Ta(c)k(l)ing it Easley
Dominique Easley came into the NFL as a highly touted prospect, albeit one with significant health concerns. In his college career at the University of Florida, the defensive lineman showed enormous potential, but two ACL injuries, one to each knee, caused him to tumble down draft boards. Easley’s biggest strengths – quickness off the snap, sudden bursts of speed, and relentless energy – all stemmed from his explosiveness, so his medical history created doubts about his ability to make the NFL transition. The Patriots saw the upside at an area of need and drafted him in the first round, taking a big risk in hopes of a big reward. Patriot fans were excited by the prospect of Easley wreaking havoc alongside Chandler Jones and a healthy Vince Wilfork.