New England Patriots: Revisiting and Grading the Draft: 2010

Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (not pictured) during the third quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Round  #90 overall: wide receiver Taylor Price

New England had the #89 overall pick in hand and swung a deal to let the Panthers move back into the third round at the cost of a 2011 future second round pick. The Panthers drafted Appalachian State wide receiver Armanti Edwards at #89 overall. Edwards is out of the league and had seven receptions over four seasons. The pick in 2011 turned into the first pick of the second round and #33 overall.

At #90 the Patriots found themselves in a run on wide receivers. Just like with linebacker Jermaine Cunningham in the second round, the Patriots whiffed on their pick. The Patriots took Ohio University wide receiver Taylor Price after LaFell, Sanders, and Decker came off the board. Jordan Shipley went to Cincinnati at #84 overall, Andre Roberts went to Arizona at #88 overall, and Edwards went to Carolina next.

Price was a failure in New England. He lasted just a year plus in New England and had just two receptions with the Patriots both in week seventeen–the only game he was active as a rookie. He landed in Jacksonville after being waived as they claimed him off waivers. He had just two catches in Jacksonville and injuries slowed him in 2012 and 2013 as he spent both years on injured reserve. He was signed by Seattle last year and spent a third straight year on injured reserve.

SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED:

The pick after New England took Price, the 49ers signed impressive linebacker NaVorro Bowman at #91 overall. At #92 overall the Browns found guard Shawn Lauvao who had three solid years in Cleveland before the Redskins pried him away with a big contract last year in free agency. The miss that hurts is that tight end Jimmy Graham was still on the board and did not go until #95 overall when New Orleans snapped up the star tight end. Imagine an offense with Graham and Gronkowski at tight end together. Instead, it was the unfulfilled promise of Price.

GRADE: D+

Price was a washout, but at least New England took the step of grabbing a wide receiver and trying to address a need. Considering the quality receivers taken in the third round, this pick was close to another home run for New England in the 2010 draft. They may have swung and missed, but at least they went down swinging.

Next: Round Four