New England Patriots NFL Draft Analysis for 2014 season and 2015 and Beyond
By Hal Bent
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminole center Bryan Stork (52) celebrates as he holds the trophy after defeating the Auburn Tigers 34-31 the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Round: 3, Pick: 29 (Overall: 93)
The Patriots acquired a high fourth round pick (105) and a sixth round pick (179) for the No. 93 pick. Moving back twelve spots netted New England an extra pick. This was a matter of quantity over quality. The Jaguars traded up for guard Brandon Linder out of Miami (FL) while New England got the center they likely were targeting all along with their pick and an extra interior offensive lineman.
Similar pick in the past:
It is not a Patriots draft without Bill Belichick moving up and down the draft board. Moving down for extra picks or trading out of a weak draft for future picks is a part of draft day in New England. This move down in the draft is a New England tradition and like the year prior when their first round pick (#29 overall) was traded to Minnesota. Minnesota grabbed wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, but New England turned that draft pick into linebacker Jamie Collins, cornerback Logan Ryan, wide receiver Josh Boyce, and a year of running back LeGarrette Blount.
Round: 4, Pick: 5 (Overall: 105) Bryan Stork, C, Florida State:
Overview:
The Patriots have been in need of an upgrade to their interior offensive line for the past two seasons and the selection of Stork gives them one of the highest rated players at center in the 2014 NFL Draft. Stork has missed some time with injuries, but at 6-foot-3 7/8 and 315 pounds, he brings a bigger body type to the position that the Patriots don’t currently have with incumbent Ryan Wendell.
2014 Role:
Stork will have to have a strong training camp to earn the starting job right out of the gate. At worst, he will provide competition and push Wendell after Wendell’s disastrous 2013 season. At best, Stork would beat out Wendell and give New England the size and strength needed in the middle of the offensive line immediately.
2015 and Beyond:
Bryan Stork was brought in to be the long-term answer at center. He is being counted on to snap the ball to Tom Brady from 2015 until the end of his illustrious career at quarterback in New England. Stork should then–in a best case scenario–ease the transition of whoever takes over under center in the future.
Similar pick in the past: Dan Koppen, C #164 overall – 2003
The comparisons to former Boston College and Patriots center Dan Koppen will likely be a big story in training camp as Stork battles Ryan Wendell for the starting job. Koppen went on to a long and successful NFL career and is one of the most “value-added” draft picks of Bill Belichick’s career. Nine years in New England and another in Denver saw Koppen start 132 NFL games in his career.