Ron Brace SELECTED BY: Patriots Round 2 (8)

SI Grade 3.88 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior. Totals last season included 27/10/2.5 after 27/7.5/2.5 as a junior.

POSITIVES: Big, explosive wide-bodied defensive lineman with the ability to clog the middle. Displays outstanding first step quickness, fires through gaps of the offensive line, and makes plays up the field. Chases hard to get involved in the action, plays with a good degree of quickness, and flashes power at the point of attack.

NEGATIVES: Straight-line defender who lacks the quick change direction. Must improve his hand technique, as he gets locked up too easily into blocks. Looks overweight and poorly conditioned.

ANALYSIS: Brace has been a consistent performer at Boston College in the middle of the defensive line, and he offers possibilities as either a conventional defensive tackle or on the nose in a 3-4. If he raises his level of play and commits to year-round conditioning, Brace has the ability to develop into a starter at the next level.

PROJECTION: Second Round