2014 NFL Draft grades: New England Patriots select Dominique Easley

Aug 31, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) rushes against the Toledo Rockets during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Toledo Rockets 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 29th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Bill Belichick once again went in the direction of a former Florida Gators star as he and the team selected defensive end Dominique Easley.

If there were any concerns surrounding Easley coming into the draft, it was the torn ACL that he suffered back last September, however we should all know by now that Belichick and company do their homework and they feel that can turn him into one of the best pass rushers in the AFC.

Easley’s best season, which many thought would be 2013 before it was derailed by the injury, was back in 2012 where he 26 total tackles including eight for loss and four sacks.

There is no question that Belichick, at this point, just has a knack for the talent from down in Florida, just as he did with the likes of Brandon Spikes, and unfortunately, Aaron Hernandez.

Now it’s Easley who will step into the defensive line in New England to see if he can make an immediate impact.

I would have maybe liked to see the Pats go for a tight end in this spot, though, given what happened with Hernandez and the injury issues with Rob Gronkowski.

Grade: C+

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