Patriots Rookie Projections: Recap

Over the past nine days, we ran a series of posts looking at the nine rookies from the Patriots 2011 NFL Draft class, and we projected what they might do in 2011 and beyond. Lets recap:

Round 1, Pick 17: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado | Story Link

Projection: 16 GP, 5 GS

Bottom Line: Top back-up rookie season, starter by 2012 or 2013 the latest

Round 2, Pick 33: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia | Story Link

Projection: 14 GP, 2 Starts; 33 tackles, 8 PD, 2 INTs

Bottom Line: Top back-up at boundary CB in 2011, starter by 2012/13

Round 2, Pick 56: Shane Vereen, RB, California | Story Link

Projection: 16 GP, 3 GS; 82 carries, 386 yards, 1 TD; 24 receptions, 218 yards, 1 TD

Bottom Line: 3rd down and rotational back in 2011, starting candidate in 2012

Round 3, Pick 73: Stevan Ridley, RB, LSU | Story Link

Projection: 15 Games Played, 1 Start; 58 carries, 224 yards, 3 TDs; 4 receptions, 21 yards

Bottom Line: Reserve RB and FB in 2011, possible starter on 1st/2nd down in 2012

Ryan Mallett, Marcus Cannon and the rest of the picks after the jump!

Round 3, Pick 74: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas | Story Link

Projection: 2 Games Played; 11/18, 124 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Bottom Line: 3rd QB for 2011, 2nd QB 2012, with a chance to be traded or take over in 2014

Round 5, Pick 138: Marcus Cannon, G/T, TCU | Story Link

Projection: 0 Games Played

Bottom Line: Recover and learn in 2011, starting right guard in 2012

Round 5, Pick 159: Lee Smith, TE, Marshall | Story Link

Projection: 3 Games Played, 1 Start; 1 reception, 7 yards

Bottom Line: Practice squad in 2011, top blocking tight end in 2012

Round 6, Pick 194: Markell Carter, DE/OLB, Central Arkansas | Story Link

Projection: 2 GP, 0 GS; 3 tackles, .5 sacks

Bottom Line: Project pass rusher who could pay dividends down the road.

Round 7, Pick 219: Malcolm Williams, DB, TCU | Story Link

Projection: 0 Games Played

Bottom Line: Practice squad candidate in 2011, with special teams value in 2012/13