NFL New England Patriots

First Quarter Grades For Every 2014 New England Patriots Draft Pick

By Shawn Spencer @Spencer_NFL on October 1, 2014

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New England Patriots: First Quarter Grades For Every 2014 Draft Pick

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While the secondary took a lot of the blame during last season, the additions of Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner and Patrick Chung have made the unit one of the strongest position groups in 2014. Many holes remain that were not addressed in the draft, including pass rushers and a No. 1 WR. Here's a first quarter review of the Patriots' 2014 NFL Draft.

Round 1: Dominique Easley (DT-Florida)

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Round 1: Dominique Easley (DT-Florida)

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Bill Belichick filled a need with the addition of Dominique Easley. After Vince Wilfork missed most of the 2013 season, the Patriots used several players at DT and were not able to find a suitable replacement. Despite tearing his ACL in late 2013, Easley was in training camp and performed well enough to earn playing time. He is primarily being used as a pass-rushing DT on third-downs and has four tackles and an interception so far.
Grade: B

Round 2: Jimmy Garoppolo (QB-Eastern Illinois)

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Round 2: Jimmy Garoppolo (QB-Eastern Illinois)

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At No. 62 overall, Garoppolo became the highest selected QB by the Patriots since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. During the preseason, Garoppolo beat out Ryan Mallett to win the backup job to Tom Brady. In one game this season, Garoppolo completed 6-of-7 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. He may turn into a solid starter, but the Patriots had too many other needs to pick a QB this early.
Grade: C-

Round 4: Bryan Stork (C-Florida State)

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Round 4: Bryan Stork (C-Florida State)

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The Patriots used two of three fourth-round picks on protection for Tom Brady. The first was Bryan Stork. Stork has played in three games this season, including a start in Week 4 in which he was the only lineman to play the entire game. He played well as the Chiefs were much more successful creating pressure from the outside than the middle. The many injuries and struggles on the offensive line will allow him to play a lot this season.
Grade: B

Round 4: James White (RB-Wisconsin)

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Round 4: James White (RB-Wisconsin)

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Since Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are in the final year of their contracts, the selection of James White was made with an eye towards 2015. White is a reliable back (only two fumbles in college) who can catch the ball out of the backfield. He's only been active for one game but had three carries and three receptions for 36 total yards. While 2014 belongs to Ridley and Vereen, 2015 may be the year of White and Tyler Gaffney.
Grade: B+

Remaining Picks

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Remaining Picks

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Cameron Fleming (OL-Stanford): Has played in all four games, including one start at RG.
Jon Halapio (G-Florida): Currently a free agent after not making roster.
Zach Moore (DE-Concordia): Hasn't played since Week 1.
Jemea Thomas (CB-Georgia Tech): Released and signed with Rams' practice squad.
Jeremy Gallon (WR-Michigan): Currently a free agent after not making roster.
Grade: D-

Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.