10-22-2018, 06:28 AM
The Patriots had already upgraded their roster Lamar Miller Jersey before the 2017 NFL Draft by signing free-agent cornerback Stephen Gilmore and trading for defensive end Kony Ealy, tight end Dwayne Allenand wide receiver Brandin Cooks.Because of those trades, the Patriots did not have a first- or second-round pick. But the savvy Bill Belichick did not reach for a player he really liked in the draft. Instead the Patriots coach and general manager actually moved down 11 spots before finally selecting Youngstown State defensive end Derek Rivers.The Patriots traded down from 72 to 83, and sent a sixth-round pick (200th overall) to the Titans while getting a fourth-round pick (124).Rivers was extremely productive at the FCS level as a three-time first-team All-Mi souri Valley Conference selection. He closed his career with a school-record 37 1/ Jason Taylor Jersey 2 career sacks, adding 56 1/2 career tackles for lo s. Hes a quick 6-4, 250-pound edge rusher who put fortha dominant showing at the Senior Bowl.Rivers helped the Penguins reach the FCS national championship game and provides versaility at end or linebacker.It was a luxury pick for the Patriots, who already had the best offseason of any team. The Super Bowl champions selected what they deemed the best player available and added a Frank Gore Jersey potential playmaker to last season's No. 1 scoring defense.The Patriots then added some offensive line depth with Troy's Antonio Garcia after using a fourth-round pick they got from the Titans to move back into the third round at 85th overall.Garcia has some nastine s that Men's Ryan Tannehill 2018 Game Jersey earned him first-team All-Sun Belt honors. The 6-6, 302-pound Houston native did not allow a single sack last season, which included a game against Clemson and its impre sive front four. Garcia was a four-year starter at tackle for the Trojans. Hes Mark Duper Jersey a tough road grader on the ground and anchors well with a good power step in pa s protection. He slides well, but if he has a weakne s, its that he will sometimes get beat on an inside move.Garcia should be able to perfect his technique getting coached up by longtime offensive line coachDante Scarnecchia.