Jones, Hightower highlight Pats draft: The Patriots spent the majority of the 2012 NFL Draft focused on improving 2011's league-worst defense, using six of their seven picks over the weekend on defensive players. The Patriots traded up twice in the first round to select defensive end Chandler Jones of Syracuse at No. 21, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower of Alabama at No. 25. The Patriots also spent both of their second-day picks on defense, selecting safety Tavon Wilson of Illinois in the second round, at No. 48, as well as defensive end Jake Bequette of Arkansas in Round 3, at No. 90. Ohio State safety Nate Ebner and Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard were late-round choices. (Updated 05/08/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/26/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Jones and Hightower should be key cogs in the defense right away, especially Hightower. The biggest problem the Pats had last season was getting their pass rush to scare opposing quarterbacks, and Jones should help there as might Bequette in due time. Despite their well-documented woes last season, the Patriots DST is worth a late pick in drafts given their weak-ish division schedule, though they'll be a risky choice to trust in Week 1 at Tennessee. (Updated 05/08/2012).
