New England Patriots Draft Prospects: David Amerson, Da’Rick Rogers

The New England Patriots primary targets in the 2013 NFL Draft will likely be in the defensive backfield and at the wide receiver position, and two players who could be on the Patriots radar in the middle rounds of the draft are David Amerson of North Carolina State and Da’Rick Rogers of Tennessee Tech.

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David Amerson came into last season with the N.C. State Wolfpack as somebody who was viewed as a sure-fire first-round pick and somebody in line for a big season. The big concern with him was whether or not he would be at cornerback or safety, but Amerson was adamant that he would fit at CB and most people agreed with him.

That concern is still a major one, and now people are tabbing him as a safety instead of a corner after an underwhelming season. Amerson decided to enter the draft, which was viewed with a critical eye by draft prospects. Despite having a great Combine that certainly boosted his stock, ESPN’s excellent scout Kevin Weidl is less than impressed. He was, however, impressed with Justin Hunter, who should be squarely on the Patriots radar and would be a great pick for them. I hope he continues to undeservingly fall, because that would mean better value for the Pats (hopefully in the second-round).

Hunter’s draft stock fell due to injuries and drops with the Tennessee Volunteers last season, but he also turned in a great Combine experience and has far more talent than people give him credit for. However, another former Tennessee wide receiver who was dismissed from the team after far too many second chances is also on the Patriots radar.

Da’Rick Rogers has the ability to be an intriguing deep threat, but he has scary character issues and consistency issues on the field as well that make him a dangerous “upside” pick. Recently mocked to the New England Patriots in a draft done by NESN, sources close to Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting state that Rogers will attend the Vols Pro Day with former teammates Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson, as the coaching staff has seen it appropriate for him to do so.

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