Patriots Draft Picks 2014: James White Goes No. 130

With the 130th pick in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have made a selection, taking running back James C. White out of Wisconsin.

Team Needs:

TE  |  DT |  DE |  LB | OG/C | S | RB | QB

Thoughts: With no running back under contract past 2014, the New England Patriots needed to take a running back in this draft.  James White is an undersized, but powerful and elusize do-it-all back who was very productive at Wisconsin and will contribute as a runner, pass catcher, and blocker.

Patriots Draft Picks:

Round 1, Pick 29: Dominique Easley, DL, Florida

Round 2, Pick 62: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois

Round 4, Pick 105: Brian Stork, C, Florida State

Round 4, Pick 130: James White, RB, Wisconsin

Round 4, Pick 140 (Compensatory selection, can't be traded): Today

Round 6, Pick 179: Today

Round 6, Pick 198 (via Philadelphia): Today

Round 6, Pick 206: Today

Round 7, Pick 244: Today

Instant Grade: B+

This is another very solid pick for the Patriots at a position of need.  Most had White going somewhere in the middle of day three (likely due to being undersized), so this seems like solid value as well.  White might not contribute a whole lot as a rookie, but with his vision, acceleration, power, agility, and ability to block and catch, he's a versatile player who should have a future in New England.

We'll have more on the selection soon. What do you think of the Patriots' pick? Leave your thoughts below!