New England Patriots Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #17: Nate Solder (OT Colorado)

It wasn't necessarily a surprise that the Patriots went with an offensive tackle in the draft, but when, and who, was the surprise. With the likes of Muhammad Wilkerson and Cam Jordan available, there was thought that they would go in that direction. But instead they went with Nate Solder (who was the topic of a Draft Geek Debate) over the likes of Anthony Castonzo and Gabe Carimi. New England chose to go with potential, rather than a NFL ready prospect that could come in right away. But if you look closer at it, Solder fits right in line with what the Patriots like in their offensive lineman. Look for them to resign Matt Light to a short term deal and groom Solder behind him.

Grade- C+

2nd Round, Pick #33: Ras-I Dowling (CB Virginia)

If Ras-I Dowling can stay healthy for New England, the Patriots might just have the best 1-2 Cornerback combo in the entire league with Devin McCourty. Ras-I Dowling has Top 15 talent, he has just really struggled to stay healthy, and seems to get banged up rather easily. When healthy, he is a terrific talent, and a playmaker, who can really shut down his man. He has great size, speed, is very physical, has excellent ball skills and instincts. Once again, the big issue is will he stay healthy, if he can, the Patriots will be set for the next 10 years at cornerback.

Grade- A-

2nd Round, Pick #56: Shane Vereen (RB California)

I knew that the Patriots would Shane Vereen would end up with the Patriots at some point in the draft, though I was a bit surprised it was this early. Vereen is essentially a faster, more explosive version of Kevin Faulk. He is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, a well rounded back who can be on the field on all 3 downs, and can run between the tackles. Vereen will excel on all the screen passes the Patriots love to run, he is also great on draw plays, which the Patriots also run a lot. Vereen will never be a Pro-Bowler, but he is as good a fit in a teams scheme, as any player drafted this year.

Grade- B+

3rd Round, Pick #73: Stevan Ridley (RB LSU)

Steven Ridley was another player who I do like a lot, but was surprised he went off the board this early. Ridley came out of nowhere to be LSU's leading rusher, and the 4th leading rusher in the SEC. He is more of a power back at 225 pounds, but has a very good short area burst, will bust through arm tackles easily, overall he breaks a lot of tackles, and can move the pile forward. He will likely be the Patriots Goal Line, and Short Yardage back, and the guy who picks up the tough yards. Between Ridley, Vereen, Danny Woodhead, and Benjarvus, the Patriots have a very deep backfield.

Grade- B

3rd Round, Pick #75: Ryan Mallett (QB Arkansas)

Pure Genius here by the Patriots! Everybody knows how much I love Ryan Mallett, and the fact that the Patriots were the team that finally pulled the trigger on him, only strengthens my convictions. Mallett was reportedly the #1 QB on the Patriots draft board, and for good reason. He is by far the best quarterback in this years draft class, and I have no doubts he will be a Pro-Bowl QB in the future, the only problem is it will likely now take 4-5 years for him to get his shot. Nevertheless, the Patriots getting Mallet at pick #75 is highway robbery, and whether they keep him for the eventual replacement for Brady, or spin him off later for a bevy of draft picks, this pick is nothing but good.

Grade- A+

5th Round, Pick #138: Marcus Cannon (Guard T.C.U)

For me, Ryan Mallett, and Marcus Cannon getting picked where they did, were 2 of the best selections in the entire draft when you look at value. Unfortunately right before the draft, Marcus Cannon was diagnosed with Lymphoma, a form of cancer. Doctors put Cannon's chance of returning to 100% at about 90%, so the chances are good, but there is also a chance that he never plays a snap in the league. As a player, I believe Marcus Cannon is the top Guard prospect in the whole class. He's 6-6 350, and played tackle last year for TCU. He is one of the most athletic 350 pound athletes I have ever seen, and he just looks like a dominant Guard prospect. He's got the size and strength to bully D-Lineman at the Line of Scrimmage, and can move around very well. If Cannon can recover, he will be a Pro-Bowl Guard, so in the 5th round I love this selection.

Grade- A+

5th Round, Pick #159: Lee Smith (TE Marshall)

After 2 sensational picks I really don't understand the selection of Lee Smith here. I know the Patriots have been extremely successful drafting under the radar players, but Smith doesn't seem to fit at all with the Patriots. Smith's biggest strength is as a blocker, which he is good at, but he is extremely limited as an athlete, and is not a good receiver at all. The Patriots offensive scheme usually asks for the Tight Ends to be split out wide, and be quick and sharp on their cuts, which Smith is not very good at. Smith is an average talent, and not a very good fit here.

Grade- D

6th Round, Pick #194: Markell Carter (DE Central Arkansas)

Unlike the last pick of an Under the Radar pick of Lee Smith, this one makes a little bit more sense. Markell Carter has a lot of talent and upside, and really could develop into a nice player. At 6-3 240, he was a bit undersized trying to rush the passer in a 4-3, but he has the size and quickness to be an excellent 3-4 Rush Linebacker. He needs to put on some muscle and weight to really make an impact, but that seems inevitable. Expect him to get stashed on the practice squad and maybe a couple years down the road we could see him emerge.

Grade- C+

7th Round, Pick #219: Malcolm Williams (Safety TCU)

Clearly a special teams pick here, as Malcolm Williams really wasn't even able to crack the starting lineup at TCU. He has the ability to play Cornerback or Safety, but obviously will have to make the roster on special teams. I don't really get this pick either, as he really doesn't have a shot to make it on this stacked Patriots roster.

Grade- D