2014 New England Patriots NFL Draft Report Card and Player Analysis

How Did the New England Patriots Do in the 2014 NFL Draft?

The New England Patriots coming off another year making the playoffs and finishing with a 12-4 record. Amazing consistency that just irks people. So many hate the Patriots for no other reason than their success. The Patriots made some key acquisitions in the off season and as usual lost a few of their players. Never fear Bill Belichick always has a plan. The Patriots needed to concentrate on DL, C, and WR. Vince Wilfork is getting up there in age and coming off an injury that sidelined him. He also demanded a release which I am sure didn’t endear him to the Patriots.

2014 NFL DRAFT PICK RECAP AND ANALYSIS

Dominique Easley DT, Florida Round 1 Pick #29

Belichick amazes taking a player that blew out his ACL and is a bit undersized. But what he lacks in size he makes up for in motor and speed. Will create constant disruption to the opponent’s timing and will be a player that will be hard to adjust to with his quick bursts at the QB, his stunts and his ability to play the edge. Maybe drafted a bit high, but I give Bill the benefit of the doubt. Personally I would have taken Bradley Roby at CB. Grade B+.

Jimmy Garoppolo QB, Eastern Illinois Round 2 Pick #30

Belichick is preparing for the days of no Tom Brady. Sad day that is one bad hit away from reality. The New England Patriots rarely keeps three QBs, so it could end of days for Ryan Mallett if Garoppolo catches on fast. With enjoy learning from the two master, Brady and Belichick and has all the qualities to star in the NFL and be the franchise QB for the New England Patriots well into 2025.

Bryan Stork C, Florida State Round 4 Pick #5

Will some proper coaching, with develop into a everyday journeyman Center. Has the raw skills and determination and fits perfectly into the Patriots pass first philosophy.

James White RB, Wisconsin Round 4 Pick #30

Guess Belichick hasn’t gotten the memo that RBs are a washed up commodity. Patriots are always developing and replacing their running backs. That has been a constant in the Belichick era. Is an able body pass blocking running back with a low center of gravity. Guards the football with his life, good hands catching the ball and has the speed and the moves to break one long. Reminds me of a bigger more versatile Darren Sproles or Danny Woodhead.

Cameron Fleming OT, Stanford Round 4 Pick #40

Stocking up on lineman, Skipped season year but graduated college with a degree in aeronautics and astronautics so this guy will digest an NFL playbook like it’s a dime store novel. Needs some help protecting the inside but is a large man and with some coaching can be a future starter if NASA doesn’t take him first. Great pick. Brains and Brawn.

Jon Halapio OG, Florida Round 6 Pick #3

Will be an anchor guard to protect the pocket. Typical hard headed, tough offensive lineman that The New England Patriots love.

Zach Moore DE, Concordia (MN) Round 6 Pick #22

Love this guy. Pure football player that after some coaching will mature into a Pro Bowl player. Sixth rounders do make Pro Bowlers so don’t laugh. Watch some tape and you will see. Some personal attention by the coaching staff will make this guy a monster.

Jemea Thomas CB, Georgia Tech Round 6 Pick #30

Raw talent that has all the skills to be a play-maker in the nickel and on special teams.

Jeremy Gallon WR, Michigan Round 7 Pick #29

Could be used to field punts. A small wide receiver but could also function like a Darren Sproles in a 5 wide out set. Definite situational football player for Belichick.

Analysis and overall draft grade

The New England Patriots is again an enigma. I thought they would go Jace Amaro in Round 1 and try to duplicate that two tight end set during the Gronkowski and Hernandez yeas but Belichick switches gears and takes a guy that was probably missing from every team’s round 1 board. Typical Bill. Makes sense developing a QB at this point of Brady’s career and Garoppolo is a good bet to succeed. Bill Belichick doesn’t miss the positions he needs and fills them accordingly and overall a good draft.

Draft Grade: B

I think he should have looked to draft a TE and a WR higher. I think he could have waited and grabbed Tom Savage or AJ McCarron in a later round. If I to point to one weakness in the Patriots draft it was being too slick and trying to maintain the, “you will never figure me out” legend that Bill Belichick is so fond of projecting.