2010 NFL Draft Grades: New England Patriots
The Patriots put all 12 of their picks to excellent use, from shoring up their secondary with the addition of Devin McCourty, to giving themselves a solid quarterback to develop in Zac Robinson (seventh round).
New England also got excellent value in-between those two picks, landing two of the best tight ends in this draft, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, solidifying its questions at tight end, and giving it excellent depth at the position in the process.
The Patriots also were able to land two high-level defensive players, both from Florida, in defensive end Jermaine Cunningham and middle linebacker Brandon Spikes .
Cunningham could be a perfect fit on the outside of the Patriots’ 3-4, while Spikes should be able to find a nice role in the middle of the defense. Both are great additions, and relative steals in the second round.
The Patriots also added Ohio receiver Taylor Price, ensuring they have some extra talent at the position if Wes Welker struggles to make it back to the field in 2010.
1 (27) Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers ****
2 (42) Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona *****
2 (53) Jermaine Cunningham, DE, Florida ****
2 (62) Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida *****
3 (90) Taylor Price, WR, Ohio ****
4 (113) Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida *****
5 (150) Zoltan Mesko, P, Michigan ***
6 (205) Ted Larsen, C, NC State **
7 (208) Thomas Welch, OT, Vanderbilt **
7 (247) Brandon Deaderick, DL, Alabama ***
7 (248) Kade Weston, DT, Georgia ***
7 (250) Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State ****
Grade: A
