patsfanboy

We still have so many areas that we need to upgrade and yet we haven't. We still need DE, OLB and interior OL. We have Devin and Bolden as starter and BJGE plus Woodhead. They were more luxury picks than need, basically we drated back-ups.

We were 32nd Defense in the league last season for the longest time, we might have jumped a little at the end, but still as far as upgrading the needs, we simply haven't. With 4 picks left in the laster rounds, it isn't being fixed.

They say that every year is never the same in football, i can't say that this year.

supafly

The draft had depth at 4 positions in my opinion:

OL/RB/QB/DE

We've hit on 3 of those 4, and obviously had a tremendous 'luxury' after going 14-2. DE/OLB was not as much of a 'need' as everyone thought, at least not in BB's mind.

We got a monster OT, we got one of the best talent-wise QB's in the entire draft (not speaking of 'character' issues), we got a great, potential HR hitting RB + some depth at the position, and we got another potential high pick, shutdown CB. Youth, speed, talent...

And most importantly, we are adding more picks to next yr's draft, specifically having 2 first rounders again, AND 2 second rounders...My God, what more could you want? If you just get over the fact the BB did not agree with our assessment that DE was a 'major need,' you will see the beauty of this draft so far. We had a rare luxury, got the picks back already for next year, and pretty much took ZERO RISK.

I think it's a great draft, considering that we didn't have many needs. We will still address the front 7, whether that's through the mid to late rd picks, UFDA's, or even free agency.

andrewgarrr

Going into a draft with the mindset to address needs rather than picking up good football players with real value is a great way to bring your team down quickly. Stop being naive.

Sciz

Fact: Over the second half of last season, the Patriots were 3rd in points allowed.

Fact: Over the second half of last season, the Patriots were 2nd in sacks.

The Patriots don't need more talent in the front 7, they need more experience. Drafting players who don't fit the scheme doesn't make anybody more experienced.

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patsfanboy

I am sorry but i believe that you are the only one naive here. See a top rank player ranking and check the draft board and tell me how they are alike. It is based on need+value. There was room for improvement in both CB and RB but not enough to neglect the rest.

supafly

What was 'neglected?'

Belichick did not agree that DE and front 7 were of as much importance as you did...case closed.

We had OL, RB, and CB addressed, and instantly gave ourselves a shot at utilizing whatever talent level that was there with Mallett at BPA,

patsfanboy

Aside from Solder, they won't help much during this season, i can't see anyone of those draftees being more than back ups, i really can't see them play that a lot of snaps.

As far as the front 7 goes, the only issue i have is with the OLB core, there are the weakest part in this team, and i believed that we should have fixed it before the end of the 3rd round, that was the neglect part.

supafly

Fair enough pt about the front 7, as I can certainly understand why you see neglect there. Fortunately, we do not call the shots, and BB has a much better grasp of the situations than we do. Apparently, he did not think that front 7 was a huge need, and that some depth and competition could be added later.

Your guess on no one contributing this yr is very opinionated. You have no idea that Dowling cannot contribute as a nickel or dime, and have no idea whether or not he will shoot out of the gates in TC. Someone can certainly get hurt on top of everything. He will certainly add to special teams, IMO.

The exact same thinking goes for Vareen. Yes, we have an underrated and very reliable back in BJGE. However, that doesn't mean that Vareen will not contribute, or even be a great change of pace back--again, we could certainly have him plugged in at a position that tends to be very injury prone.

AzPatsFan

No my friend you don't have so many needs including a DE, and an interior OL. You may or may not need an OLB as you played two new ones last season and they will be better after their first years, presumeably.

We have the following DLs: Wilfork, T Warren, G Warren, Brace, Deaderick, Wright, Pryor, Stroud, and Love, who have demonstrated some talent, and a host of other hopefuls. That is 9. The number a team usually carries is 5-7. who do you want to cut so you can draft some more in the late rounds?

We have the following OLs: Light, Mankins, Kopen, Connelly, Volmer, Kaczur, Ohrnberger, Wendell, Levoir and Ojinaka who have started, and Solder that is 11, and a host of other hopefuls, like Manieri. The usual number to keep is 7-8. Who do you need to cut for your new OLs?

We have 5 RBs but will probably let a couple oldsters go, and we added two more thsi dradft. The usual number to keep is 3-5.

We had two QBs and now we have three. The usual number to keep is three.

We have three OLBs Cunningham, Ninkovitch and TBC who have started, and a possible reserve in Fletcher. The usual number to keep is 3-4. There is one opening possibly to be filled with an unplayable rookie or a vet FA. What do you REALLY expect BB to do?

I expect a FA OLB to be signed.

jukes

I'm not exactly sold we needed another linebacker or end so high in the draft, especially with all the age we had at RB and uncertainty at OL