ctpatsfan77

On the flip side, given that four of the rookie OLBs are UDFAs (although one of them clearly should have gone long before the seventh round), it's not out of the question that the Pats might pick a LB next year. But I agree that it's not a dire need.

I won't argue names, but I'd like to see at least two of the current three day one picks used on the D.

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DaBruinz

Maualuga and Laurinaitis are both ILBs. Could that be upgraded? Sure.. OLB could be upgraded as well.. But it remains to be seen as to whether either is a need.

One of the things that the Patriots do is that they rate out their players on the same scale as the draftees. And then, during the draft, when they go to make a pick, one of the things they do is double-check where they have that draftee rated in comparison to their curent staff. If the player is an upgrade, they'll add him.

The biggest thing that I tried to stress to Kill'em is that there isn't going to be a cure all OLB who steps right in the way Mayo did at ILB. Mainly because the Patriots aren't going to grab a guy who is one-dimensional and can only pass rush.

Warren94

Laurinaitis is a better fit as an OLB. He tends to run around his blocks and not take on the contact. Guyton played outside in College at GA Tech (and ILB)

I am more concerned with our safety and cornerback positions than LB. Sure we need a solid passrush. I wouldn't mind Selvie as a DE because of the challenges with injury with Seymour and now Warren.

D-Money

I wouldnt be shocked if this team went CB or FS in the first round and then the same with the second pick which ever we pick first in the first round then settle with a LB.

DaBruinz

If Selvie is playing at 235, there is no way he'll be a 3-4 DE. He's light for a Pats LBer.

Warren94

ESPN - George Selvie Stats, News, Photos - South Florida Bulls - NCAA College Football

This has him a little heavier. Doesn't mean he can't rush the passer. I realize weight varies.

patsfaninpa

The other de from Texas might be a better fit for us. Sergio Kindle. He's
6'4" 240lb. He'll put on weight as he gets older. Only a Jr. Reportedly, runs a 4.5
Guys on nfl draft countdown have a big thread on him. Not sure he comes
out. But, appears to be very explosive off of the edge. McGinest rarely
dropped into coverage. I think an "elephant" type olb who's specialty
is rushing the passer is a need. That would allow us to use AD to do what
he does best. Showcase his versatility. Can blitz or cover.
Maybe not our primary need(db top need), but we could use one.

DaBruinz

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The weight of 235 is what he told a writer from NFLDraftScout.com about 2 weeks ago..

VJCPatriot

Free safety? Meriweather is our free safety. The real need is strong safety. Drafting another FS and having 2 undersized safeties in the secondary would not address the need of adding a hard hitter to the defensive backfield.

I'm still hoping that Cassel raises his stock in the next two games so we can get a good pick for him. We are going to need the help in the 2009 draft as this year's Pats defense has looked downright awful at times.

For those of you who say the Pats don't need help at OLB - how many sacks do the Pats have again? That's right oh 23. How many did they have in 2007? 47. Half the output in getting to the QB and you're not concerned at all? The guys on the outside are clearly either slowing down or injury prone - see AD, Vrabel, Woods, Crable, etc. There is nothing certain about that position and an upgrade there could really improve the ability for the Pats D to pressure the QB.

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Box_O_Rocks

Okay, but which draft prospect has the label "instant pass rush, just add water?"

The simple truth is any rookie drafted to play OLB will most likely need a 2-4 year transition period. The stats below suggest you will need to wait at least a year - regardless of college production.

2008 1st round DE/OLB
Chris Long 4 sacks (14 his last year in college)
Vernon Gholston 0 (14 his last year in college)
Derrick Harvey 1.5 (8.5 his last year in college)
Phillip Merling 1 (7 his last year in college)
Lawrence Jackson 2 (10.5 his last year in college)

2007 1st round DE/OLB
Gaines Adams 5.5 (12.5 his last year in college)
Jamaal Anderson 2 (13.5 his last year in college)
Adam Carriker 0 (7 his last year in college)
Jarvis Moss 2.5 (7.5 his last year in college)
Anthony Spencer 1 (10.5 his last year in college)
Lawrence Timmons 4 (5 his last year in college)

The only DE/OLB in the past two drafts to be an impact pass rusher is 2007 2nd round pick Lamar Woodley with 11.5 sacks this season - he was good for 4 sacks as a rookie.

Pats rookies
Crable (7.5 his last year in college)
Robertson (6.5 his last year in college)
Redd (6.5 his last year in college)
Guyton (5 his last year in college)
Craig (3 his last year in college)
Mayo (1.5 his last year in college)
Ruud (0 his last year in college)

BB has some kids here who with healthy veterans around them may be able to step up in another year or two and have an impact (Guyton has already shown some ability as a blitzer from ILB), for 2009, I suggest we window shop the UFAs and hope to get lucky.

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