* Ye Olde 2013 Mock Draft Thread!! *

[mayoclinic]

Originally Posted by ZoisKing

I'll take Jesse Williams and mayo can have Lotulelei!

I'd be THRILLED to get Jesse Williams next year. While I expect Lotulelei and Hankins will get most of the press, Williams is a BEAST with an amazing combination of strength, athleticism and attitude. Please we'd have the start of a great rugby team along with Nate Ebner, and could take on the Jets and Hayden Smith.

Seriously, I'm thrilled to have Jesse Williams fly under the radar - very difficult for an Alabama prospect to do. I think he'll end up being as good as the other 2 guys. Maybe not as mobile as Lotulelei, but stronger.

BTW, what do you think of Kawann Short of Purdue?

[ZoisKing]

Originally Posted by mayoclinic

I'd be THRILLED to get Jesse Williams next year. While I expect Lotulelei and Hankins will get most of the press, Williams is a BEAST with an amazing combination of strength, athleticism and attitude. Please we'd have the start of a great rugby team along with Nate Ebner, and could take on the Jets and Hayden Smith.

Seriously, I'm thrilled to have Jesse Williams fly under the radar - very difficult for an Alabama prospect to do. I think he'll end up being as good as the other 2 guys. Maybe not as mobile as Lotulelei, but stronger.

BTW, what do you think of Kawann Short of Purdue?

As a penetrating DT, he looks really good. He wins almost every one on one matchup. He also looks very capable of evading double teams, and is relentless in his pursuit. He isn't the largest prospect, when compared to the other DTs available, but if we maintain a 4-3 base, then (when combined with Jones, Bequette, Hightower, etc) he'd be a guy who'd create a lot of havoc with Wilfork eating up blockers.

[Off The Grid]

Forging a Shopping List

Fanatical Yankee's Cardinal Rule: Never tip your hand to the Opponent.

Never field players who only do one thing well, if you can possibly help it.

2013 Patriots Draft ~ Reconnaissance!!

A look at what I'd love to see us shopping for, after the 2012 Super Bowl Season, based on our current roster, and based on some notions that reflect my own deeply disturbed Philosophy, not that'f Bill the Mad (Genius):

Fanatical Yankee's 32 Positional Notions ~ 2013 Draft Version!!

Offense

01 ~ Feature Ryan Mallett in Weeks 16 and 17, and trade'm for 1 (one) King's Ransom.
02 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality QuarterBack, and 2 All Pro Talent QB's, developing behind'm.
03 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Center, and 1 All Pro Talent OC, developing behind'm.
04 ~ Always strive to have 2 All Pro Quality O Guards, and 2 All Pro Talent OG's, developing behind'm.
05 ~ Always strive to have 2 All Pro Quality O Tackles, and 2 All Pro Talent OT's, developing behind'm.
06 ~ Never Waste a Roster Spot on an Old School Tight End ~ and I mean Blocking Specialists.
07 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Flex End, and 1 All Pro Talent XE, developing behind'm.
08 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Wing Back, and 1 All Pro Talent WB, developing behind'm.
09 ~ Always strive to have 2 All Pro Quality Split Ends, and 2 All Pro Talent SE's, developing behind'm.
10 ~ Never Waste a Roster Spot on a Slot End ~ A SL does only one thing exceptionally well.
11 ~ Unless that Slot End happens to be Wes Welker.
12 ~ Never Waste a Roster Spot on a Flanker End ~ FL's only do one thing exceptionally well.
13 ~ Never Waste a Roster Spot on a Power Back ~ PB's can't Catch. Defenses know this.
14 ~ Never Waste a Roster Spot on a Scat Back ~ SB's can't Block. Defenses know this.
15 ~ Never Waste a Roster Spot on a Full Back ~ they can't Run. Defenses know this.
16 ~ Always strive to have 2 All Pro Quality Flex Backs, and 2 All Pro Talent XB's, developing behind'm.

Defense

01 ~ Scrap the 34 Base. FootBall always has been and will always be a Chess Match. I believe that in this Passing Era, the 245 is what'll lead us to Glory ~ an Hybrid Theory of the 245, the 425, the 43, the 34...and more!!

