New England Patriots 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fits
By Ben Natan
Aug 31, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) rushes against the Toledo Rockets during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Toledo Rockets 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dominique Easley, DL, Florida
6’2″, 288 LBs
The Player
Easley would be regarded by many as a top ten talent if it were not due to his injury. He has a scary first step and incredible overall quickness for a defensive tackle. He has great all around strength and does a great job of using multiple moves to make it into the backfield. He does have two ACL injuries to his name, but if he can be healthy, he could be one of the best players from this class.
The Pick
The Patriots win consistently and have the luxury to take risks like this. Easley is in my top five and if he can get back to full health, this might be viewed as one of the steals in the draft.
The Fit
Because of his ability, Easley is very versatile in how he can win. He can play inside, outside, one gapping, two gapping, it doesn’t really matter, he is an impact player and Bellicheck will find a way to get him out on the field.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, EIU
6’2″, 226 lbs.
The Player
Garoppolo is a well built, decently athletic quarterback. He has a nice, quick release and decent arm strength. He is accurate in the intermediate game but needs to wrk more pushing the ball down the field. His pocket presence is shockingly bad and it needs to be fixed. No tools matter if the player can’t play under pressure.
The Pick
This is a reach, but Garoppolo has the tools and comes into a good situation to be groomed.
The Fit
Barring injury, there is no way Garoppollo starts, but it has been said they are grooming him as Tom Brady’s replacement. If he can clean up his work in the pocket, he could be a very good starter down the line, but that is a big flaw to fix.
Bryan Stork, C, FSU
6’4″, 315 lbs.
The Player
Stork shows good movement in the running game and is a very tough player, but he really needs to work on his technique as a pass protector and his length and strength really hurt him.
The Pick
I am not a big fan of Stork and I think this is a serious reach.
The Fit
I don’t think that Stork will be starting year one and he has to improve on a lot to have a chance of seeing the field.
James White, RB, Wisconsin
5’9″, 204 lbs.
The Player
White is an agile, hard running back who has good vision and can pass protect. He may not be a stud athlete, but he can really do it all and do it well.
The Pick
I am lower on him because I think he is maxed out as an average player, but he can contribute very quickly.
The Fit
He is likely going to see snaps in a deep running back rotation and has a chance to play on special teams and get some third down duties.
Nov 9, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back James White (20) is tackled by Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Craig Bills (20) during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Cameron Fleming, OT, Stanford
6’5″, 314 lbs.
The Player
Fleming is a mountainous man. Has ridiculous size and strength, but moves like a mountain as well. He has lumbering feet and cannot move laterally very well. True phone booth player.
The Pick
I think this is a bit of a reach, but no doubt Fleming’s size is hard to pass on here.
The Fit
Fleming will likely get groomed for a while and maybe hone understanding of leverage. Long term, I think he projects better as a guard.
Jon Halapio, G, Florida
6’3″, 323 lbs.
The Player
Halpio is a stout, powerful run blocker who plays to the whistle. He moves well in a straight line, but isn’t very fluid and is a limited athlete.
The Pick
Halapio has a lot of upside due to his impressive strength and this is very good value for him.
The Fit
Another lineman of the future for the Patriots to groom and start down the line.
Zach Moore, DE, Concordia
6’5″, 269 lbs.
The Player
Moore is a freaky athlete for a player his size and flashes rare speed around the edge. He needs to adjust his instincts and learn to use his frame a bit better for power, but the sky is the limit.
The Pick
A good project player at better value.
The Fit
Belichick has a history of bringing athletic, versatile freaks like Moore into the front seven and Moore could see the field sooner than later.
Jemea Thomas, DB, Georgia Tech
5’9″, 192 lbs.
The Player
Despite a diminutive frame, Thomas throws his body around in coverage and against the run. He is a bit reckless, but this dude just wants to hit people.
The Pick
Thomas can be a decent role player in the NFL. I like this pick.
The Fit
Thomas at the very least can be a stud special teams player but I think could develop into a good nickel back who provides help in run support as well as coverage.
Jeremy Gallon, WR, Michigan
5’7″, 185
The Player
Incredibly smart player who works underneath, finds soft spots in zones and has soft hands. He is tough and runs good routes, but his size really limits his role in the NFL.
The Pick
Gallon is going to be a contributor in the NFL and it is best to snatch him up here than let him get stolen by a team in free agency.
The Fit
Gallon will likely start low on the depth chart, but expect him to be starting in the slot in two to three years.
Nov 30, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jeremy Gallon (21) makes a touch down catch over Ohio State Buckeyes safety C.J. Barnett (4) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports