The Patriots have officially punted on a draft that Bill Belichick obviously feels is talent poor on the defensive front seven. New England has sent their 3rd and 4th round picks to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for the Raiders’ 2nd round pick in 2012 and a 7th round pick in 2011.
:Here is the full list of 2012 Draft Picks.
The Patriots have a new potential clipboard holder.
The Patriots have selected Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett with the 74th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Mallett has undeniable talent, but fell down draft boards due to some character issues. Mallett has perhaps the best arm in the entire draft.
The Patriots RB position is now a position of youth.
After trading down from the 60th pick, the Patriots have selected Stevan Ridley (RB, LSU). Ridley joins Shane Vereen as new additions to the Patriots’ stable of running backs.
After taking two picks already in the 2nd round, the Patriots have traded the 60th pick to the Houston Texans. In return, the Patriots receive Houston’s 3rd (73rd) and 5th (138th) picks.
Here is an updated list of the 2011 Patriots Draft Picks.
Shane Vereen is your newest Patriots running back.
Joining Nate Solder (OT, Colorado) and Ras-I Dowling (DB, Virginia), the Patriots have selected Shane Vereen (RB, California) with the 56th pick in the draft.
Vereen was our RB pick for the Patriots in our positional preview. This is what we had to say about him:
Our favorite change-of-pace back in the loaded bunch of Hunter, Todman, Locke, Jones, and others. Vereen has a deceptive ability to run inside, while being a force in the passing game. He is a guy that can complement what Green-Ellis brings to the table.
Vereen will join Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, and a host of veterans on the running back depth chart.
The newest Patriot defensive back.
After adding an extra 2012 pick and Nate Solder (OT, Colorado) on day one of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Patriots have selected Ras-I Dowling (DB, Virginia).
2012 NFL Combine: What to Watch For
Draft Sleeper: Interview with CJ Parish (DE/OLB/FB, Arizona)
2012 NFL Draft: Marvin Jones’ Journey to the NFL
2012 Patriots NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine Edition
2012 NFL Combine: Defensive Preview
NEPD Radio: Previewing the 2012 NFL Combine
2012 NFL Combine: Offensive Preview
2012 NFL Combine: Who Will Impress? Who Will Disappoint?
