Musket Fire
FanSided

NFL Draft: Revisiting and Grading the New England Patriots 2015 NFL Draft Picks

By Hal Bent

May 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) and president Jonathan Kraft (right) pose with first-round draft choice defensive lineman Malcom Brown at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) and president Jonathan Kraft (right) pose with first-round draft choice defensive lineman Malcom Brown at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 12
Next

1st Round, Pick #32 Overall — Malcom Brown (DL, Texas)

Grade: A

One Liner: Everyone called this pick a home run…and they were right!

New England Patriots NFL Draft
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have completely overhauled the defense in the past five years: the defense is young and athletic at almost every position–particularly in the front seven. The only holdovers are Devin McCourty and Rob Ninkovich. The Patriots are young and athletic with explosive playmakers up front with Dont’a Hightower, Dominique Easley, Jabaal Sheard, and Jamie Collins.

In 2014 the Patriots added defensive tackle Easley in the first round to be their penetrating inside pass rusher. Last season the Patriots’ top pick Malcom Brown was added after he inexplicably dropped to New England at number 32 overall. Brown led all defensive tackles in New England playing over 500 snaps (all playing time numbers from ESPN Boston) was a very effective run stopper, but he proved he is an every down player capable of creating havoc in the backfield on running plays and collapsing the pocket. Brown stepped in as a rookie and provided strong play as well as the expectation of continued improvement as he matures in the NFL.

Next: 2nd Round (64th Overall) – Jordan Richards

Home/Patriots News