Fresh Meat
A Quick Look at the Patriots 2012 Draft Picks
So much has been said about Bill Belichick's drafting tendencies being well- cheap. Whether it was the salary implications, being obsessive about value or just plain old lacking in the talent evaluation department, the war room has traditionally chosen safe picks that lack that swagger, that sexiness... Until now. This draft made a lot of us out there pinch ourselves and wonder if this really is the year the world comes to an end because BB just did something totally uncharacteristic of the way he has conducted his draft philosophy in the past. He drafted players that can help this team win now.
Chandler Jones caught the eye of a lot of teams because he is a very exciting player to watch. Competing at a high level is in his genes as both of his brothers are also professional athletes. Some say his playing style is similar to Jason Pierre-Paul. He is very coachable, and can pick up concepts quickly and sop up new information like a "sponge" (as he referred to himself in an interview with 98.5 the Sports Hub's Gresh and Zo). He can adapt well in an 3/4 or 4/3 hybrid defense which is undoubtedly what Belichick will employ. He might have played in the big east and not had the competition that most of the other first round picks have, but then again what if he had played in a better conference? His performance could have been the same right? Lets hope so...
Dont’a Hightower is a concensus All-American, a first team All-SEC and a BCS National Champion. He has great short area explosion and closing speed and is also very versatile like Jones and can play well in multiple defensive schemes. He can shed blocks quickly and has great vision. His accolades speak for themselves.
Tavon Wilson was kind of a surprise pick. After trading up, they picked the safety in the second round and shocked everyone. The pick left Mel Kiper speachless. I am hoping for something out of this kid, I just don't know all that much about him, but then again, no one really does. I can say that I'm confident overall in the patriots picks for the secondary as they pick some pretty OK second level guys in Chung, Merriweather, Wilson and McCourty. So we'll see.
Jake Bequette is just a Patriot. Hard worker, team oriented, leaves it all on the field. He is versatile as well and can work into many defensive schemes. His story is touching, and you can tell this kid has a lot to play for.
Alfonzo Dennard might end up being the steal of the draft. He might also be the first ever patriot that has was drafted after punching a cop in the face. I wonder if he got the call while in jail. "Hey Alfonso, you get one phone call. Your mom is looking for you and Bill Belichick wants you to give him a call back." I wonder what his choice for his one and only phone call would have been?
