In the 2014 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots found themselves at a crossroads with the No. 29 overall pick. On the board were standout talents like wide receiver Davante Adams and edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. Instead, the Patriots opted for defensive tackle Dominique Easley.
Easley's NFL journey was brief. Over his career, he played 41 games, starting in just three of the 22 he suited up for the Patriots between 2014 and 2015.
His stats included three sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and one interception. Unfortunately, his time in the league didn't pan out as hoped.
At the time, the Patriots had a solid lineup. Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell were holding down the wide receiver position, while Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich were reliable on the defensive end. Still, looking back, passing on players like Adams and Lawrence seems significant.
Davante Adams, now with the Los Angeles Rams, was originally the No. 53 overall pick by the Green Bay Packers. His career has been nothing short of stellar, with three first-team All-Pro selections.
Adams has been a key player in five NFC Championship games, including a 2026 appearance with the Rams. He's surpassed 1,000 receiving yards six times and led the league in touchdown receptions in 2020, 2022, and 2025.
DeMarcus Lawrence, another name the Patriots could have considered, was taken at No. 34 by the Dallas Cowboys. By his fourth season, he had earned a second-team All-Pro honor, racking up 14.5 sacks in 2017.
Lawrence continued to dominate with 10.5 sacks in 2018 and is currently fifth among active players in forced fumbles, with 24. His efforts contributed to the Seattle Seahawks' victory in Super Bowl LX in 2026.
Another notable mention is Joel Bitonio, picked at No. 35 by the Cleveland Browns. Bitonio has been a stalwart for the Browns throughout his 12-year career, earning two first-team and three second-team All-Pro honors.
The 2014 draft decisions continue to echo, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the lasting impact of draft-day choices.