Todd McShay of espn.com/ scouts inc has his newest mock up Today. He has the Pats picking:

24. New England (from Seattle)

Projected pick: +Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
The Patriots have not been keen on drafting linebackers on Day 1, but that could change this year. Bill Belichick has a thing for players out of Florida and Moss is a perfect fit as a developmental rush linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme.

28. New England (12-4)

Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi
Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel are not getting any younger. Willis is instinctive, tough, quick and versatile enough to earn a starting job as a rookie, which would allow Vrabel to move back to his more natural outside linebacker position.

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Gotta say, that's more thoughtful than most. Noting BB's connection to Mayer's Florida team, for instance, shows he's paying attention.

But I'd still be shocked to see 2 LBs in the first round!

I didn't know Gals could be shocked by anything.

I expect anything to happen so that nothing they do or don't surprises me anymore.

I would be somewhat happy with those two picks in the first round if Moss could become that pass rushing OLB type that I think we've lacked since Willie left his prime. Although based on the Mincey experiment I have my doubts about Charlie Strong as a DC and his players.

Willis is a beast in run support and he shows some decent coverage skills.

Now if we got CB Revis at #24, OLB Moss/Spencer or ILB Willis at #28, ILB Harris or OLB Moses at #60 and FS/SS Gattis at #91 then my draft would be complete.

Amen.

I would then be shocked/surprised for the first time in 3-4 years not only by the quality but by 4 defensive players in the first 4 picks.

Last year had a ton of offense, so I'm hoping this year is HEAVY defense, diespite having one of the best defenses in the NFL last year.

Although I really would like to work a Brian Leonard in somewhere. If Leonard runs a 4.4 forty, I would be tempted to take him at #28.

Yes, and that would be money well spent. It's strange that so many here see him only as a FB.

I would be very surprised if the Pats took Jarvis Moss unless they were 100% certain he could regain the strength he lost due to the staph infection he had and that he had the abilities to drop back in pass coverage.

Otherwise, I see the Pats going in a different direction and looking at the likes of David Harris and Stewart Bradley.

I'll believe we take two first day (let alone first round) LB when I see it happen. 7 Patriot drafts under Belioli, not a single first day LB. It's more than a coincidence, more than a trend . . . it appears to be a hard and fast belief system.

I'm not saying it won't happen - but I'll have to see it before I'll believe it.

__________________
Don't Give Me a Defensive Player Who Can't Tackle . . . What Am I Going to Do With Him ? --- Bill Belichick

Just remember, prior to drafting Wilfork, the Pats had the stigma of not drafting underclassmen. (only 1 in 5 drafts).

Prior to drafting Mankins, the Pats under BB hadn't taken an O-lineman in the 1st round. Not only did he draft an O-lineman in round 1, but it was an interior O-lineman as

Everyone ruled out BB taking a TE after he drafted Wilfork because they already had Graham.

When it comes to BB & Pioli, I have decided not to rule out the possibility of them doing anything. A LOT will be determined in the next 6 weeks.