02 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Nose Tackle, and 1 All Pro Talent NT, developing behind'm.
03 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality D Tackle, and 1 All Pro Talent DT, developing behind'm.
04 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Under Tackle, and 1 All Pro Talent UT, developing behind'm.
05 ~ That's correct: 6 D Tackles!! As QB warrants Triple Protection AquaFresh, so does D Tackle!!
06 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Left End, and 1 All Pro Talent LE, developing behind'm.
07 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Right End, and 1 All Pro Talent RE, developing behind'm.
08 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Sam MidFielder, and 1 All Pro Talent SF, developing behind'm.
09 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Mike MidFielder, and 1 All Pro Talent MF, developing behind'm.
10 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Will MidFielder, and 1 All Pro Talent WF, developing behind'm.
11 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Strong Safety, and 1 All Pro Talent SS, developing behind'm.
12 ~ Always strive to have 1 All Pro Quality Free Safety, and 1 All Pro Talent FS, developing behind'm.
13 ~ Always strive to have 3 All Pro Quality CornerBacks, and 2 All Pro Talent CB's, developing behind'm.
14 ~ Never Waste a Roster Spot on a Gunner or Returner who can't substantially contribute elsewhere.
15 ~ Ultimately, all Strong Safeties should be able to play ~ at an high level ~ at Free Safety.
16 ~ Ultimately, all Free Safeties should be able to play ~ at an high level ~ at CornerBack...and Vice Versa!!

Going Down the Projectable 2013 Roster

This is a quick assessment of what we project to have on hand, next February, The Gods Granting Good Health, and keeping in mind my insanely ambitious notions, listed above...but allowing for a really good Reserve or two to keep his spot!!

01 ~ QB ~ Tom Brady
02 ~ QB
03 ~ QB

04 ~ OC
05 ~ OC ~ Dan Connolly
06 ~ OG ~ Logan Mankins
07 ~ OG
08 ~ OG
09 ~ OG
10 ~ OT ~ Nate Solder
11 ~ OT ~ Sebastian Vollmer
12 ~ OT ~ Robert Gallery
13 ~ OT

14 ~ XE ~ Rob Gronkowski
15 ~ XE ~ Daniel Fells
16 ~ WB ~ Aaron Hernandez
17 ~ WB

18 ~ SE ~ Jabar Gaffney
19 ~ SE ~ Donte Stallworth
20 ~ SL ~ Wes Welker
21 ~ FL ~ Brandon Lloyd
22 ~ FL ~ Deion Branch

23 ~ XB ~ Shane Vereen
24 ~ XB ~ Danny WoodHead
25 ~ XB
26 ~ PB ~ Steven Ridley

27 ~ NT ~ Vince Wilfork
28 ~ NT ~ Kyle Love
29 ~ DT
30 ~ DT
31 ~ UT ~ Jon Fanene
31 ~ UT ~ Myron Pryor

32 ~ EL ~ Trevor Scott
33 ~ EL ~ Chandler Jones
34 ~ EL ~ Jake Bequette
35 ~ EL ~ Jermaine Cunningham

36 ~ SF ~ Rob Ninkovich
37 ~ SF ~ Donta HighTower

38 ~ MF ~ Brandon Spikes
39 ~ MF ~ Dane Fletcher

40 ~ WF ~ Jerod Mayo
41 ~ WF

42 ~ SS ~ Pat Chung
43 ~ SS ~ Nate Ebner
44 ~ FS ~ Ras I Dowling
45 ~ FS ~ Tavon Wilson

46 ~ CB ~ Devin McCourty
47 ~ CB
48 ~ CB ~ Alfonzo Dennard
49 ~ CB ~ Kyle Arrington
50 ~ CB ~ Sterling Moore

The last 3 spots are Givens.

Those 15 Spots are the ones I'll be keeping a keen eye out on, for now...

3 of them ~ Center, O Guard, and D Tackle ~ are Priorities and possible 1st Round Targets...in my Universe!!

[manxman2601]

Grid

Interesting list. Lot's I agree with, here's where I differ to varying degrees:

1. Ras-I-Dowling. It's pretty clear from what we've been hearing out of the organisation that he was drafted as a CB and that they want to play him there. as I said in the other 2013 thread (and I know you differ here), I think we need a specialist safety, one that's an upgrade on Patrick Chung, and is therefore a high priority either through draft or FA.

