New England Patriots 2010 Draft Overview

Patriots #1 Pick Devin McCourty

Coming into the 2010 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots had a plethora of holes to fill.  Armed with 4 picks in the first 2 rounds, the Patriots had the ammunition to fill their gaps, as well as the flexibility to move up and down the draft board in order to maximize the value of their selections.  Although they did not acquire an elite pass rusher, or upgrade the running back position, there is a lot to be excited about, as they have upgraded in many areas.

Devin McCourty, CB – Rutgers – While this selection at 27^th overall came to surprise of many fans who were expecting the Pats to go with a pass-rushing OLB, McCourty fills a major need.  With the Jets adding WR Santono Holmes, and the Dolphins bringing in WR Brandom Marshall, the need for a physical, speedy corner became all the more prevalent.  McCourty will more than likely emerge as the Patriots’ nickelback in his first season, with Leigh Bodden and Darius Butler the likely starters.  He should be an upgrade amongst the remaining corners in Shawn Springs, Jonathan Wilhite, and Terrence Wheatley, of which one could be cut prior to training camp.  McCourty’s versatility as a gunner and return man were also considerations in his selection.

Rob Gronkowski, TE – Arizona – With the departures of both Ben Watson and Chris Baker via free agency, the tight end position was seen as a major area or concern.  The Patriots swung a deal with the Chicago Bears to leapfrog the Baltimore Ravens and select Gronkowski at 42, who projects to be a complete tight end.  At 6’6” and 264 lbs, Gronkowski has the bulk and strength to help support the running game, as well as the pass-catching skills to help take pressure off the rest of the receiving corps.  While, the 20-year old Gronkowski did not play in 2009 due to a back injury, he was rated as the 2^nd best TE in the draft behind Jermaine Gresham, who went to Cincinnati in the first round.  He should press free-agent acquisition Alge Crumpler for the first TE on the depth chart.

Jermaine Cunningham, OLB – Florida – Of all the Patriots’ early draft picks, Cunningham seems to be the biggest question mark.  Cunningham did post 19.5 sacks in his career at Florida; however this was at DE in a 4-3 scheme.  It remains to be seen if he can transition into a pass-rushing 3-4 OLB, and if his coverage abilities are up to snuff.  Cunningham was not mentioned by many pundits as one of the better pass-rushers in the draft despite his production in college.  Some have also questioned his character.  At 6’3”, 263 lbs, he does fit the Bill Belichick prototype of a larger, physical presence on the outside.  If he does not pan out as a pass-rusher, he could develop into a 1^st and 2^nd down type of run-stopper, with Tully Banta-Cain and Derrick Burgess pinning their ears back on 3^rd down. 

Brandon Spikes, ILB – Florida – The Patriots could have a real steal in Spikes.  Despite his sub-par 40-yd. dash time at the scouting combine, Spikes is a solid player and a leader.  He could provide the Pats with an inside presence next to Jerod Mayo that could help the team’s rushing defense immensely for years to come.  The captian of the defense at Florida, Spikes is a tough-as-nails throwback to middle linebackers such as Mike Singletary and Chris Spielman.  He is an immediate upgrade for the team and should displace Gary Guyton as the starter.

Taylor Price, WR – Ohio – Price is a speedster who will help the Patriots’ vertical game, which suffered throughout 2009.  His production at the University of Ohio was limited as they were a run-oriented team with QB issues, but he impressed many with a great performance at the Senior Bowl.  At 6’0”, 204 lbs, he is adequately sized for a receiver.  He should be able to start opposite Randy Moss filling the role the Pats had hope Joey Galloway would, with Julian Edelman manning the slot until Wes Welker’s return.  He will also provide insurance for Moss, should he choose to leave the team when his contract expires at the end of 2010. 

Aaron Hernandez, TE – Florida – The Pats’ 4^th round pick, Hernandez has been lauded as the best pass-catching TE in the draft.  He was the recipient of the Mackey Award for being the nation’s top tight end in 2009.  His blocking skills may be suspect, but because of his receiving acumen, they can move him around in the backfield as an H-back type, or split him out to take advantage of slower linebackers, much like the Colts do with Dallas Clark.  His skills will attract a lot of attention and create opportunities underneath for the likes of Welker, Edelman, and Kevin Faulk.  

The Patriots were able to fill many of their needs in the 2010 draft, and also secured the Carolina Panthers’ 2^nd round pick in 2011, which along with the Oakland Raiders’ 2011 first rounder once again gives them 4 picks in the first two rounds.  The Pats seemed to have a very good draft on paper, but it remains to be seen if they can keep up with the Jets and the Dolphins to a lesser degree.  Regardless, there will be more weapons at Tom Brady’s disposal, and the run defense should be improved at the very least.

Tagged as: 2010 NFL Draft, Aaron Hernandez, Bill Belichick, Brandon Spikes, Devin McCourty, Jermaine Cunningham, New England Patriots, Patriots, Patriots Draft, Rob Gronkowski, Taylor Price, Tom Brady