth Chart Reset (updated with undrafted free agents)
With some help from NEPatriotsDraft.com’s rookie free agent signings list, here’s where the Pats are currently at.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-depth-chart-reset-updated-with-undrafted/
Jeremy Gallon Michigan Highlights ᴴᴰ (by Harris Highlights)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/jeremy-gallon-michigan-highlights-%e1%b4%b4%e1%b4%b0-by-harris/
Undrafted free agents will continue to land into this week, but the most of the major components of the Patriots’ 2014 draft class are in place.
Overall, I think it was an interesting haul for the Pats. My two favorite picks are Easley and Stork. Both fit the mold of exactly what I was hoping to solidify points of weakness.
My biggest surprise/disappointment was not getting a tight end in the second round. I don’t know how much the Pats loved Garoppolo, but I think they could’ve lived with one more year of Mallett as the only backup.
But oh well, Garoppolo is an interesting and unique player and I look forward to seeing how he does in the preseason.
James White runs hard and seems reliable. He’s also dangerous in space. Jeremy Gallon was a guy I had on my Pats Big Board and he fits their slot receiver mold. White should contribute immediately, Gallon could be headed for the practice squad.
Halapio and Fleming reinforce the offensive line along with Stork. One of my biggest areas to need was along the line and they really were aggressive there.
Zach Moore was on my Big Board at one point and I axed him for some reason. Unfortunately that cost me hitting four of the nine picks. Three out of nine ain’t bad. Also had Stork and Easley in my final mock draft.
Taking a closer look at Jemea Thomas, but early reports are that he could be used as a safety. Hes a ball hawk and I’m sure they’ll figure out a way to use him.
Overall, the needs at defensive tackle, offensive line and running back were addressed. Depth was added at quarterback, defensive back, defensive end and receiver.
I’d expect the Pats to add a veteran at tight end asap though the immediately signed 3 undrafted rookie tight ends. I’ll dig deeper on those guys to see if any might stick.
Perhaps even another defensive end. Depth there is still thin even with Zach Moore added to the mix.
Easley and whether or not one of the linemen emerges into a starter will make or break this draft. They need a pass rushing force so desperately, and there’s a good chance Easley could be that by the end of this season, even if he starts out on the PUP list.
All in all, another classic Belichick draft. Some solid football players and a couple picks that leave you scratching your head.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
He’s a pretty good playmaker — he led the Yellow Jackets in tackles and pass break-ups as a senior after picking off a team-high four passes in his junior season. One of those picks came at the expense of Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin in the ACC Championship last year. He also worked on a number of occasions against Clemson’s Sammy Watkins. “That whole game in 2011 against Clemson was a good game for me against Sammy,” Thomas said.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/hes-a-pretty-good-playmaker-he-led-the-yellow/
Raw, physically gifted, Division II standout with untapped potential given his combination of size, length and movement skills. Will have defensive line coaches drooling in workouts, and has the dimensions and athleticism to warrant consideration as a draftable, developmental investment with positional versatility to play defensive end or three-technique in an even front or five-technique in an odd front. Could be tried as a linebacker.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/raw-physically-gifted-division-ii-standout-with/
A tough, downhill box safety who plays bigger than his size. Hip inflexibility could relegate him to a situational nickel-safety role initially, yet possesses the toughness, competitiveness and football temperament to earn his way onto the field.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/a-tough-downhill-box-safety-who-plays-bigger-than/
