Patriots sign first-round pick Easley


The New England Patriots signed first-round draft pick, defensive lineman Dominique Easley, on Monday.

The team also signed rookie free agent offensive lineman Chris Martin.

New England selected Easley No. 29 overall out of Florida. Easley started in 26 of 32 games in four years with the Gators, collecting 81 tackles, 5.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup.

Easley played just three games his senior year in 2013 after starting in 2011 and 2012. He sustained ACL tears in both knees during his college career.

Martin, 24, originally signed with the Houston Texans out of Central Florida in May. He was released later that month. He played 46 games (27 starts) at both tackle positions and four starts at tight end at Central Florida. He played all 13 games (11 starts) last year and was named to the All-American Athletic Conference second team.