The New England Patriots found themselves just shy of the Super Bowl in 2012, yet headed into the 2013 NFL Draft with a few glaring needs. The unexpected loss of Wes Welker left a hole at wide receiever for veteran quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. eDraft gives you an exclusive look at how the Patriots attempted to imrpove not only their offense, but their entire team in this year's draft.
Second Round, 52nd Overall: Jamie Collins - Defensive End, Southern Mississippi
Collins is one of the most versatile defenders in this entire draft. With the ability to line up at either defensive end, or outside linebacker, giving the Patriots a weapon that very feam teams in the AFC East have (not surprising). Belichick is a coach that focuses his radar in on a player early in the draft process, and knows exactly where to get him. Grade: A-
Second Round, 59th Overall: Aaron Dobson - Wide Receiver, Marshall
The Patriots struck gold with Dobson here, in my opinion. Dobson's size along with his athleticism and potential puts Brady in a position to help mold a stud receiver who could end up being one of, if not the best receiver in this entire class. Grade: A+
Third Round, 83rd Overall: Logan Ryan - Cornerback, Rutgers
Ryan, one of my personal favorite corners in this draft, gets drafted by a team in New England that is desperate for consistency in the secondary. Ryan is one of the more polished defensive backs in this draft, and should be able to contribute almost immediately. Grade: A
Third Round, 91st Overall: Duron Harmon - Safety, Rutgers
This is all you'll ever need to know about Duron Harmon... He was quoted as saying that he almost hung up on the Patriots because he thought it as a prank call. Good to know. Grade: F
Fourth Round, 102nd Overall: Josh Boyce - wide receiver, TCU -- Boyce is a solid fourth option at wide receiver, but will need time to learn New England's complex offensive scheme. I don't see Boyce making an impact in his first year, other than on special teams. In New England, that could land you in the Pro Bowl. Grade: C+
Seventh Round, 226th Overall: Michael Buchannon - Defensive End, Illinois
Buchannon, probably best well known for his 2011 dominance of one of the top prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft, Taylor Lewan, fell due to his lack of inconsistency. He's a player who seems to take plays off, which won't be accepted in New England. If Buchannon can learn to give it his all every play, he could be a steal for the Patriots. Grade: C+
Seventh Round, 235th Overall: Steve Beauharnais - Linebacker, Rutgers
Well, Beauharnais won't have to worry about making friends during his rookie year in the NFL, as he'll be joined by two former college teammates. Beauharnais is a player that has shown flashes of greatness during certain times on film, but then looks completely lost other times. If he can learn to put it all together for the Patriots, he could be a solid rotational lineabcker in New England. Grade: C+
Overall Grade: B+ -- The Patriots added a ton of talent in this year's draft, and they happened to find some of it in the later rounds as usual. However, did the Patriots find enough talent in this draft to ensure that they're still a playoff team in 2013? I think they'll be just fine...They still have Tom Brady at quarterback, a solid defense, and Bill Belichick is running the show.