May 21, 2013
Solid Starter
Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers – Round 3 
The Patriots have made it a habit to draft defensive backs early and often in recent years. Ryan was one of the better cover corners in college football in 2012 and did well playing on an island. He was second in the nation with 21 total passes defended and had four interceptions. The 5-foot-11, 191-pounder has some quickness to go along with adequate size.
New England can take its time with the early-entry Ryan, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he is a starter as soon as 2014. Aqib Talib only signed a 1-year deal this offseason and veteran Devin McCourty will be entering the final season of his contract in 2014. Ryan could beat out Kyle Arrington for playing time and prove to be a replacement for Talib or McCourty.
Ryan has the man cover skills, physicality and ball skills to become a starter in the NFL. It looks like the Patriots have a nice player to groom for a starting role in the next few seasons.
Most Likely To Bust
Duron Harmon, S, Rutgers – Round 3 This was one of the biggest reaches on the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Patriots selected Harmon with the 91st overall-pick, but he was viewed as a late-round pick. Some felt that the Scarlet Knight was more likely to be an undrafted free agent.
Harmon was solid but unimpressive for Rutgers in 2012. The senior recorded 50 tackles, an interception and seven passes batted. He played better as a junior with five interceptions. Harmon (6-1, 200) is not particularly big, fast or physical.
The Patriots need long-term answers at safety, but Harmon figures to sit behind Adrian Wilson and Steve Gregory in the short term. It wouldn’t be surprising if Harmon has more competition from the 2014 NFL Draft considering how frequently New England selects defensive backs. Harmon could prove the skeptics wrong, but he looks like a reach and an example of the Patriots leaning too heavily on a college program they like.
Potential Boom Pick
Jamie Collins, DE/OLB, Southern Miss – Round 2 
There is a lot to like about Collins. He is fast, physical and relentless. It was no accident that the senior totaled 10 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss and four forced fumbles in 2012. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder is a nice fit in a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker and also can play defensive end in a 4-3 defense.
That Patriots have a lot of young talent in their linebacking corps and on the edges. Collins should start out as a depth player. The organization can take its time with Collins and let him mature physically for the NFL before inserting him in the lineup. He looks like a natural understudy and eventual replacement for veteran Rob Ninkovich, a very underrated defender who played for New England in 2012.
There were a lot of teams that loved Collins and the pass-rush ability he provides off the edge. Landing him at the 52nd overall-pick could be a great value for New England if he turns into the edge-rusher that he was in college.
Future Depth Player
Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall – Round 2 
The 6-foot-3, 203-pounder is a big receiver who is short on the elite speed to get separation in the NFL. He totaled 57 receptions for 679 yards and three touchdowns last year. Surprisingly, Dobson never had a season in college football in which he totaled 700 yards receiving.
The Patriots run a complex scheme, so it would be surprising if Dobson was able to contribute much as a rookie. However, New England doesn’t have a lot of veteran talent at the position. Dobson finds himself in a competition without established leaders outside of Danny Amendola. Dobson may lack the speed to be a play-maker in the NFL, but he is big and strong. Dobson looks look like he should become a solid depth receiver who can contribute to an offense and be a red-zone weapon.
Walt’s 2013 NFL Draft Grades:
52. Jamie Collins, DE/OLB, Southern Miss: B Grade
Defensive end wasn’t a primary need for the Patriots, but it’s definitely a position that could have been improved. Jamie Collins is a fierce pass-rusher who had 10 sacks in 2012, though level of competition is an issue. He was projected as a mid-second-round prospect, so this is the right range for him.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
59. Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall: C+ Grade
If New England’s history of drafting receivers is any indication, Aaron Dobson will be a bust. The Patriots have taken so many terrible wideouts in the NFL Draft. Aaron Dobson looked good in the Senior Bowl, but this is a slight reach, as he could have gone a round later.
83. Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers: B Grade
This makes sense. The Patriots have gone to Rutgers before for defensive back help, and that worked out pretty well with Devin McCourty. Logan Ryan fills a need; when Aqib Talib got injured against the Ravens, New England didn’t have an answer for Anquan Boldin. And speaking of Talib, he’ll be a free agent next spring.
91. Duron Harmon, S, Rutgers: MILLEN NURSING RUSSELL WESTBROOK BACK TO HEALTH VIA KIELBASA Grade
The Patriots apparently love their Rutgers defensive backs. I liked the Logan Ryan pick, but this one is pretty ridiculous. I don’t know anyone who considered Duron Harmon to be a draftable prospect. New England probably could have selected him in the seventh round.
102. Josh Boyce, WR, TCU: B- Grade
The Patriots had to double up on the receiver position after losing Brandon Lloyd and Wes Welker this offseason. Once again, they have a dubious history of drafting wideouts, but maybe they’ll be able to hit on one of these two players. I’ve had the speedy Josh Boyce in the fourth and fifth rounds of my mock throughout this process.
226. Michael Buchanan, DE/OLB, Illinois: B Grade
Michael Buchanan fits both the 4-3 and 3-4, so it’s no surprise Bill Belichick selected him. He fits the range and gives the Patriots another pass-rusher, so this was a solid move.
235. Steve Beauharnais, LB, Rutgers: A- Grade
Steve Beauharnais was expected to go earlier than this, so I like the value. He’s a versatile linebacker, which is something Bill Belichick loves.
2013 NFL Draft Team Grade: B- . Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
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