2. DT. I think this could be a high draft priority. I'm all for a beast to play alongside and eventually replace Wilfork. However, this is entirely conditional on the right player being there. The last two drafts have demonstrated that adding bodies to the position are not high on BB's priority list. However, if Lotulelei or Hankins are that special big body, and early looks suggest thwey might be, then I'm sure BB will look in that direction.

3. By the time the next draft rolls around, we will be only one year away from Gronk and Hernandez being out of contract. Keeping both will be very tough so I do think a potential replacement, most likely for Hernandez, becomes an important consideration for the draft.

4. I'm glad you highlighted the need for a will type midfilder. I think my biggest disappointment from the draft was that we didn't get a midfielder who can drop into coverage. I'm hoping for this as a second to third round option.

5. Unless we're talking a Barrett Jones or DeCastro quality OL, I don't think this is necessarily a first round option. Whilst BPA at a position of need applies, I think OL's can be found later in the draft.

Whilst not fixed in stone, I'd target our draft priorities somethin like:

1. A potentially best in the league type DT. If not there, then I think it's importance as a position of need drops sharply.

2. Safety. It's still our biggest hole, I'm not sold on what I've seen of Wilson, although hopeful and supportive, and I think Chung, in the last year of his contract, can be upgraded.

3=. WR. I really like what we've done FA-wise but I do think it's a short-term patch rather than a long-term fix. I'd like BB to start thinking about a longer-term approach to our receivers.

3=. A pass defending midfielder. I like Hightower, but I'm not sure he's someone you want dropping into coverage too much. aside from Mayo, there's not much else there.

3=. OL. For Barrett Jones, I'd move this one up the list but I think the Patriots have shown themselves capable of bringing in quality vets or developing prospects.

4. TE.

5. RB. Unless Vereen or Ridley show they are capable of carrying the burden, and I'm still hopeful they can, then as an advocate for a good running game, it's a position I'd like them to address.

6. QB. I like Mallett's chances as the long-term Brady replacement, but with Hoyer likely gone, bringing in a developmental guy who could be competition for Mallett will be a good thing.

I don't think I differ from you substantially, there's only a slight difference in emphasis.

[ZoisKing]

Originally Posted by manxman2601

Grid

Interesting list. Lot's I agree with, here's where I differ to varying degrees:

1. Ras-I-Dowling. It's pretty clear from what we've been hearing out of the organisation that he was drafted as a CB and that they want to play him there. as I said in the other 2013 thread (and I know you differ here), I think we need a specialist safety, one that's an upgrade on Patrick Chung, and is therefore a high priority either through draft or FA. I definitely agree with this. Dowling has to be our CB. If he's not there I think the talent level of that position is severely weakened.

2. DT. I think this could be a high draft priority. I'm all for a beast to play alongside and eventually replace Wilfork. However, this is entirely conditional on the right player being there. The last two drafts have demonstrated that adding bodies to the position are not high on BB's priority list. However, if Lotulelei or Hankins are that special big body, and early looks suggest thwey might be, then I'm sure BB will look in that direction. The depth at DT is definitely in our favor this coming draft. Thank goodness for that. We could lose out on Star and Hankins and Williams and we'd still have Short and Floyd and others to choose from. I think we get an excellent player regardless.

3. By the time the next draft rolls around, we will be only one year away from Gronk and Hernandez being out of contract. Keeping both will be very tough so I do think a potential replacement, most likely for Hernandez, becomes an important consideration for the draft.

4. I'm glad you highlighted the need for a will type midfilder. I think my biggest disappointment from the draft was that we didn't get a midfielder who can drop into coverage. I'm hoping for this as a second to third round option.

5. Unless we're talking a Barrett Jones or DeCastro quality OL, I don't think this is necessarily a first round option. Whilst BPA at a position of need applies, I think OL's can be found later in the draft. Jones would definitely be worth a 1st, but as you've said, quality guys have been added in later rounds and continue to be so. I'd not want to pass up on a stud DT in favor of an OL.

Whilst not fixed in stone, I'd target our draft priorities somethin like:

1. A potentially best in the league type DT. If not there, then I think it's importance as a position of need drops sharply.

