mgteich

Dorsey
Ellis
Long
Long
McFadden
Ryan
------------
If there are the six blue chippers, it might cost quite a bit to move up, unless someone had a #7 at least at high. And yes I would give our top 3rd to get Chris Long.

Ochmed Jones

I think your list is accurate.

Of those blue chippers listed, I think only McFadden or J Long could come in and start for us next season.

Watson's IQ

Seems about right, but I'm not sure how far removed those guys are from the rest of the pack either. There's no can't miss talent this year, in my mind, and the draft is pretty darn deep at several positions.

I'm not sure Gholston isn't the most high-upside guy in the draft, but he's not as sure a thing as the six you've listed.

PonyExpress

M. Ryan, McFadden, C. Long, S. Ellis are my only blue chip locks at this point. There are some wild cards. The combine will answer alot of questions. Personally I'm not sold on Dorsey. Rogers-Cromartie is a wild card.

ayjackson

I think consensus would separate those six from the pack. The group may change after the combine. Whether they actually are the six best prospects, I'm not certain about.

jeffbiologist

The only one I would question would be Ryan. QB is always a risk, and he didnt have much help at BC this year. As a pats fan we have to hope ATL doesnt take Ryan, and I can see KC and maybe every team in the coin flip calling Dallas to trade down if DMF is still on the board. I really hope someone emerges from the combine to push those guys down just a hair.....I dont think DRC is a top 10 shut down corner, but he sure is a 1st rounder I would love to trade down for....

mgteich

I understand things could change, but it seems likely that these players have separated themselves as of now, and absent a surprise, we won't get any of them. The hope is that after the combine there are 7 or 8 or 9 blue chippers. I also believe that Ryan is not worth a top five pick, but it seems that he will be picked there, which is of course good for us.

Seneschal2

Odds are, those 6 will remain somewhere in the top ten. IMO, Ellis, Long and Long won't make it to #7, therefore forcing our attention to the 7-20 range of prospects. This 7-20 group would not be considered as reaching, as far as Belichick is concerned. He doesn't allow consensus rankings to influence the Pats selection process, but simply seeks out players who fit the Pats profile.

Hypothetically, BB/Pioli aren't going to draft their highest ranked CB at #7, if he's not their highest ranked overall prospect when they're on the clock. McKelvin/ Jenkins/ Cason may be within range with the first pick...and the departed Samuel creates an obvious need...but there are other CB options to consider later on, along with other team needs to address:

The RT position appears to be a concern, but what are the roster evaluations of Nick and the others? Would BB attempt to upgrade again with perhaps a Clady?

Everyone content with our edge rusher position? Since Colvin went down, we've been operating with only one wing (Vrabel). Not a healthy situation for our CBs when you can't rush from both edges. Will BB consider Gholston/Harvey at #7? Knowing the position requires more than just rushing the passer, which one fits best?

Think BB wants to add a playmaking Safety to the roster? Well, there's only one in the 7-20 range (Philips). But does he fit the Pats profile?

Most here want to trade down from #7 -- but what if we can't? McKelvin/Jenkins/Cason/Clady/Gholston/Harvey/Philips are just several to consider if none from the top 6 slide. Which ones are truly worthy of #7 (according to BB?)

The Combine and Pro Days will influence round one with the usual risers and sliders, so we can adjust accordingly. Until then, let the weeding out begin...

__________________
"What we want to try to do is maximize each spot on the roster; we want to be stronger at No. 1 than the opponent, stronger at No. 25 than they are, and stronger at No. 53 than they are, we're always looking to upgrade the talent level on the team, and play together to be functional."
- Bill Belichick -

rookBoston

Our 2nd rounder is only a few picks ahead of our early 3rd. May as well offer up the 2nd if that's what it'll take.

__________________
"We want to build a big, strong, tough, smart, fast, disciplined football team that will consistently compete for a championship."
-- Scott Pioli, from the Patriots scouting manual

Wretch

I agree that Ryan is probably not a top 5 pick, but I take an opposite view about Atlanta. If Atlanta passes I think there are a few teams, like Chicago, that might want to get Ryan before Baltimore who picks after us.

If Ryan slips we will probably be able to trade out of the top 10 and still get a pick in the first half of round one, another day one pick or a day one pick next year.