FOXBORO, Mass. — Michael Buchanan isn’t the typical seventh-round pick.
The rookie was supposed to be one of the first defensive ends off the board in the 2013 draft, but a disappointing senior season dropped him all the way down to the No. 226 pick, where the Patriots scooped him up. Buchanan hasn’t played like the typical seventh-rounder either. He has two sacks, nine hurries and three quarterback hits on the season, though his snaps have dropped off the last few weeks.
Buchanan started the season as New England’s third-down rusher. Chandler Jones would move inside and Buchanan would play on the right end. Buchanan played a season-high 24 snaps against the Falcons, but that number has dropped to six, eight and 14 in subsequent weeks.
We’re at the midway point in the season, so we’ve been catching up with most of this year’s rookie crop. See how Buchanan is adjusting to life in the NFL below.
Who do you look to as the “big brother” in the locker room, who you feel comfortable asking questions?
Michael Buchanan: Even though he’s not that much older than me, I’d probably say Chan [Chandler Jones]. He was obviously a rookie last year. We kinda have a close relationship. I’d probably say him.
What’s been the toughest or hardest adjustment you’ve had to make?
MB: The hardest adjustment was just, now this is my job. Just to work on perfecting my craft with each and every opportunity that I get. And probably also learning how to learn by watching others. Because when I first got here, there were a lot of defensive ends. And I wasn’t getting every rep like I was used to back in college. Just kind of learning about taking mental reps at all times.
What’s been the biggest benefit to being a pro rather than a college athlete?
MB: Well, you don’t have class anymore [laughs]. Being able to pretty much focus on playing football. You don’t have all the other distractions and everything. You pretty much have time to perfect your craft.
Does the season seem to be going by fast?
MB: It actually does. I know a lot of guys don’t say that. But yeah, it seems like it’s going by pretty fast.
Did you grow up in Illinois?
MB: Yeah, I grew up in the south side of Chicago.
How was the move to New England?
MB: It’s not too bad. I’m kind of used to this type of weather I guess. It’s not too bad. I’m only two hours away from home by plane. I keep up with my family a lot. It’s all right.
Have a question for Doug Kyed? Send it to him via Twitter at @DougKyedNESN or send it here.
Check out the rest of this week’s Patriots Rookie Mid-Season Resets:
Ryan Allen
Joe Vellano
Duron Harmon
Aaron Dobson
Chris Jones
Logan Ryan
Kenbrell Thompkins
