Patriots Draft Picks 2014: Dominique Easley Goes No. 29

With the 29th pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have made a selection, taking Dominique Easley out of Florida.

Team Needs:

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

Thoughts: Easley fills an obvious need of the Patriots: a sub-package penetrating defensive tackle.  With Tommy Kelly and Vince Wilfork aging, he also provides a future developmental presence who, depsite an injury history, has tremendous explosiveness and intriguing versatility.

Patriots Draft Picks:

Round 1, Pick 29: Dominique Easley, DT/DE, Florida

Round 2, Pick 62: Friday

Round 3, Pick 93: Friday

Round 4, Pick 130: Saturday

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

Round 6, Pick 198 (via Philadelphia): Saturday

Round 6, Pick 206: Saturday

Round 7, Pick 244

Instant Grade: B-

Easley is an immediate upgrade to the Patriots on passing downs, a top ten talent, and will boost their interior rush immediately. But considering his injury history of two torn ACL's, this selection is certainly a risk, coming on the heels of the team's selection of cornerback Ras-I Dowling with the 33rd pick in 2012.

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