While you quote the reaction of some on this board, it was easy to justify BB's selections at the time based on information readily available. All had huge upside who dropped for various reasons. One could also find reports on Vollmer's upside that justified his pick.
There is nothing available that says this kid has any upside and is anything more than another Ventrone brother, or better than any bottom of the roster safety who would be available off the street after the draft. He would be acceptable as a 5th at best because that's his upside. The Pats must have had someone on their board, a WR, OL or DL, who was rated (substantially) higher. If he was the highest rated player left on the board, all other teams in the league have to be idiots.