Patriots wrap up the draft

The 2010 NFL Draft is finally over for the New England Patriots as they have made their final three selections. At #247, Belichick tapped into his coaching pipeline, this time Nick Saban from Alabama, to select DE Brandon Deaderick. Deaderick has good size (6’4″, 314) and would project to play end in the Pats’ 3-4 alignment. He started three seasons for Alabama and is an effective bull rusher but lacks athleticism to move along the line and make tackles in space. Here’s the scouting report:

“Deaderick was a productive three-year starter for the Alabama defense. He has good size and strength with just average athleticism for the position. He doesn’t have great initial quickness and struggles some to change directions in space. He flashes a powerful punch to control blockers and is an instinctive player as blocking schemes unfold. He is a quick reactor and feels pad pressure well to restrict running lanes. He is a solid tackler in a confined area but again can be inconsistent in space. Deaderick is a solid defender who has the tools to contribute as a backup in his rookie season and eventually could push for a starting position.”

The Pats stuck with the defensive line at #248 and selected Georgia DT Kade Weston. He’s another defensive lineman with good size (6’5″, 316). Honestly, I can’t find too much about this guy. He’s not listed under NFL.com’s prospect list and CBS Sports has very little on him as well. He’s probably a long-shot to make the roster but I’ll pass along info on the kid as it comes out.

With their final pick, #250 overall, the Patriots selected Oklahoma State QB Zac Robinson. Robinson is a very raw prospect but an athletic one as well. He’s not a pocket passer but can make throws on the run. Here’s NFL.com’s scouting report:

“Robinson is a two-year starter that has shown the ability to lead his team and put points on the scoreboard, but is not a classic pocket passer that can make all the throws needed for the next level. He has adequate arm strength but compensates with a live arm that allows him to get the ball out quickly and does not give defenders a lot of time to get a jump on his throws. He needs work on going through his progressions and looking defenders off and will force too many passes causing more interceptions than he should throw. He is athletic and can extend the pocket or throw the ball on the move but will likely never be more than a second or third quarterback on an NFL team.”

Chris Mortenson from ESPN had some interesting tweets on Zac Robinson. He doesn’t think that he will primarily be used as a QB here in New England:

Patriots take Ok. St QB Zac Roibinson; can always convert to safety if it doesn’t work at QB #NFLDraft

RT @JoeyReynolds24: @mortreport saftey? He played WR in high school >> Zac Robinson played both WR & S as Colorado prep # NFLDraft

RT @gregpfrancis: @mortreport Zac Robinson from same HS as LenDale White. Played mostly QB. >Pats like versatility, leave it at that

I’m not sure about the conversion factor but it will be interesting to see what Belichick has in mind for Robinson. It’s been quite a draft with a lot to review. Draft grades and further updates and analysis on the Patriots’ picks will come throughout the week. One more nugget to throw out there: I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pats try and sign DE Shaun Ellis if the Jets release him as has been rumored.