BelichickFan

Fun little article from a guy I like to read.

Before you rip it, the disclaimer :

"We are at 10 days and counting until the 2012 NFL Draft. That means it is the peak of mock draft season, but a mock draft can only tell so many stories. Here are 32 bold, fearless, crazy, insomnia-fueled predictions for the upcoming draft. Some do have actual basis in reality from exchanges I've had with various NFL personnel and a couple of agents. Some are fairly educated guesses where I'm reading between some lines I've read or heard. Some are the product of sleep deprivation and an overwhelming volume of draft stuff in my brain. This is meant to be as much about fun as it is informative; I'll be pleasantly surprised if more than three of these actually happen."

RealGM Football: Encroachment -

Here's a Patriots related one :

"22. Last year Detroit stunned everyone by using their 1st round pick on Nick Fairly, a player at their position of least perceived need. This year the team that pulls that stunt will be the Patriots. Last year New England drafted two running backs, Shane Vereen in the 2nd and Stevan Ridley in the 3rd. They still have Danny Woodhead. They have two solid fullbacks in Tony Fiametta and Spencer Larsen. That will not stop them from using a 1st round pick on Boise State RB Doug Martin. It also won't stop them from using a late-round pick on yet another hybrid fullback/H-back/tight end. When you have more draft picks than job openings every year, stuff like this happens..."

manxman2601

I can actually see that Doug Martin pick happening - he's perfect for what the Patriots want from a RB. I suspect this board will blow up, should he be the pick however.

BelichickFan

No position except QB would stun me. Until/unless we trade picks for the future even if we "waste" the first pick on a non need position we still have another #1 and two #2s to fill needs. If we don't trade out then that leaves the opportunity to take the best available player/fit if we think he would be a stud for us at any position. If it's RB then so be it.

mrscruff

Nice read. Here is last year's for reference:
RealGM: Scoop du Jour - 32 Fearless Predictions For The 2011 NFL Draft

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‘Dang! Um, Mr. Brady, can we line up?’

manxman2601

Almost right. Very good prediction.

ATippett56

If that is the case, there is no hope for the New England Patriots defense.

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The End of the Chad Ochostinko Era!

manxman2601

FWIW, if he is the pick, Ryan Lownes, a draft pundit I respect has said he'll have a similar impact to LeSean McCoy, ray rice, Matt forte and MJD. If we get that to go with Tom Brady, who needs a defense?

BelichickFan

There would still be a 1,2,2,3,4 available for defense.

ATippett56

Since when has the New England Patriots become a running back centric offense? The New England Patriots do not employ a "pound and ground" offensive philosophy unlike the New York Jets.

The New England Patriots will be able to obtain greater value with Cyrus Gray, RB from Texas A&M in the third or fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Cyrus Gray is a fantastic team player and as a bonus doubles as a kick returner. Besides, the New England Patriots just expended a second draft pick and a third round draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft on running backs.

Personally, I would rather draft Kevin Zeitler, OG from Wisconsin, with the #31 overall pick, in lieu of a running back, since Zeitler would be the long term replacement to Brian Waters at right guard.

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The End of the Chad Ochostinko Era!

BelichickFan

That's a totally different argument.

I replied to you saying :

However there are still plenty of picks left for defense with #27 used elsewhere.

If you want to argue we don't value the run enough to have Martin, Ridley, Vereen, Woodhead, go at it. But as it stands you're mixing arguments. My point was that if (emphasis on IF) they think Martin would be a stud for us then go at it and take him, that's the benefit of extra picks. You can fill needs and take a luxury pick.