Throw sh1t at a wall and see what sticks?

Here's what we have per Reiss today:

So how does the FA strategy mesh with the drafting strategy? Do we find more sh1t in the late second or third round to throw at the wall? Or do we find a way to select one of the best six in the first 40 picks or so?

I can see one of the top six CBs in the draft being able to come in and start, while the FA's battle it out for nickle and dime spots. If we pick one with 62 or 69, they might not be one of the top five corners on our roster - then what do we do with them. Is there any point in drafting a Charles Godfrey or Chevis Jackson or Patrick Lee? Would they beat out Bryant, Webster, Sanders or Richardson for a roster spot?

The interesting part is all 3 CBs were signed to 1 year deals. It became habit a few years ago to sign some no namers to 2 year deals (ie gaffney) because if they do well you have them for at least 2 years and if they suck you can cut them at little cost. By signing all 1 year deals tells me they will be drafting 1 or 2 CBs this year who they will look to grow into the position. I don't expect the pick to be #7 tho. If there are no trades then it will be the second rounder and a 2nd day pick I'm guessing.

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I think all the CB signings could mean that the Patriots might look at Rodgers-Cromartie in a trade down situation. Having veteran CB's like Bryant and Webster, would allow Rodgers-Cromartie to learn for a year without the pressure to get on the field.

On the other hand, it could mean that the Patriots might wait until the 3rd or 4th round to take a CB to develop behind the veterans.

Bryant and Webster are better signings than many give them credit for being. Both players have been starters every year of their career and both received big free agent deals a few years ago.

I don't think a Hobbs/Bryant or a Hobbs/Webster tandem at CB is ideal by any means, but these guys are solid NFL players.

I think they go with the following:

1. CB Mike Jenkins, USF
Arguably the top DB available. Best combination of ball skills + footwork.

2. OLB/DE Marcus Howard, UGA
Under the radar. 10 sacks last season. Top speed in draft class.

A 1 year deal could well be at the request of the player or agent - and could well be the type of tradeoff that gets a quality middle class player in the fold.

Having a 2 year deal with no risk to the organization is something that's to the team's advantage, not the player - especially if that player has a very good year.

So I don't read too much into the team's 1st round draft strategy into this.

While the Throw Crap at the Wall theory might be disparaged, if you get enough middle class players in here you WILL find some diamonds in the rough. This worked well for the Patriots in past Super Bowl season, especially in the secondary, when we saw average players who fit well in our scheme more than hold the fort in the face of injuries.

Just like with Asante leaving there were some who thought we'd never be able compete without Ty Law. They were wrong.

The Patriots secondary scheme really isn't designed to need a major playmaker - average players, playing in position and in the scheme, DO find themselves in position to make plays, but the hotshot gambler CBs won't like it here.

We DO have a D scheme that likes playmakers at DE and LB - and there are certainly some guys who fit that criteria who should be available to us.

Jenkins is NOT arguably the top DB available. He's behind McKelvin, Talib, and DRC. And arguably, Cason.

As for Howard, He's 6'1. That's SMALL for an OLB in the Pats system. I don't see it happening. Considering that Howard couldn't finish the drills at the combine because he tweaked a hamstring, his Pro-Day is going to be big as teams look to see what he can do in the Shuttle and 3-cone.

I will argue Jenkins is among the top DBs, my proof will be that he is the first or second CB drafted (the NFL GMs will do my bidding for me)

I think Godfrey from Iowa will be the best of all of them. His CB/S experience will be a big plus for Belichick -- plus he and Ferentz have connections. He gave up ZERO TD's last year.

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Hobbs gave up way more, therefore Hobbs must be better.

Bryant and Webster are eternally injured and Sanders is JAG.

Unless BB can pry Nnamdi away from Oakland, then it is safe to say that the Pats will be drafting a CB or two, even with Merriweather moving to CB.

I believe that with his combination of above average ball skills, experience, and instincts, Cason is the best fit for our defense. Even though he does not have the required quick twitch that BB desires in a CB.