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2014 draft

New England Patriots 2014 Draft Reaction

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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.

Patriots select DT Dominique Easley in First Round

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For perhaps the first time in the Belichick reign in New England, the Patriots’ first move in the NFL wasn’t much of a surprise. Easley was not only the number one player on my Patriots-only Top 50 draft board and also my projected first round pick in my final mock draft but he was all over many Pats pundits’ radars.

Yes, there were rumblings that the Pats loved Easley, but I was all over him from the moment I first saw him on film. I’ve been beating the interior pass rush drum for nearly the life of this blog – four-plus years. 

Simply put, the Pats just haven’t been able to generate enough pass rush up the gut since Mike Wright and Jarvis Green circa 2009.

Easley instantly makes the Pats pass rush better, not only with what he does (explosiveness), but with the attention he will draw, easing things up on Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich on the edges.

I’m not worried about Easley’s ACL tears. We might not truly see the ceiling of his explosion until his second year, but he’ll still be the Pats best interior pass rusher.

Needless to say I’m thrilled with the pick. It’s a great way to kick off the draft, and with seven more picks to go and a major need already filled, the Pats are in great position to really take their team to the next level.