JIMMY GOLEN
AP Sports Writer

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots selected Florida defensive end Dominique Easley with the No. 29 overall pick in the NFL draft.

Easley was said to have the talent for a top 10 pick before a pair of ACL operations had projected him to go in the second or third round. According to his draft overview at NFL.com, Easley was accused of fighting with a former Alabama football player in October. Although police recommended he be charged with a misdemeanor, the State’s Attorney’s office declined to press charges.

With only a low pick in Thursday’s first round, the biggest excitement for Patriots fans might have been Tom Brady’s surprise appearance at the teams’ draft party.

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