goheels22002

The NE Patriots came within a Wes Weckler whisker of winning the Super Bowl with the 2nd oldest defense in the NFL and the 6th oldest offense in 2011.

See the chart at the bottom of this blog: 2011 NFL age ranks: Calling all graybeards - NFC West Blog - ESPN

Interesting to see Green Bay and San Francisco among the top three or four youngest teams on both sides of the ball in the NFL. The Pats need to work closer to that to make the transition for future excellence.

Fortunately, youth is on the way. The Patriots have 4 of the top 64 picks in the draft with a friendly rookie salary cap to make keeping these picks the most valuable ever, as selections or as trade bait.

Does Trader Bill use all his picks? If he does, what should he do? Or should he shop these picks around for next Randy Moss, Cory Dillon, or Wes Weckler?

The good news is that the Patriots are starting with a talent-laden roster with several positions partway or completely through a youth movement . Both lines have good young players to go with veterans near or at the end of the trail.

Gronkandez

I was excited for all the high draft picks leading up to last year's draft. This year I am greatly lowering my expectations.

BlitzFritz

This draft board means that BB will use one #1, and 2 #2s.

He will trade one #1 for a #1 next year and a #2 this year. Iguarantee it.

He will also 75% likely to trade one #2 for a #2 next year and a #3 this year.

Its his model. Keep that extra #1 and get a free second #2 EVERY YEAR FOREVER. (And the extra #2 means he can get a free second #3 EVERY YEAR FOREVER)

-- FRITZ

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"If you counted out the Patriots, you just don't get it." Adam Schein, September 2008

“We are building a big, strong, fast, smart, tough and disciplined football team that. consistently competes for championships.” Guess who.

Gronkandez

Where is the part about the cornerback drafted in the 2nd round and wide receiver drafted in the third round, both coming off significant injuries, who get cut in two years?

JackBauer

I think this is a little deceiving.

Kevin Faulk (35)
Chad Ochocinco (34)
Dan Koppen (32)
Brian Waters (34)
Shaun Ellis (34)
Gerard Warren (33)

All of those guys, except maybe Waters and Koppen, are likely gone. None of the guys who are leaving are starters. This is a bit different from the Steelers, who have key cogs aging at key positions.

aurakilla

I dont think the core guys are that old on defense........(Mayo, Spikes, Chung)

you do realize we have #31 right...........might aswell be a 2nd rounder

IcyPatriot

1-dl

2- cb

3- olb

4- dl

5 -oc

blackglass3

This makes zero sense. How are we an "old" defense? Besides Wilfork they all seem pretty young to me.

JFK

either our NO pick or the early 2nd round pick gets traded. I actually like how BB trades for future picks.
It's good to have two first round picks. Hopefully we address our needs with FAs

Deus Irae

I agree. The Patriots have some personnel issues, as all teams do, but age really isn't one of them.

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"The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
- Marcus Aurelius