2015 NFL Draft Results: Patriots select SS Jordan Richards with 64th pick

The New England Patriots have selected Jordan Richards, safety out of Stanford with the 64th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Richards' selection continues the nearly annual tradition of Bill Belichick "reaching" for a safety in the early rounds of the draft. Most had Richard projected as a day three player. Nonetheless, Richards has the potential to be a very solid early-down safety across from Devin McCourty in the future. He was a three year starter, team captain, tough, is solid in run support, and has excellent instincts in the passing game.

Here's another thing that likely caught the Patriots eye with Richards: a 4.22 in the shuttle and 6.74 in the three-cone drill.

With a crowded depth chart that includes McCourty, incumbent strong safety Patrick Chung, and youngsters Duron Harmon and Tavon Wilson, Richards will have his work cut out for him to earn a role as a rookie. Nonetheless, he is a dependable, smart player who was a leader at Stanford.

The Patriots have yet to trade in this draft, as they have selected at both of their slotted picks: 32 and 64. What are your initial thoughts on the selection of Richards?

New England still has two remaining picks scheduled for day two. In the third round, they hold picks 96 and 97. The 97th pick cannot be traded, as it is a compensatory selection. The full Patriots draft board thus far: