The Patriots did what?
Yes, the Patriots release of Defensive Tackle Dominique Easley is surprising to more than just Patriots fans considering he was drafted only two years ago. Easley was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round as the 29th pick overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Those familiar with the NFL and the history of the draft are no doubt surprised that a team as triumphant as the Patriots would be in this situation. Releasing a player that was acquired just two years prior, not to mention he was a first round pick, may be a tough pill to swallow for more than just Patriots’ fans. Now factor in that Easley’s cap number went from $1,991,877 prior to the release, and $3,607,761 after the release. This is clear indication that there is more to this than meets the eye.
According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe in an article published on Wednesday evening, a former teammate was quoted “I saw this coming, injuries and a locker room cancer.” Another source was quoted saying “I think he rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, he comes across like an entitled little kid. He reneges on everything. He thinks he’s invincible.”
This move isn’t exactly favorable by the Patriots, simply because they are paying $1,615,884 in order to free themselves from Easley. After seeing some of the things that are starting to trickle out about Dominique Easley, it is actually rather remarkable that he lasted this long playing for Bill Belichick.
With all that being said, one now must delve back into the Patriots cap situation. As of right now, according to patscap.com, the Patriots have $6,026,256 in cap space. Taking into consideration the cap hit the Patriots will take (approximately $1,615,884) because of Easley’s release, they currently have $4,410,369. If there is any team that can work within the confines of a tight cap situation, it is the New England Patriots; so those numbers are nothing too alarming. The real discussion is going to be how the Patriots are going to approach this year’s draft. After two years of the Patriots drafting defensive tackles in the first round, they are now in a situation where they may draft another defensive tackle in one of the first three rounds.
It is to be noted that the Patriots do not a have first round pick in this years NFL Draft due to the punishments on deflategate.
Now, would be a good time to re-evaluate some of the defensive tackles in this years NFL Draft class, and attempt to determine which ones would fit into Bill Belichick’s system. The Patriots currently own 11 picks in this years up coming NFL draft, they are as follows: Second round 60th and 61st overall, Third round 91st and 96th overall, Sixth round 196th 204th 208th 214th and 221st overall, and Seventh round 243rd and 250th overall.
It is well documented that this is one of the better defensive tackle classes in recent history. Judging by what they lost and the talent defensive tackles that are going to be available at the points in the draft that the Patriots are on the clock, Robert Nkemdiche could be an option in the second round. He may not get consideration from the Patriots due to the fact that his draft stock has been dropping lately due to the off-field issues. He could be available for the Patriots, but the question is are the Patriots willing to invest the time and take a chance on him.
That leads to predicting who Patriots will draft in the second round if, in fact, they are looking at defensive tackle at that point. Jonathon Bullard, defensive tackle from the University of Florida. That sounds mighty familiar as Dominique Easley was a 6’2″ 285 defensive tackle out of Florida. The difference is that Bullard did not have the multiple ACL tears in college. In fact the only time he was injured was in his second year at Florida. He has been a consistent force in the middle of Florida’s defense for the better part of the last three years.
If the Patriots decide to wait until later rounds, then there are a few guys you should keep your eyes on the third and sixth rounds when they will be drafting. Jihad Ward is a Defensive tackle out of Illinois that I mentioned in my Draft Needs breakdown of the Baltimore Ravens . At 6’5″, 296, he would be very valuable in a Belichick-run system because he has the size that translates to both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments. I would look for the Patriots to draft him with either of the third round picks. Chris Jones, defensive tackle out of Mississippi State is 6’5″ ,310 and is more of your prototypical run stuffer. Jones is another guy the Patriots could be looking at in the third round.
For the sixth round prospects one should look at a pair of undersized tackles. The first of whom hails from the University of Maryland, Quinton Jefferson (6’4″, 289). There are some reservations with him, mainly due to his limited amount of production, with less than two years of playing time; especially as a redshirt his junior year. He is a guy who has boom or bust potential, but would carry relatively low risk considering where the Patriots would be drafting him. The second is Anthony Zettel out of Penn State. Another player mentioned in my previous article, is more of a pass rushing threat (6’4″ ,284); although scouts believe that he is “top heavy” and needs to build his lower body to develop a strong base for play in the NFL.
The bottom line is that it looks like the Patriot’s draft preparation took a sharp change of course on Wednesday with Easley’s release. However, with Bill Belichick running the show and a king’s helping of draft picks, the Patriots should still remain atop the AFC East and the favorite to represent the AFC in Superbowl 51.
Main Photo: FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 26: Dominique Easley #74of the New England Patriots reacts during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium on October 26, 2014 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
