WesWelker83

I have seen a lot of mocks with the Patriots taking players at these positions in the top 3 rounds. I understand we might have wants at all 4 of these positions but I don't view any of these positions as immediate needs for 2011. I will illustrate why here.

In 2011 at WR we have:
Branch, Welker, Tate, Edelman, Price

Where would a rookie get anytime here? I know Branch and Welker are FAs after this year but I think both will be back. Tate is in a make or break season next year. Edelman had the dropsies this year but hes solid and fits our system in the slot. Price looked awesome vs Miami but that was one game. Hes our developmental WR so I don't really see us taking a guy here at all in the draft. I could see the Pats being interested in Tandon Doss, Leonard Hankerson or Titus Young in Rd 2 but all of them have question marks and I don't see any of them playing a big role as rookies.

In 2011 at RB we have:
Green-Ellis, Woodhead

I think we definitely draft a RB but I don't think we take Ingram Rd 1 or Leshore Rd 2. After BB got burned by Maroney I don't see him drafting a RB in the top 2 rounds ever again. There is no value to it and Parcells used to say that all the time. WR and RB are the two most overrated positions in the NFL. That being said I could see Delone Carter or Stevan Ridley being taken late rd 3 or rd 4. I think Ingram will be very good but I wouldn't take him unless we trade down from 17 to 24-25 and pick up another 2nd. Then Id take Ingram at 33. I don't like Leshore, Daniel Thomas, Ryan Williams, Demarco Murray, or Jordan Todman. Kendall Hunter I like as a scat back but we already have Woodhead. I wouldn't mind having another quick and fast player though as a backup. This RB class is brutal though.

In 2011 at CB we have:

Mccourty, Bodden, Arrington, Butler, Wilhite

I think Mccourty is a star, Bodden is a solid two but aging, Arrington was alot better later in the year as a starter and is a solid 3, Butler looked much better at the end of the year and Wilhite was our best slot CB. I don't see why we would take a CB in the first 3 rounds. This position is stacked. I saw one mock with us taking 2 guys in rd 3. I don't even think they would make the roster.

in 2011 at S we have:

Chung, Meriwether, Sanders, Sergio Brown

Chung has developed nicely and should break out next yr, Meriwether is a whipping boy on this board for his occasional lapses and missed big hits but hes also a two time pro bowler who makes plays, Sanders is solid and is always in position to make a play. Meriwether and Sanders are FAs after 2011. Brown looked very good in limited time especially against SD making a huge tackle to stop a 3rd down and force them to miss the game tieing FG. If we really aren't re-signing Meriwether could we take Rahim Moore RD 2? I really like what I read and see when I watch this guy a play. Hes great in coverage as a FS and he can make plays when the ball is in the air. I like Ahmad Black as well in Rd 3 or 4 as I could see him becoming a Jim Leonhard type. He doesnt have the size but he has the head and the ability to become a good starter in this league. I think this safety class really sucks.

DaBruinz

None of those are a great need. In fact, they are lesser needs in comparison to OG, OC, DE, OLB, and OT.

WesWelker83

I completely agree. I rank our needs as:

1-OG
2-DE
3-OLB
4-OC
5-OT
6-S
7-RB
8-WR

Deus Irae

RB and WR are definite needs.

DE
OLB
OG
RB
WR


Top 5 needs are right there, in no particular order.

__________________
"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

Armchair Quarterback

Mankins has been franchised meaning he'll likely be on the team, Neal, Kazcur and Connolly are all under contract for 2011. Matt Light is an UFA, next in line at the tackle position are Kazcur and Levoir and Ojinaka. I'd put tackle ahead of guard.

mgteich

Are you presuming the re-signing of Light or that Kaczur is to be depended on as a starting OT?

Deus Irae

Reports are that the Patriots want Light back and he wants to return. I am, therefore, presuming that he'll return. Kaczur is someone I expect will be recovered, making him available as a backup at 4 of the 5 positions on the line, unless the team cuts him over his contract. I don't expect Neal to be relied upon at the RG position, even if he returns and wins the starting job, which is where the OG comes in.

__________________
"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

NH #1 Pats Fan

Got to build the trenches first. OT, OG, DE, OLB, WR...base it on best available w/ our pick at the time.

DaBruinz

WR isn't a definite need. Not with 5 guys there already.

RB is a "need" in terms of adding someone to help spell BJGE. Especially since the Pats typically carry 5 RB/FBs on the roster.

DaBruinz

Neal has had, what, one year where he played in all 16 games. He's 35.
Kazcur has health issues and will be 32.
LeVoir has regressed since his first year with the Pats.
Ojinnaka is a UFA.

OT could be above OG IF the Pats don't feel that Maneri can handle the job.


Connolly and Wendell are JAGS and can be upgraded.