Jake Bequette, Arkansas

What is not to like about this pick? I think that Jake Bequette is a classic blue-collar player. His NFL.com page says it all:

Bequette was a strong player for Arkansas, though his productivity could be attributed more to competitiveness and intelligence than great athleticism. He stood out as a leader and high-energy player for the Razorbacks. He had the strength to rush, set the edge and hold his ground in the run game, able to battle bigger linemen and go hard until the end of the play. He is a solid tackler around the ball and consistently pursues plays from the backside. His versatility across the line makes him a good value for NFL teams, especially those running a 3-4 defense. He will likely be taken in one of the later rounds. 

This kid was 1st team All-SEC on hard work and energy. He was a top performer in not one, but two combine events, having the 3rd fastest 3 cone drill at 6.90, and the 2nd fastest 20 yd shuttle at 4.07. He ran a 4.82 in the 40.  At 6'5" 275 lbs, he can really move.  I am not sure where the unathletic stamp came into play...

Seems like this kid is a sleeper with a lot of heart. He will come in and bust his butt, and he has potential to become a locker room leader in 3-4 years when this draft class becomes the core of the defense. Many 3rd round picks grow to become difference makers, but Bequette will need to carve out a role for himself if he wants to stand out in a suddenly formidable Patriot Defensive line.

The commitment to defense in this 2012 draft will pay dividends for the development of these rookies. These prospects are all high-character guys that come into an organization with excellent coaching and veteran leadership. The influx of versatile talent makes this a perfect time to develop Defensive players. These rookies can do what they do best, and there will be enough variety and depth to compensate for their weaknesses.

Likewise, all the picks are said to have high football IQs, so they should not have a problem adjusting to the complexity of Belichick's schemes.  Surely, it will be a work in progress that expands as the year progresses, but I don't see these guys pulling a Losto Cinco.

Wilson and Bequette might be unheralded picks, but Belichick has done his homework. These are the guys that he wants because he sees smart, solid football players that will run through a brick wall for him. 

Wilson and Bequette are rated very low by NFL.com, but Belichick takes them unapologetically. And yeah, I trust him.