Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon - With the 34th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Patrick Chung. A big, strong safety with experience at SS, FS, and CB, Chung could be making an impact with the Patriots by week one. On a safety-thin roster playing in the secondary with Brandon Meriweather, the Patriots went with need and most talented at the position here by picking up Chung. With Rodney Harrison possibly out of the mix, Pats fans could see Patrick Chung and Brandon Meriweather roaming the field this season for the Patriots.
Grade: B
Ron Brace, DT, Boston College - Are the Patriots switching to a 4-3?, Are they comfortable playing a 3-4 with the team's current corps of LB?, All these questions came to front when the Patriot selected Boston College defensive tackle, Ron Brace, with the 40th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Playing alongside B.J. Raji, Brace’s numbers may not jump off the stat sheet, but at NT, he’s a true space-filler with an excellent initial push. Brace excels at stuffing the run and bumping backs out of the gap. Grade: C-
Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut - Here’s a pick that was probably expected by just about every Patriots fan on the planet. With Ellis Hobbs traded to the Eagles, Butler could find himself playing quite a bit this season behind Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs.
Grade: B-
Sebastian Vollmer, OT, Houston - A huge OT at 6’7’’, 312 pounds, this pick has me a bit baffled, but this would begin an infusion of youth along the Patriots' offensive line. I’ve seen him ranked as highly as the seventh to ninth best offensive tackle and within the top 100 talent in this year's draft. But then I’ve also seen him ranked out of the top 10 OT’s and barely cracking the 150 overall talent. Grade: C+
Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina - With the 83rd overall pick, the Patriots went with the second UNC receiver, Brandon Tate. Grade: B+
Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, South Florida - At 97th overall, McKenzie is my favorite selection this year; just watching his tape and watching him play last season, he seems like a prototypical Patriot. McKenzie finished up last season with 116 tackles and over 350 total tackles in his time as a Bull. Looks like a natural born leader on the field, and could play right away as a SAM linebacker with the Pats. Great value at 97th overall as a LB who was not only ranked within the top 100 overall talent, but can contribute immediately.
Grade: A-
Rich Ohrnberger, OG, Penn State - And the infusion of youth along the O-Line continues, this time with former Nittany Lion, Rich Ohrnberger. Jamon Meredith was still on the board, who projects to be able to play both OT or shift over and play OG, and after watching some tape on Ohrnberger, well, I’m not impressed. I understand trying to restock the offensive line, but I just don’t see the value here.
Grade: D+
George Bussey, OT, Louisville - Another OG who has concerns over his size and strength...great! This pick would officially finish off the Patriots' attempt at retooling the offensive line and thank god, because this pick, along with Ohrnberger, left me scratching my head. Grade: C-
Myron Pryor, DT, Kentucky - Pryor has shown the ability to move from NT to the outside, and after watching the tape on him, I was pleasantly surprised with Myron Pryor. Grade: C+
Julian Edelman, WR/QB/HB, Kent State - Patriots couldn’t get Pat White, so they wait for Julian Edelman to fall to 232nd overall. A spread option QB in college, Edelman’s value ultimately lies as a WR or special teams player at the NFL level. Grade: B-
Darryl Richard, DT, Georgia Tech - And Mr. Irrelevant for the Patriots is (drum roll please)…Darryl Richard out of Georgia Tech! It just brings us back to the question, will the Patriots be playing a 4-3 defense in 2009?
Grade: F
Overall Grade: B-
I'm tempted to give the Patriots a bit lower grade here, but I have to take into account the $2.2 million that comes off the books with the Ellis Hobbs deal. I think we are looking at 5-6 sure-fire players out of this draft that will make the team in Chung, Brace, Tate, Butler, McKenzie, and Vollmer. And knowing the Patriots, don't be shocked to see Julian Edelman make the team's roster.
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