Patriots Cut 2014 1st Round Pick Easley

The New England Patriots made a bit of a shocking move today, as they released former first round draft pick Dominique Easley. 

CSNNE's Tom E. Curran broke the news this afternoon, that the 29th pick of the 2014 draft was out in New England.

Easley's two seasons with the Pats were marred by injuries, as he finished each campaign on the IR.

Easley's inability to stay healthy was no surprise to New England, however, as he dealt with injuries throughout his collegiate career at the University of Florida. Multiple injuries, including tears of both ACLs, led to Easley slipping from a projected top 10 pick to the bottom of round one, where the Pats took a flier on a superior talent.

In 22 career games, the Staten Island, New York native made 25 total tackles and three sacks. He also recorded one interception. 

While he seemed to be taking strides to becoming a top force in the pass rush last season, he was placed on the IR with a biceps issue after week 14, missing the postseason for a second consecutive year.

For the team, this move marks another off season decision regarding the defensive line. In the past few days the team had added interior linemen Terrance Knighton and Markus Kuhn.

An exact reason for the decision to release Easley hasn't been made public but it could have been a combination of the new acquisitions and a lack of health that spelled the end for the former first rounder.