2. Safety. It's still our biggest hole, I'm not sold on what I've seen of Wilson, although hopeful and supportive, and I think Chung, in the last year of his contract, can be upgraded. Baccarri Rambo!

3=. WR. I really like what we've done FA-wise but I do think it's a short-term patch rather than a long-term fix. I'd like BB to start thinking about a longer-term approach to our receivers.

3=. A pass defending midfielder. I like Hightower, but I'm not sure he's someone you want dropping into coverage too much. aside from Mayo, there's not much else there.

3=. OL. For Barrett Jones, I'd move this one up the list but I think the Patriots have shown themselves capable of bringing in quality vets or developing prospects.

4. TE.

5. RB. Unless Vereen or Ridley show they are capable of carrying the burden, and I'm still hopeful they can, then as an advocate for a good running game, it's a position I'd like them to address. This positional grouping is something I look forward to seeing. I think we'll be pleasantly surprised.

6. QB. I like Mallett's chances as the long-term Brady replacement, but with Hoyer likely gone, bringing in a developmental guy who could be competition for Mallett will be a good thing. I like Mallett as trade bait, but maybe in a couple years. I still think we have enough time to work in Brady's replacement. He sounds like he wants to play for a bit longer.

I don't think I differ from you substantially, there's only a slight difference in emphasis.

Great stuff manxman.

[Off The Grid]

Originally Posted by manxman2601

Grid

Interesting list. Lot's I agree with, here's where I differ to varying degrees:

1. Ras-I-Dowling. It's pretty clear from what we've been hearing out of the organisation that he was drafted as a CB and that they want to play him there. as I said in the other 2013 thread (and I know you differ here), I think we need a specialist safety, one that's an upgrade on Patrick Chung, and is therefore a high priority either through draft or FA.

2. DT. I think this could be a high draft priority. I'm all for a beast to play alongside and eventually replace Wilfork. However, this is entirely conditional on the right player being there. The last two drafts have demonstrated that adding bodies to the position are not high on BB's priority list. However, if Lotulelei or Hankins are that special big body, and early looks suggest thwey might be, then I'm sure BB will look in that direction.

3. By the time the next draft rolls around, we will be only one year away from Gronk and Hernandez being out of contract. Keeping both will be very tough so I do think a potential replacement, most likely for Hernandez, becomes an important consideration for the draft.

4. I'm glad you highlighted the need for a will type midfilder. I think my biggest disappointment from the draft was that we didn't get a midfielder who can drop into coverage. I'm hoping for this as a second to third round option.

5. Unless we're talking a Barrett Jones or DeCastro quality OL, I don't think this is necessarily a first round option. Whilst BPA at a position of need applies, I think OL's can be found later in the draft.

Whilst not fixed in stone, I'd target our draft priorities somethin like:

1. A potentially best in the league type DT. If not there, then I think it's importance as a position of need drops sharply.

2. Safety. It's still our biggest hole, I'm not sold on what I've seen of Wilson, although hopeful and supportive, and I think Chung, in the last year of his contract, can be upgraded.

3=. WR. I really like what we've done FA-wise but I do think it's a short-term patch rather than a long-term fix. I'd like BB to start thinking about a longer-term approach to our receivers.

3=. A pass defending midfielder. I like Hightower, but I'm not sure he's someone you want dropping into coverage too much. aside from Mayo, there's not much else there.

3=. OL. For Barrett Jones, I'd move this one up the list but I think the Patriots have shown themselves capable of bringing in quality vets or developing prospects.

4. TE.

5. RB. Unless Vereen or Ridley show they are capable of carrying the burden, and I'm still hopeful they can, then as an advocate for a good running game, it's a position I'd like them to address.

6. QB. I like Mallett's chances as the long-term Brady replacement, but with Hoyer likely gone, bringing in a developmental guy who could be competition for Mallett will be a good thing.

I don't think I differ from you substantially, there's only a slight difference in emphasis.

Ah!! Good stuff, here, Brother Manx ~ agreements and divergences, both.

1 ~ Please keep in mind: This is my demented Vision of things, not my prediction of what Mad Bill would do: And it's quite possible that Ras I Dowling will prove to be an exceptional Corner Back, but at this early juncture, I'm only highly confident in his ability to excel at Free Safety. More importantly, from my perspective, is that I consider it wise to develop a team whose Free Safeties might very well be able to excel at Corner, thus building in Depth of Talent at Corner. And I think the best way to do this is to ignore Free Safeties in the Draft, and to target Corners...for the most part. Mad Bill may indeed think otherwise.

