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From General Manager Nick Cast: New England's two key needs are Defensive End and Rush Linebacker. New England did not have a player that got more then 5.5 sacks last year. Upgrades are definitely needed. I was planning on staying put at 17 and just drafting the best 3-4 DE that dropped to me, but as Cameron Jordan fell down the draft, I couldn't resist. Jordan is the prototypical 3-4 DE. He played in Cal's 3-4 so he has plenty of experience. He's got a great first step and is strong enough to hold the edge against the run. He's got a great motor and tore it up at the Senior Bowl 1 vs 1 drills. Jordan gives the Patriots a young, talented DE to put on the line. Mark Sanchez, Chad Henne, and Ryan Fitzpatrick, beware.
From the Commish
Sayre: This is a solid pick from New England, though I'm not sure they needed to trade up in order to get a player of this caliber. Yes, they have a lot of picks, so trading up is definitely an option, but I'm just not sure it was necessary being that they pick only four slots behind here. That being said, when you look at the player they got, the talent is undeniable. Jordan brings a great attitude to the game and has the production to back it up. He could probably stand to add a few pounds to his frame to be better suited to the 3-4, but he has experience in that scheme having played at Cal, so I like this selection overall for the Patriots.
