With their compensatory selection in the 6th round of the NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Ted Larsen, center out of NC State.

Larsen was regarded as one of the top two or three centers in the draft after Maurkice Pouncey, and is certainly a capable player.  A former defensive tackle, Larsen switched to center in 2008 and is still a little bit raw.  He is a nasty, high motor player who has excellent strength and shows good agility and quickness for his size.  He could also play guard for the Patriots.  The downside on Larsen is that he is a little slow on his reads, but this likely has to do more with his in-experience than anything.

Overall, Larsen is a more-than-capable prospect who could challenge for a starting job in a year or two, especially with Dan Koppen getting a little bit older.  Pick Grade: A-