2 ~ Defensive Tackle is an high Priority...for me!! Whether or not Bill The Mad (Genius) concurs is another matter, my good man. Considering the absolutely vital importance of this role ~ I consider it second in critical importance only to QuarterBack, and not by much ~ and considering that this team seems clearly headed ~ and wisely so ~ towards Sets ~ especially the 245 and 425 ~ that require not one but TWO high caliber D Tackles...and considering, above all, our inadequate Depth of Talent at that position, especially in light of Vince Wilfork's astonishing Work Load, the last two years, and how susceptible to a season-ending injury they make him...I think it clearly behooves us to make this position a major Priority.

3 ~ Hah!! No way in HELL would I let either Rob Gronkowski or Aaron the Navigator go until 2020 or so: Flex End + Wing Back command the center of the Chess Board. The impact of those two positions ~ relative to Wide Receivers ~ has a dramatically disproportionate effect on winning Games and Championships...and we have two of the very, very best. To allow either to walk ~ or even enter Free Agency ~ would be flat out NIGHTMARISH, in my view. So while I am the Original ~ and, for a LONG time: ONLY ~ advocate of drafting Depth of Talent at Flex End and Wing Back...we'll have to disagree on taking measures to replace either of those guys for the next several years.

4 ~ Yes, I couldn't agree more. We had a unique Opportunity to scoop up an amazing Pass Coverage MidFielder, in LaVonte David, and Mad Bill inexplicably let him slide. I was an enormous fan of DeMario Davis, as well, to say nothing of Cam Johnson as an HeffaLump Prospect...Ah, well.

5 ~ Yes, you understand: I wasn't saying we have to go 1st Round to get an O Guard of suitably awesome Potential ~ Senio Kelemete went in the 5th round, which simply amazes me ~ so we agree on that principle. However, O Guard is a major Priority for me, as I consider them unbelievably vital to winning The Grim Games of Late January. Barret Jones is my favorite for O Guard at this early juncture, and I would love the idea of snatching him and his mate, Chance Womack, and both should be early Rounders...You can't count on an O Guard prospect of Kelemete's stature to drift into the 5th Round every year: This year's crop was incredibly deep, and who knows when we'll see that again??

Brother Manx Priorities

1 ~ Could NOT agree more!! DT is my #1, as well, you know, and I am INTENSELY excited about this year's Prospects, as BEAUTIFULLY Broken down by The Immortal Brother Mayo!!

2 ~ I don't place Safety anywhere near as high as you, but that, of course, is mostly because I think Pat Chung is a BEAST, and because I want Dowling to swing out to Free Safety. I think Chung will play FAR better with a better and healthier crew around'm, allowing him to focus on his own responsibilities, but we'll see!!

3 ~ I don't place as much emphasis on Wide Outs, generally, but am 100% in agreement with you that SOMETHING needs to be done!! We are looking BEAUTIFULL right now, and would CONTINUE to, if Mad Bill shocks me and actually EXTENDS some people instead of letting them go, like he did Mark Anderson...but not for too long, and ~ considering how long it takes Wide Outs to learn their trade ~ I really wanted him to get a piece or two in place THIS year...So I definitely agree that this NEEDS to be addressed!!

4 ~ 100% with you on the Pass Defending MidFielder!! DAMN, I wish we'd snagged David!!

5 ~ Yup!! LOVE Jones...We just diverge on Priority, here.

6 ~ Tight End. I'm really happy with Daniel Fells as a backup for Gronk for the next few years!! But we BADLY need to get Depth of Talent to go with Aaron the Navigator. Evan Rodriguez would've been an amazing addition to this crew, rather'n some 14 Century Full Back!!

7 ~ Yeah, I REALLY wanted us to snag Michael Smith, this year. Opportunity LOST. I think Shane Vereen is going to AMAZE some people, though, and I think we'll have a great crew....In any case, I'd love to see one more Flex Back ~ a guy who's dangerous as a Runner and as a Receiver...and who can block, of course.

8 ~ We diverge on Mallett, of course: He's just not my kind of QuarterBack.

