New England Patriots Select DE Jake Bequette At #90 In The NFL Draft

The New England Patriots have selected Defensive End Jake Bequette out of Arkansas with the 90’th overall pick in the NFL draft. The Pariots traded #62 pick in the Second Round with Green Bay to take Bequett in the third. This is another fantastic draft choice for New England. With the addition of Chandler Jones in the first round, New England has SIGNIFICANTLY increased their pass rush and run blocking.

Bequette is the second hard hitting player drafted by the Patriots this year out of the SEC.

Here was his scouting report from ESPN.

Pass Rush Skills –
“Doesn’t run around offensive tackles coming off the edge. Average first-step quickness and doesn’t bend all that well. Average lateral mobility and can redirect but not going to shake many offensive tackles with inside-out moves. On the other hand, is an effective speed-to-power rusher and he keeps tackles off balance. Tracks quarterback as works upfield and adjusts path accordingly. Faster than quick and flashes the ability to deliver the big hit when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Consistently gets arms up in passing lanes.”

Versus the run –
Plays with leverage and strong enough to anchor against most offensive tackles one-on-one. Good initial pop and can set the edge but hands aren’t violent enough. Takes too long to get off blocks. Lower body strength appears just average and can give ground when plays high. Doesn’t have the burst to chase many backs down from behind but makes plays in pursuit. Above average overall range and takes good angles for the most part.

Versatility –
“Best suited to play LDE in a four-man front. Has the frame and bulk that a lot of base 3-4 teams look for at defensive end but arm length is slightly below average for a defensive end prospect. Has limited experience dropping. Not a player teams should feel comfortable asking to match up in man coverage. Average burst and tight in space. On the other hand, did a better than expected job of getting to depth at the Senior Bowl and combine. Also flashed the ability to snatch the ball out of the air at the combine. Has some experience kicking inside in a four-man front and could do so on passing downs but not big or strong enough to anchor against the run at defensive tackle. ”

Instincts/Motor –
Above average instincts and awareness both as a run defender and as a pass-rusher. Reads snap and goes on movement. Sniffs out misdirection and screens. Disciplined and rarely gets caught out of position. Reads quarterback and shows adequate route recognition when drops. Motor is a notch below elite. Relentless pass-rusher and chases the run.