With the 247th pick in the 7th round in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Brandon Deaderick, defensive end out of Alabama.
While the Patriots didn't address the defensive line position the first six rounds, they picked up a quality defensive lineman in the 7th. While Deaderick was seen by most as a sixth or seventh round draft pick, I had a third-fourth round grade on him as a defensive end.
He has the type of length that the Patriots look for at defensive end. At 6-4, 310 pounds with extremely long arms, Deaderick has experience playing end in the 3-4, in the 4-3, as well as kicking inside to rush the passer. Deaderick had an excellent junior season, but failed to produce consistently as a senior in 2009.
As a player, he can hold up at the point of attack, with the ability to push back against double teams. He is your prototypical 3-4 defensive end, with some good instincts. His downside is that he lacks good quickness off the snap, and could use to add some upper body strength. Deaderick probably isn't going to start as a rookie, but a year or two from now, he could be a solid first and second down player. Greg's Grade: A