9 ~ Concur, Sir!! And it was a great pleasure to share ideas with you, my good man!! Thanks for taking the time, too: Outside of Brother Mayo's posts, there ain't much to read, this time'f year!!

[Snake Eyes]

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

5 ~ Yes, you understand: I wasn't saying we have to go 1st Round to get an O Guard of suitably awesome Potential ~ Senio Kelemete went in the 5th round, which simply amazes me ~ so we agree on that principle. However, O Guard is a major Priority for me, as I consider them unbelievably vital to winning The Grim Games of Late January.

I totally agree on Kelemete, the 5th round would have been a steal for him. Even worse, we passed on James Brown as a UDFA. He lit up the combine in several drills, I don't know why we wouldnt want to take a show at developing a raw but incredibly athletic prospect like him.

NFL Videos: 2012 combine workout: James Brown

[mayoclinic]

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

1 ~ Could NOT agree more!! DT is my #1, as well, you know, and I am INTENSELY excited about this year's Prospects, as BEAUTIFULLY Broken down by The Immortal Brother Mayo!!

Rebuilding the interior of the lines is my clear priority for 2013, on both sides of the ball.

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

2 ~ I don't place Safety anywhere near as high as you, but that, of course, is mostly because I think Pat Chung is a BEAST, and because I want Dowling to swing out to Free Safety. I think Chung will play FAR better with a better and healthier crew around'm, allowing him to focus on his own responsibilities, but we'll see!!

Unlike Brother Manx, I don't see the need for another "specialty safety" in addition to Chung. And I want to see how Tavon Wilson works out - I have to give BB the benefit of the doubt for now and assume that Wilson could be that kind of centerfield safety who makes the CBs much better. I also think that Nate Ebner has the athleticism and work ethic to become a FORCE - he's not much more raw than Jimmy Graham was as a TE coming out of Miami in 2010, and look how quickly Graham developed. Elite athleticism combined with an unstoppable drive to succeed can go very far.

I like the Pats' DBs right now. I want to give them time to evaluate them before spending a high pick on another one. With that in mind, there are a lot of guys to like for 2012 - Justin Gilbert, Eric Reid, TJ McDonald, and of course Tyrann Mathieu, among others.

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

3 ~ I don't place as much emphasis on Wide Outs, generally, but am 100% in agreement with you that SOMETHING needs to be done!! We are looking BEAUTIFULL right now, and would CONTINUE to, if Mad Bill shocks me and actually EXTENDS some people instead of letting them go, like he did Mark Anderson...but not for too long, and ~ considering how long it takes Wide Outs to learn their trade ~ I really wanted him to get a piece or two in place THIS year...So I definitely agree that this NEEDS to be addressed!!

I value TEs and RBs over wideouts, because of their greater versatility. Yeah, I know you need some, but you can get good WRs in the middle rounds. Not a priority for me ... ever. JMHO, and I know it's not that of most people.

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

4 ~ 100% with you on the Pass Defending MidFielder!! DAMN, I wish we'd snagged David!!

Lavonte David was SPECIAL, and one of my top 5 binkies of the past 5 years. He had Troy Polamalu kind of instincts. Missing out on him hurts. But it's interesting that BB evaluated so many pass defending MFs and didn't take any. Perhaps he's happy with Jeff Tarpinian and Dane Fletcher. Tarpinian has elite athleticism. No one has David's instincts, but Tarpinian could be a solid pass defending MF. As you know, the one area I most disagree with your "scorched earth" approach to team building is giving up too fast on guys like Tarpiniain, Marcus Cannon, Ryan Mallett, etc.

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

5 ~ Yup!! LOVE Jones...We just diverge on Priority, here.

I'm with you on this one - interior OL is my co-#1 priority along with DT for 2013. Right now I see 3 potential 1st round interior OL prospects for 2013: Jones, Jonathan Cooper, and Khaled Holmes. Like you, I greatly lament the failure to land Senio Kelemete.

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

6 ~ Tight End. I'm really happy with Daniel Fells as a backup for Gronk for the next few years!! But we BADLY need to get Depth of Talent to go with Aaron the Navigator. Evan Rodriguez would've been an amazing addition to this crew, rather'n some 14 Century Full Back!!

