Patriots Trade Down, Select DE Jake Bequette At No. 90 Overall

At least we were able to predict SOMETHING correct on this hectic day two. Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots surrendered the No. 62 overall pick to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for their third round pick (No. 90 overall) and their fifth rounder (No. 163 overall).

And with the ninetieth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have selected Jake Bequette, a DE/OLB out of the University of Arkansas. Ok, at least it's a guy who has a picture and scouting report on file at ESPN (if you don't know what I'm talking about, see Wilson, Tavone). Here's a little more on Jake:

Bequette comes in at 6'5 and 274 pounds and can be used in a 3-4 and 4-3 base defense. He has a good ball rush and exhibits amazing technique in one-on-ones. To some it up, he knows how to get after the quarterback. In his senior season at Arkansas, Bequette recorded 32 tackles (8.5 for a loss) and brought down the quarterback a career high seven times, which led the team. His spectacular season resulted him being a second-team All-SEC player and was the defensive MVP in the Cotton Bowl this past season.

The negatives that I'm consistently seeing is that he struggles on the edge rush and has trouble changing direction. Bequette also missed some games in 2011 due to a hamstring injury. His edge rushing ability can be improved by the coaching staff, so this appears to be a tremendous pick. He's got the versatility BB loves in the front seven and can play in a 4-3 and a 3-4. I really like this pick by Belichick and company.

Jared's Grade: B+