New England Patriots NFL Draft Analysis for 2014 season and 2015 and Beyond
By Hal Bent
Aug 16, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; An NFL Heads Up logo is affixed to the helmet of New England Patriots defensive end Jake Bequette (92) prior to a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Round: 6, Pick: 22 (Overall: 198) Zach Moore, DE, Concordia-St. Paul:
Overview:
The Patriots have been searching for depth at defensive end and spent their second sixth round draft pick on Zach Moore. Previously, the Patriots invested a seventh round draft pick in 2013 for Illinois defensive end Michael Buchanan and a 2012 third round draft pick on Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette. Both players have been incapable of carving out any significant playing time in their tenure in New England.
Moore looks the part of a defensive end standing six-foot-five and weighing 269 pounds. His tape shows he is an explosive athlete but the caveat is that the competition was Division II. Until training camp and the pre-season, he is squarely in the “project” category. In a best case situation with his length and athleticism Moore could compete for a third-down pass rush specialist position on the roster. He is a versatile player who could also play outside linebacker if necessary in a 3-4 front.
2014 Role:
Moore is going to be in a fight for a roster spot. Most likely for Moore is a spot on the practice squad in 2014 as the team will work on developing his raw skills and athleticism into a future contributor.
2015 and Beyond:
Moore is likely a developmental project for 2015. He has the athleticism that the team may be able to mold into an effective contributor going forward but his lack of competition against top level talent makes him a question mark. With the proper coaching he could be a project that turns into a contributor.
Similar pick in the past: Tully Banta-Cain, DE/LB #239 – 2003
Like Banta-Cain, Moore has the athleticism to contribute in the NFL in the right situation. Banta-Cain eventually put up double-digit sacks in his second tour in New England in 2009. If Moore follows the Banta-Cain model and works his way from special teams contributor to eventual starter this would be a great pick for New England.