New England Patriots 2014 NFL Draft Wrap-up

Aug 31, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) tackles Toledo Rockets running back David Fluellen (22)during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Additions

DT Dominique Easley, University of Florida
As the number one overall selection by the Patriots, much expectations have been placed upon the head of Easley. According to NFL.com, Easley was “highly recruited out of New York. Enrolled at Florida in 2010 and played in five games as a true freshman, recording four tackles, zero for loss and zero sacks. Was limited all year by an ankle injury. Earned a starting defensive tackle spot in ’11 and played in 12 games, recording 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. In October, he was allegedly involved in an altercation with former Alabama football player Reggie Myles. After an investigation, the University of Florida Police Department recommended he be charged with misdemeanor battery, but the State Attorney’s Office declined to press charges. In the regular-season finale against Florida State, he tore the ACL in his left knee and missed playing in the Gator Bowl. Returned to the field in ’12 and started 11 games at defensive end, recording 26 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks with one pass batted. Missed two games with a sprained meniscus. Started the first three games of ’13 at defensive tackle and had 5 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. His season was cut short when he ruptured his right ACL and medial meniscus in a non-contact practice drill.” Now in most of my analysis I have stated production as a key factor to a player’s potential in the NFL. Ignore everything I have said about production. In the case of Easley, you have to ignore it because he has no production. Where Belichick knows this kid is the most valuable is in his ability to get to the QB or the ball carrier in a hurry. Although Easley may be overly aggressive when it comes to blitzing, he can help channel that over-zealousness and get some key stops next season. Currently on the Patriots’ depth chart, Tommy Kelly is the starting right tackle. After the pre-season and training camp, Easley should see his name easily climb to the top of that depth chart. 

DE Zach  Moore, University of Concordia-St. Paul
Many may have not heard of Zach Moore, nor even the University of Concordia, Saint Paul for that matter. However, once you hear about the accomplishments of Moore, you would have wished you knew about him long before the 2014 NFL Draft. According to Concordia’s website, Moore “has 26.0 sacks in 28 games with 35.5 tackles for loss, has 24.0 sacks over last two seasons (2010, 2012), ranks fourth in school history in sacks, just 4.0 shy of the school record total of 30.0. Was a Sporting News Preseason All-America, BSN Preseason All-America First Team and College Football America Preseason All-American in 2013.

In 2012, Moore was voted team captain, AFCA All-America First Team, D2Football.com All-America First Team, BSN All-America First Team, Associated Press Little All-America Second Team, Don Hansen All-America Second Team, Daktronics All-Super Region 3 Region First Team, Don Hansen All-Super Region 3 First Team, All-NSIC South Division First Team, earned team Big Bear of the Year award, Parlet Lifter of the Year award and Paw Pride of the Year award … earned CU Defensive Player of the Week award three times (at UM Crookston, vs Wayne State and at Winona State) and CU Defensive Lineman of the Week award five times (at UM Crookston, Upper Iowa, at Sioux Falls, Wayne State and at Winona State). He was named CU Male Athlete of the Week for season finale performance at Winona State (11/10/12), ranked fifth in the nation in sacks per game (1.27) and tied for 11th in tackles for loss per game (1.91). His 14.0 total sacks were fourth most in Division II football and led the NSIC in total sacks (14.0), sacks per game (1.27), tackles for loss (21.0) and tackles for loss per game (1.91).

In 2010, he was named Daktronics All-Region Second Team and Don Hansen’s All-Region Second Team, All-NSIC South Division First Team, had 42 tackles, 11.5 for loss and 10 sacks to lead Concordia defensive line, tied for sixth in the nation in sacks per game (1.00), tied for 46th in the nation in tackles for loss per game (1.46), led NSIC in overall sacks with 10 in nine games (1.11 per game) and in conference only play with 9.5 in eight games (1.19 per game). He finished third in tackles for loss per game (1.38) with 11.0 in eight NSIC-only games.

In 2009, Moore played in eight games earning one start at defensive end at SMSU (10/17/09) and made 16 tackles with 3.0 for loss and 2.0 sacks in his rookie collegiate season. In his lone start at SMSU, recorded four tackles (three solo) with 2.0 for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Originally Moore was a Chicago 5-star recruit, Illinois Prairie State Top Five, named All-City First Team, All-State and selected to Illinois Top 100 Players.”

In short Moore was a boss in college. Where he is so deadly is in his physical capabilities. Because Moore is muscular and speedy quick, the sky is the limit when playing on this defensive line. While Moore won’t certainly get starting time anytime soon, once he shows in training camp that he is the real deal and if Chandler Jones totally messes up, Moore should not be seeing the bench a lot more often.

FS Jemea Thomas, Georgia Institute of Technology
The Patriot’s passing game was not as poor as their running game, however after allowing 239 passing yards per game in 2013, the Pats needed to at least pick up one defensive addition to their secondary. According to NFL.com, Thomas “started all 27 games last 2 seasons. 2013: Started all 13 games. Led team with 88 tackles, 8 PBU. Tied for team lead with 2 INTs. 2012: Started all 14 games. Led team in INT (4). 2011: Played in all 13 games, starting 2. Tied for team lead with 3 INTs. Returned 3 punts (10.3 yards per return). 2010: Redshirted. 2009: Served as backup to Morgan Burnett (Packers) at rover position. High School: Class AA first-team all-state selection in Georgia.” With Aqib Talib now in Denver and the shaky Alfonzo Dennard playing corner, Thomas should be able to provide some help in the future for this secondary. Currently he is the 4th-string free safety, however with some work, I’m sure takign Nate Ebner’s job should not be that difficult.