Front Seven Going Into The Draft - New England Patriots Forums

***mgteich*** · 01-08-2011, 12:19 PM

BOTTOM LINE
The front seven may NOT be a critical need to Belichick. This board always wants to draft two pass-rushers, one at DE and one at OLB. It's been that way for years. We can always use a stud DE or OLB, but it is hardly a huge need.

In 2010 we've added Warren, Cunningham, Spikes, Moore, Deaderick, Fletcher and Love.
In 2011, Ty Warren, Wright and Brace will be back from IR.

Considering how well the front seven has been playing, and how much they have been improving, there is no telling how much more these same players could produce in 2011, especially with an improved defensive backfield (with Bodden back).

ASSUMPTIONS
Re-sign Warren
Re-sign Moore
Wright is back

DL
Warren, Wilfork, Warren, Wright
Brace, Pryor, Love, Deaderick

OLB/DE
Cunningham, Banta-Cain, Ninkovich, Moore

ILB
Mayo, Spikes, Guyton, Fletcher

kurtinelson · 01-08-2011, 12:37 PM

I hope your assumption about Wright being back is accurate.

Also, there is some uncertainty as to how Ty Warren will be next year.

If we knew for sure that those guys would be 100%, I'd totally agree that DE is of little concern for this draft.

***Sciz*** · 01-08-2011, 12:39 PM

You list Wilfork twice. The second should be Wright.

I still want another OLB to play opposite Cunningham in the future. I really like Aldon Smith.

I wouldn't be surprised if Pryor or Love is beaten out by a rookie, but I think the team would be just fine entering the season with those players. They haven't been perfect this season, but there's tons of potential there.

CheeseMonkeys · 01-08-2011, 12:43 PM

I think Bill will grab a DT or OL with the first pick. Although we have added many players to the DL over the last couple years, I still think we could use a top DL out of the draft in 2011 and the rest will compete for a roster spot.

If our defense is really going to be set up front then maybe Bill should look into grabbing a top RB to replace Fred Taylor?

***mgteich*** · 01-08-2011, 12:57 PM

I could see us drafting Ingram at 17. Of course, we don't need a TOP running back to replace Taylor's production. I suspect we'll see a mid-level free agent or two brought in. That has been Belichick's solution in the past. I think that we need two new faces at running back in addition to Green-Ellis and Woodhead. I might note that Green-Ellis is an RFA and may be here for only one more year.

I could see us drafting an interior lineman at 33 or before. But then, that may be just me. I've wanted this for the last three drafts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheeseMonkeys

I think Bill will grab a DT or OL with the first pick. Although we have added many players to the DL over the last couple years, I still think we could use a top DL out of the draft in 2011 and the rest will compete for a roster spot.

If our defense is really going to be set up front then maybe Bill should look into grabbing a top RB to replace Fred Taylor?

***mgteich*** · 01-08-2011, 01:02 PM

I'm not sure where the uncertainly regarding Ty Warren comes from. His surgery corrected a situation that has been plaguing him for two years. He should be expexted to come back better and stronger than before.

I do have concerns about Wright. But in the end, I am fine with Brace and Pryor taking a bigger role and being part of the rotation with Warren, Wilfork, and Warren. And it is also possible that Deaderick will improve and be part of the future.
==================

My bottom line is that I am quite satisfied (amazed even) at our production from the OLB position (Cunningham, Banta-Cain, Ninkovich and Moore).

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurtinelson

I hope your assumption about Wright being back is accurate.

Also, there is some uncertainty as to how Ty Warren will be next year.

If we knew for sure that those guys would be 100%, I'd totally agree that DE is of little concern for this draft.

***mgteich*** · 01-08-2011, 01:05 PM

Thanks! I fixed the post and also added Deaderick who is also a possible contributer in 2011.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sciz

You list Wilfork twice. The second should be Wright.

I still want another OLB to play opposite Cunningham in the future. I really like Aldon Smith.

I wouldn't be surprised if Pryor or Love is beaten out by a rookie, but I think the team would be just fine entering the season with those players. They haven't been perfect this season, but there's tons of potential there.

Metaphors · 01-08-2011, 01:45 PM

This is not a "need" draft for the Pats. This is an "upgrade" draft. The top picks in this draft will be moving viable starters down the depth chart or off the team. Sounds kind of cold considering the success the team has had this year, but as the Red Queen from Wonderland said:

Quote:

It takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!

This isn't the time for the Pats to "keep in the same place". A top-heavy draft with a handful of top picks is a prime opportunity for the team to evolve "twice as fast" as their competition.

D-Money · 01-08-2011, 02:00 PM

I disagree.They need an impact player on the defensive side of the ball.

kurtinelson · 01-08-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

I'm not sure where the uncertainly regarding Ty Warren comes from. His surgery corrected a situation that has been plaguing him for two years. He should be expexted to come back better and stronger than before.

My uncertainty stems from the fact that I have no idea what his prognosis is. From what you've heard/read he's expected to be 100%?

Quote:

My bottom line is that I am quite satisfied (amazed even) at our production from the OLB position (Cunningham, Banta-Cain, Ninkovich and Moore).

Totally agree.