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New England Patriots pick Cameron Fleming: Big tackle headed to Foxboro

With the 140th pick of the NFL draft, the Pats nabbed the Cardinal's right tackle

Ezra Shaw

Cameron Fleming is used to doing really hard work. Protecting Tom Brady might be his toughest task yet, though.

The Aeronautics and Astronautics major was selected by the New England Patriots with the 140th pick in the draft on Saturday, the final pick of the 4th round.

The three-year starter has locked down the right side for Stanford's prolific rushing attack, and he's grown as a player from a behemoth to a technician during that time.

Fleming won't start right away for the Pats barring injury - Sebastian Vollmer and Nate Solder are one of the better tackle duos in the NFL - but he might get a long look at guard this fall. Fleming isn't a natural fit inside because he's 330-plus pounds and has been playing tackle for years, but he was a late riser up draft boards due to his huge size and good tape.

Fleming's obviously a remarkably smart player who earns praise from coaches for knowing the totality of the offensive schemes, which seems to make him a perfect fit for the Patriots and Bill Belichick.

And now we can finally get an answer to one of time's great questions: Is rocket science harder than playing in the NFL?