I'm all in favor of a TE pipeline, and in adding more playmakers to the position. 2013 will be loaded with XE's: Tyler Eifer, Levine Toilolu, Michael Williams, Joseph Fauria, etc. The more the better. I don't see anyone with Aaron Hernandez' skill set coming out right now.

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

7 ~ Yeah, I REALLY wanted us to snag Michael Smith, this year. Opportunity LOST. I think Shane Vereen is going to AMAZE some people, though, and I think we'll have a great crew....In any case, I'd love to see one more Flex Back ~ a guy who's dangerous as a Runner and as a Receiver...and who can block, of course.

I badly wanted Doug Martin this year, and I would have been thrilled with Michael Smith. But I think that Brandon Bolden in FA could be a steal, and I'm very high on Vereen and Ridley. I like our RB group right now. But, as with TEs, I'm happy to keep the talent infusion going. There are some nice backs coming out in 2013. Christine Michael, Andre Ellington, Ray Graham, Kenjon Barner, etc.

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

8 ~ We diverge on Mallett, of course: He's just not my kind of QuarterBack.

Regardless, I think he's a terrific talent and starting caliber QB, and that's not a chip to be thrown away lightly.

Originally Posted by Off The Grid

9 ~ Concur, Sir!! And it was a great pleasure to share ideas with you, my good man!! Thanks for taking the time, too: Outside of Brother Mayo's posts, there ain't much to read, this time'f year!!

Great series of posts, MM and ZK.

[Off The Grid]

Originally Posted by mayoclinic

Rebuilding the interior of the lines is my clear priority for 2013, on both sides of the ball.


Unlike Brother Manx, I don't see the need for another "specialty safety" in addition to Chung. And I want to see how Tavon Wilson works out - I have to give BB the benefit of the doubt for now and assume that Wilson could be that kind of centerfield safety who makes the CBs much better. I also think that Nate Ebner has the athleticism and work ethic to become a FORCE - he's not much more raw than Jimmy Graham was as a TE coming out of Miami in 2010, and look how quickly Graham developed. Elite athleticism combined with an unstoppable drive to succeed can go very far.

I like the Pats' DBs right now. I want to give them time to evaluate them before spending a high pick on another one. With that in mind, there are a lot of guys to like for 2012 - Justin Gilbert, Eric Reid, TJ McDonald, and of course Tyrann Mathieu, among others.



I value TEs and RBs over wideouts, because of their greater versatility. Yeah, I know you need some, but you can get good WRs in the middle rounds. Not a priority for me ... ever. JMHO, and I know it's not that of most people.



Lavonte David was SPECIAL, and one of my top 5 binkies of the past 5 years. He had Troy Polamalu kind of instincts. Missing out on him hurts. But it's interesting that BB evaluated so many pass defending MFs and didn't take any. Perhaps he's happy with Jeff Tarpinian and Dane Fletcher. Tarpinian has elite athleticism. No one has David's instincts, but Tarpinian could be a solid pass defending MF. As you know, the one area I most disagree with your "scorched earth" approach to team building is giving up too fast on guys like Tarpiniain, Marcus Cannon, Ryan Mallett, etc.



I'm with you on this one - interior OL is my co-#1 priority along with DT for 2013. Right now I see 3 potential 1st round interior OL prospects for 2013: Jones, Jonathan Cooper, and Khaled Holmes. Like you, I greatly lament the failure to land Senio Kelemete.



I'm all in favor of a TE pipeline, and in adding more playmakers to the position. 2013 will be loaded with XE's: Tyler Eifer, Levine Toilolu, Michael Williams, Joseph Fauria, etc. The more the better. I don't see anyone with Aaron Hernandez' skill set coming out right now.



I badly wanted Doug Martin this year, and I would have been thrilled with Michael Smith. But I think that Brandon Bolden in FA could be a steal, and I'm very high on Vereen and Ridley. I like our RB group right now. But, as with TEs, I'm happy to keep the talent infusion going. There are some nice backs coming out in 2013. Christine Michael, Andre Ellington, Ray Graham, Kenjon Barner, etc.



Regardless, I think he's a terrific talent and starting caliber QB, and that's not a chip to be thrown away lightly.



Great series of posts, MM and ZK.

