New England Patriots: Grading the 2009 Draft Class

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), tackle Sebastian Vollmer (76), and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

2    Ron Brace        DT     Boston College         Grade: D+

Of the four players drafted in the 2nd round in 2009 by the Patriots, Ron Brace was the most disappointing.  Struggling for fitness throughout his four-year stint with the team, he never managed to hold down a starting role.  Known as a run-stuffing specialist coming out of college, his draft stock was probably helped by playing alongside BJ Raji.  Brace found it difficult to keep his fitness and failed the conditioning test at the start of the 2010 season.  At the end of the 2012 Brace was released and was out of the league a year later.  Less than a year ago Brace died of an apparent heart attack at the age of 29, (article by Mike Reiss).

2     Darius Butler        CB       Connecticut      Grade: D

Butler has been one of the few players that have gone on to have success since being released by the Patriots.  Despite not starting many games his rookie season he contributed with three interceptions.  2010 proved to be a lot more troublesome for Butler.  He lost his starting place as the nickel cornerback to Kyle Arrington in Week 3 after a disastrous performance against the Jets and never recovered.  Butler was released at the start of the 2011 season after only two years with the team.  He was picked up by the Panthers and then a year later by the Colts where he has become a mainstay in their secondary.

2     Sebastian Vollmer      OT       Houston      Grade: A-

Probably the most talented offensive tackle to play for the Patriots since Bruce Armstrong, Vollmer wasn’t even invited to the scouting combine during the pre-draft process in 2009.  Equally as comfortable playing left or right tackle, he had the potential to be an all-time great for the Patriots.  Unfortunately for the gentle giant, injuries played a huge part in his career.  He only played in all sixteen games once in his eight-year career.  If he had been healthier there is no doubt that he would have been a Pro-Bowl and All-Pro player.