Defensive tackle Dominique Easley, a first-round pick in 2014 who ended his two seasons with the Patriots on injured reserve, is about to hit the waiver wire.
CSNNE.com’s Tom Curran broke the news Wednesday that Easley was informed he would not have a role with the Patriots in 2016.
Easley was a surprising first-round pick out of Florida because of durability concerns. He had hip, ankle and thigh injuries during the 2015 season and was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 16 after playing in nine games and registering two sacks.
NFLDraftScout.com’s Dane Brugler said in 2014 “He has an explosive first step and is extremely fluid for his size, showing lateral burst to attack gaps and win angles. Easley is a tough, high motor kid and forces the issue with his penetration, making an impact even if he doesn’t get the sack or tackle. He is a high character person with a strong work ethic so if anyone can return from an injury like this, it’s him.”
The Patriots were active reloading at the position, signing former Redskins and Broncos nose tackle Terrance Knighton to a one-year, $4.5 million contract and bringing back 31-year-old Alan Branch.
Easley is likely to be claimed considering his talent and the fact that at 23 – he turns 24 the first day of the 2016 NFL Draft – he’s younger than some prospects in the 2016 draft.