1 ~ I really like your choice of the old but still effective term "Benefit of the Doubt" when it comes to moves that Bill the Mad (Genius) makes that we might not like: "In Bill We Trust" as it is invariably employed by the KoolAid Guzzlers ~ meaning: Abdicate your own Judgement, for Mad Bill NEVER makes a mistake!! ~ is a LUDICROUS philosophy to embrace...But giving him the Benefit of the Doubt is another matter, all together: It acknowledges not only our DOUBT...but the fact that it is fully JUSTIFIED...Yet at the same time it honors the Credit that Mad Bill has earned, around here. Nicely put, Sir.

2 ~ Again: stellar choice of words, Brother Mayo: "Elite athleticism combined with an unstoppable drive to succeed can go very far." That Aspect of FootBall remains VASTLY underrated, despite an ARMY of Late Round and UFA Talent who've forge extraordinary careers despite being initially Cast Away. And I've always said that such players develop a LOT faster than most expect them to!! Nate Ebner, needless to say, as an integral part of my Vision for our Secondary, going forward.

3 ~ Yeah, you and I may very well be the ONLY guys who are content to wait until Day 3 and UFA to draft Wide Outs...every single YEAR!! Had we pulled in Dale Moss, Junior HemingWay, and Michael Calvin ~ a 7th Rounder + 2 UFA's!! ~ I would've been ECSTATIC!!

4 ~ Yeah, nobody knows my FROTHING love for LaVonte David better'n YOU, Brother Mayo...and vice versa!!

5 ~ I've given you the wrong impression, I'm afraid: I've always been a VERY big fan of Jeff Tarpinian!! But big enough to put'm on my 53??? I've got some thinking to do about that...

6 ~ Yep!! Senio Kelemete. Evan Rodriguez. About 20 other guys. The Late Rounds are always rich with Talent ~ more importantly: Talented guys who're willing to bust their @$$es like MAD men to forge exceptional Careers...And yet there are still those foolish enough to consider late round picks to be a waste.

7 ~ Don't get me wrong: I like Brandon Bolden. And I think he was a nice, solid pick up...But he's a Power Back. And I want Flex Backs. We've got 2. I want 3 or 4.

8 ~ Who's throwing Mallet away "lightly"?? I want to feature him in late December, and then trade'm for a 1st, a 4th, a 7th, and a 2014 2nd Rounder!!

[manxman2601]

Some random thoughts, particularly in light of the most recent discussion about team priorities.

1. WR. It's interesting that despite this last draft being the deepest at the position for a number of years and how that seemed to tie in with Patriot needs at the time, that BB made the decision to go completely the other way and address the need through FA. Two possible reasons:

(a) Bringing the band back together. Was this a strategic goal or did things just fall nicely in place?
(b) Considering past failures, has BB given up on the draft as a source for WRs? It was noticeable to me that the only day of the combine that BB was singled out as being there was the day of the WR drills. Did he not like the class?

2. Brothers Mayo and Grid make very good points on the secondary and have almost won me round on the lack of need for a dedicated safety. I'm not quite there yet but getting closer. Considering the weakness of the last two drafts at the position and the potential strength of the '13 class, it might benefit the Pats by taking it off the board as a need. Lots of safeties were given franchise tags or signed to short term deals but with a better safety draft class, one of those likely FA safeties might pop free. Also, if teams are going to be taking the likes of Reid, Rambo, McDonald high, the more likely it is that Jones or one of the DT's fall.

3. Whilst I agree that a stud DT would be a great addition, BB has shown a lot of faith in our current interior D/Line. But this leads me to another point. If, as brothers Mayo and OTG maintain, we are deep in the secondary and having addressed the biggest potential weakness, the pass rush and if BB really likes his interior D/Line, there really is no great area of need for the Pats (leaving personal thoughts aside). No doubt this will change by the end of next season but it does make for an interesting draft from a Patriot's perspective. In which direction do they go? BPA? Address the future (Brady's potential retirement, the expiring contracts of TE's, Chung and Spikes)? Get back to trading back and picking up future picks? Reading the runes on the 2013 draft might be very difficult.

4. 2011 was an offensive draft. '12 was a defensive one. The last two drafts have barely touched the O and D lines (Solder being the exception). That does seem to be logical direction of the next draft.

How many days to go? I'm excited already.