With our "Patriots Rookie Projections" series completed, lets go back and quickly recap each rookie's preview:
Chandler Jones, DE: Round 1, Pick 21
Projected Stats: 15 games played; 6 games started; 31 tackles; 6.5 sacks, 2 FF, 5 PD
Bottom Line: Rotational defensive lineman in sub-packages to begin the year, starter by the end of the year or heading into year two
Dont'a Hightower, LB: Round 1, Pick 25
Projected Stats: 16 games played; 11 games started; 74 tackles; 2.5 sacks, 4 PD, 1 INT
Bottom Line: Versatile player who plays a variety of roles for the Patriots at linebacker in multiple fronts as a rookie. By year two or three, will have more of a defined position.
Tavon Wilson, DB: Round 2, Pick 48
Projected Stats: 16 games played; 3 games started; 41 total tackles; 1 int; 4 PD; 1.0 sacks
Bottom Line: Rotational safety who will also see time in sub-packages and on special teams as a rookie, could develop into a starter by year two or three.
Jake Bequette, DE/LB: Round 3, Pick 90
Projected Stats: 16 games played; 2 games started; 26 total tackles; 1 PD; 5.0 sacks
Bottom Line: Impact situational defensive end in 2012, with a chance to become a starter by 2013 or 2014.
Nate Ebner, DB: Round 6, Pick 197
Projected Stats: 2 games played; 2 tackles
Bottom Line: Practice squad in 2012 (with a chance to get called up near the end of the season), makes the roster in 2013.
Alfonzo Dennard, DB: Round 7, Pick 224
Projected Stats: 16 games played (1 start); 20 tackles; 4 PD; 1 int
Bottom Line: Limited role as a versatile defensive back (outside, slot, safety) in 2012, with a chance for an increased playing time and a starting role in 2013.
Jeremy Ebert, WR: Round 7, Pick 235
Projected Stats: Spends the 2012 season on the practice squad
Bottom Line: Ebert spends the 2012 season on the practice squad, but represents much-needed youth in the Patriots receiving corps. Could be a factor at the position heading into 2013.