New York, NY–Former Razorback defensive end Jake Bequette became the first Razorback taken in the 2012 NFL draft going in the 3rd round to New England.
Receiver/punt returner Joe Adams best chance of going in the 3rd round ended when Dallas continued to shore up it’s defense by selecting Boise State defensive end Tyrone Crawford.
NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said the Patriots organization was high on Bequette for a number of reasons.
At the top of the list is versatility. At the Senior Bowl and at the NFL Combine Bequette demonstrated that he could not only play defensive end but also outside linebacker which would suit New England’s 3-4 scheme.
The 4.75 40 he ran at the Combine along with a 34 inch vertical jump showed Bequette’s athleticism and, Kyper Jr. said, “He’s a relentless all-out hustler and a respected team leader something that (Patriots head coach) Bill Belichick likes.”
The former Little Rock Catholic star comes from a long line of Razorback football players. His grandfather, the late George Bequette, played for the 1954 SWC champion Razorbacks. His father Jay Bequette was an offensive lineman for Lou Holtz lettering in 1980-’82. Uncle Chris Bequette lettered all four years from 1984-88 as an offensive lineman for Ken Hatfield.
In 2011, as a redshirt senior, Bequette played in 10 games, and was named a first-team All-SEC selection. In addition to his ten sacks, Bequette notched five forced fumbles and 28 tackles (10.5 for a loss).
