Inside The Playbook

Grading the Patriots first round picks

By: Lily Zhao


Following the first day of draft picks, the Patriots ended up doing something surprising... trading up... twice. Bill Belichick has only traded up in the first round twice in the past 12 drafts. The Patriots gave up a third-round pick to move up from 27 to 21 to acquire Syracuse DE Chandler Jones. The team then acquired its 25th pick from the Denver Broncos, selecting Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower.

The question now is how these two defensive players fit into the Patriots defensive scheme. Last season, New England ran a 4-3 out of necessity due to the lockout, which severely shortened the team's ability to workout during the offseason. However, as the season progressed, the defense reverted back to its old 3-4 defensive scheme. And now with Jones and Hightower coming in, it seems the Patriots' defensive scheme could revert back to the 4-3 scheme.

But can Jones and Hightower make an impact next season? Here are my grades for the Patriots' first round selections.

No. 21: CHANDLER JONES, DE, Syracuse

The 6'5'', 265-pound defensive end shot up the draft boards late in the first round. His versatility on the field and his wingspan give New England a big boost on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots ranked 31st in the league in yards allowed and 14th in the league in sacks last season. Jones was known at Syracuse for his ability to defend the pass rush, but his run defense has been extremely underrated. He has the ability crash the line inside to stop short yardage plays and can frequently get into the backfield to disrupt the quarterback. Furthermore, Jones is versatile. He can play the defensive end position or outside linebacker. His skill set will allow Belichick to move him all over the field. However, his absence in five games last season due to an injury sustained in the Orange's game against Wake Forest means he might be a little raw and could need help adjusting to playing alongside veterans like Vince Wilfork and Jonathan Fanene.

*Does Chandler Jones fit in with the Patriots? Watch the video analysis here.

Grade: B+

No. 25: DONT'A HIGHTOWER, LB, Alabama

(bleacherreport.com)

This 6'4'', 260-pound linebacker was one of the leaders of National Champion Alabama's top-ranked defense last season. He uses his size to plug up the interior gaps on the line due to his great speed and ability to shed blocks. He can also get to the ball-carrier, recording four sacks last season. Furthermore, his versatility on defense and his know-how of picking up on complex schemes will be crucial as a Patriots player. As a student of Nick Saban, one of Belichick's closest friends, Hightower has been trained well for his trip to New England. If he can translate his skills well to the pros, the linebacker corps for the Patriots might be shaping up to be Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes and Dont'a Hightower.

*Can Dont'a Hightower make an impact his rookie season? Watch the video analysis here.


Grade: A-