1st round (21st overall) – Chandler Jones (DE), Syracuse2nd round (25th overall) – Dont'a Hightower (ILB), Alabama
3rd round (48th overall) – Tavon Wilson (FS), Illinois
3rd round (90th overall) – Jake Bequette (DE), Arkansas
6th round (197th overall) – Nate Ebner (DB), Ohio State
7th round (224th overall) – Alfonzo Dennard (CB), Nebraska
7th round (235th overall) – Jeremy Ebert (WR), Northwestern Univ.
Nick's grade: B
The Patriots put their early-offseason focus on solidifying the offense during free agency, as that is New England's bread and butter. Once the draft hit, however, it was all about the defense. New England didn't draft an offensive player until its very last pick in the seventh round, as it built more than half a D before that. Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower and Jake Bequette are versatile defenders who could find roles in the Patriots' multiple scheme as soon as this coming season.
Nate Ebner is a prototypical Patriot special-teamer who could make an instant impact, though safety Tavon Wilson and defensive back Alfonzo Dennard are certainly wait-and-see (and maybe hold-your-breath) players.
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Dan's grade: B-
Though the Patriots went into this draft with fewer picks than in years past, they made the most what they had, trading up twice in the first round. Chandler Jones, who has been compared to the Giants' Osi Umenyiora, should be an instant improvement on the defensive line, as is the case with linebacker Dont'a Hightower, touted as a jack-of-all-trades at the position.
Their third addition to their front seven, Jake Bequette, should also be asset, as the Pats are always looking for guys who are committed to getting better and have a never-ending motor. The same can be said for defensive back Nate Ebner. The pick of safety Tavon Wilson is obviously the one fans are questioning, given the fact he was absent from many top 100, even top 200, prospect lists.
New England was aggressive early on and made some interesting picks as the draft progressed. Seven of its eight draft picks were used on defense in an effort to improve the second-worst unit in the NFL in terms of yardage allowed. The Patriots moved up twice in the first round to take defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower, two top-tier prospects who should have an immediate impact for Bill Belichick's squad.
Many think they reached when they took Illinois safety Tavon Wilson, as he was not on the radar of many draft experts and was not a combine invitee. The Patriots also took fliers on former rugby player defensive back Nate Ebner and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, who fell in the draft due major character concerns.
Though the Patriots went into this draft with fewer picks than in years past, they made the most what they had, trading up twice in the first round. Chandler Jones, who has been compared to the Giants' Osi Umenyiora, should be an instant improvement on the defensive line, as is the case with linebacker Dont'a Hightower, touted as a jack-of-all-trades at the position.
Their third addition to their front seven, Jake Bequette, should also be asset, as the Pats are always looking for guys who are committed to getting better and have a never-ending motor. The same can be said for defensive back Nate Ebner. The pick of safety Tavon Wilson is obviously the one fans are questioning, given the fact he was absent from many top 100, even top 200, prospect lists.
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Sean's grade: BNew England was aggressive early on and made some interesting picks as the draft progressed. Seven of its eight draft picks were used on defense in an effort to improve the second-worst unit in the NFL in terms of yardage allowed. The Patriots moved up twice in the first round to take defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower, two top-tier prospects who should have an immediate impact for Bill Belichick's squad.
Many think they reached when they took Illinois safety Tavon Wilson, as he was not on the radar of many draft experts and was not a combine invitee. The Patriots also took fliers on former rugby player defensive back Nate Ebner and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, who fell in the draft due major character concerns.
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Sam's grade: B+The Pats needed defense, and defense they got. Lots of it. Using their two first-rounders on Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower were major positives. Picking up a few extra picks and late-rounder Alfonzo Dennard also highlighted their draft, though they hope not for the wrong reasons.
