2014 draft

Here’s a final look at my Top 50 prospects that I think fit the Patriots. I think overall there’s good depth for the Patriots’ needs but it will be interesting to see what they prioritize and what shocking moves they make (because they definitely will take someone that leaves me saying “who?”

It’s odd that almost every mock draft has the Pats taking Dominique Easley or Rashede Hageman. There’s been reports in recent weeks that the Pats don’t even have Hageman on their board.

Who knows what’s true or not, but in my mind, Easley is the guy I want most. He’s everything I’ve been writing about wanting for the last four seasons. I really hope it happens and I’m glad to say I came to him on my own before all the hype started with him going to New England.

I’m very curious when they take a tight end. Something tells me it won’t be as high as some people think. I’d guess third round at the earliest.

I have really become enamored of DE Kareem Martin in the last couple weeks. He looks like a three-down DE in the Pats system to me and one who could be a real difference maker. 

Allen Robinson is another wild card who I think is an excellent fit at wide receiver. Don’t think WR is a huge need, but I think if the timing was right they’d pounce on Robinson.

Lots of centers and guards that I like as well. I could see them take at least two of them.

Those are some of my final thoughts. My last mock draft will go up on B/R tomorrow morning and then we’ll be off. Tomorrow will also be packed with throwback Patriots draft videos to get everyone through the day.

And obviously there will be plenty of action here on the blog as the Pats’ picks start to roll in.

Without further ado, here’s the final Top 50 big board for 2014. We’re shooting for 50% this year!

2014 Patriots-Only Big Board (* – my favorites)

1. *Dominique Easley, DT, Florida: Undersized, but explosive. One-gapper. Injury history – ACL in 2013.
2. Ra’Shede Hageman, DL, Minnesota:  Perhaps a little boom-or-bust but potential to add size to the defensive tackle group, with ability to move around and bring versatility.
3. *Stephon Tuitt, DL, Notre Dame: Great size and strength and versatility to play any spot on the defensive line. Better junior year film after injury put him over weight.
4. *Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington:  Prototypical Y-TE who is a solid red-zone threat and blocks with aggression. Another good Gronk compliment and maybe my favorite TE for the Pats.
5. *Xavier Su’a-Filo, OG, UCLA: Experienced and powerful, instant starter at right guard for Pats?
6. *David Yankey, OG, Stanford:  Versatile captain with very good size could be immediate starter inside.
7. Joel Bitonio, OT, Nevada: Outstanding playing personality and dedication to football. Very versatile, shot up draft boards near the end.
8. Calvin Pryor, SS, Louisville: Violent enforcer would bring a needed element to Pats’ safety squad.
9. Marquise Lee, WR, USC:  Dynamic receiver who might be too good to pass up despite the presence of Aaron Dobson.
10. Trent Murphy, DE/OLB, Stanford: Good instincts, motor and toughness. Bit of a tweener in Pats system, but plays the way they like.
11. *Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina: Good strength and burst. Could slip inside on passing downs. Captain.
12. *C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa: Willing blocker with slippery ability to get open. Another solid TE prospect that could play the Y.
13. Troy Niklas, Y-TE, Notre Dame: Huge target in the mold of Gronk with the potential to be an every-down tight end almost immediately.
14. Jace Amaro, F-TE, Texas Tech: Still a bit raw but knows how to get open in the passing game with ideal tight end size. He’d be a good compliment to Gronk and able to play the Y or F spots.
15. *Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State: Good size and productivity in Bill O’Brien’s offense that would translate to pros.
16. Daquan Jones, DT, Penn State: Good build with quickness inside, could play either DT or NT in Pats’ 4-3 scheme. Good size, maybe a second-rounder.
17. *Gabe Jackson, OG, Miss State: Excellent size with nimble feet. Can be over-aggressive at times. Two-time captain. Very SEC experienced.
18. Deone Buchanan, SS, WSU: Aggressive, downhill box defender and core special-teams player.
19. Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas:  Would give the Pats a huge size bump at the center spot. Familiarity with Arkansas offese will help transition. Two-time captain, football junkie.
20. Weston Richburg, C, Colorado State: Durable vocal leader with good size.
21. *Russell Bodine, C, North Carolina: Short-armed, but aggressive and great knee bend. Good size too.
22. Jason Verrett, CB, TCU: Undersized but competitive, likely best to fit in the slot.
23. Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State: Good all-around running back who runs hard downhill, welcomes contact.
24. Andre Williams, RB, Boston College:  Smart, powerful back would be good insurance on Ridley/Vereen.
25. Christian Jones, ILB, Florida State: Great athlete with ideal size who could play multiple LB positions. Awareness an issue? Sounds like Mayo.
26. Dakota Dozier, OG, Furman: Outstanding size with powerful build. Experienced and light on feet.
27. Jonotthan Harrison, C, Florida: Size, strength and intangibles. Could play any interior position.
28. *Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech: Elite athleticism and size, would need time but could develop to challenge Brady in 2-3 years.
29. Bryan Stork, C, Florida State: Athletic with excellent size. Hard worker, the game is important to him.
30. Brock Vereen, FS, Minnesota: Shane’s brother is a smart, rangy free safety who is a leader.
31. Marcus Smith, DE, Louisville: Hybrid defender who could play multiple spots and roles. HS QB.
32. Ed Stinson, DE, Alabama: Great frame with impressive size and strength. Would be an interesting developmental tool in BB’s defense. Two-gapper, maybe any spot in 34 DL.
33. Crockett Gilmore, TE, Colorado State: Good size for a Y tight end, maybe not the best receiving threat but could be a good Gronk insurance type in later rounds.
34. Vinnie Sunseri, SS, Alabama: Instinctive, physical and a leader. Coming off injury.
35. Max Bullough, ILB, Michigan State: Big, tough, experienced, durable, competitive Mike linebacker with good speed.
36. Trey Burton, F-TE, Florida: Versatile and competitive. Player multiple spots, incl. QB. McDaniels’ Swiss Army Knife?
37. Pierre Desir, CB, Lindenwood: Great size, outside press man potential, but from small school.
38. Tyler Gaffney, RB, Stanford: Good size and versatility, runs downhill. Good compliment to the current NE backs.
39. Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU: Determined, tough and aggressive. Not ideal size but plays hard. Captain.
40. TJ Jones, WR, Notre Dame: Experienced captain who would be a slot receiver with some versatility (special teams) on Pats.
41. Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin: Smart, hardworking receiver who has all the intangibles. Ran many Patriots-like routes.
42. Quincy Enunwa, WR, Nebraska: Good size and excellent intangibles. Could play outside.
43. Brandon Linder, OG, Miami: Great size, durability, and intangibles. Aggressive. Versatile – played all along line, incl. TE.
44. *Jeremy Gallon, WR, Michigan: Good coverage recognition, smooth. Quick, good explosion, nice hands. Undersized.
45. Ladarius Perkins, RB, Miss. St: Captain with great agility and vision. Underrated catcher, good acceleration. 
46. *Jordan Tripp, OLB, Montana State: Instinctive and tough.
47. Travis Carrie, CB, Ohio: Good size and awareness with special teams experience. Student of the game, leadership.
48. Josh Mauro, DE, Stanford: Good size and versatility,not a ton of pass rush presence but could develop.
49. Tom Savage, QB, Pittsburgh: Inconsistent pocket passer.
50. Rob Blanchflower, Y-TE, UMass: Good size and experience. Developmental #3 Y-TE.