Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Draft Grades: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are becoming the favorite every year to make the most trades and wind up with the most draft picks. 2010 is no different. The Patriots wound up with 13 draft picks, and with an aging team they may be looking for an infusion of youth to help get them back on top.

Devin McCourtey should step into the secondary and help shore up the pass defense with solid man to man cover skills. He also provides depth in the return game. Second round selection Rob Gronkowski was considered the best blocking tight end in the draft, and he is also a solid pass catcher. Many believe the Patriots will be returning to a more physical attack on offense, and Gronkowski will help open holes in the blocking game and provide Tom Brady with a big target over the middle.

New England then tapped the University of Florida for 3 of of their next 4 picks, taking linebackers Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes, as well as tight end Aaron Hernandez. Cunningham should play on the outside, and Spikes will man the middle. Many were surprised that Hernandez fell to the 4th round, but he revelation that he failed at least one drug test in college explains why he fell as far as he did.

A sleeper pick looks to be punter Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots are looking for a new punter, and Mesko has the big leg to pin opponents back deep in their own territory.

Draft Grade: A-

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