Todd McShay of espn.com/ scouts inc has the Pats picking...

[SamBamsFan]

Todd McShay of espn.com/ scouts inc has his newest mock up Today. He has the Pats picking:

24. New England (from Seattle)

Projected pick: +Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
The Patriots have not been keen on drafting linebackers on Day 1, but that could change this year. Bill Belichick has a thing for players out of Florida and Moss is a perfect fit as a developmental rush linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme.

28. New England (12-4)

Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi
Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel are not getting any younger. Willis is instinctive, tough, quick and versatile enough to earn a starting job as a rookie, which would allow Vrabel to move back to his more natural outside linebacker position.

Subscription needed: http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft...odd&id=2765614

[patchick]

Gotta say, that's more thoughtful than most. Noting BB's connection to Mayer's Florida team, for instance, shows he's paying attention.

But I'd still be shocked to see 2 LBs in the first round!

[Clonamery]

Originally Posted by patchick

Gotta say, that's more thoughtful than most. Noting BB's connection to Mayer's Florida team, for instance, shows he's paying attention.

But I'd still be shocked to see 2 LBs in the first round!

I didn't know Gals could be shocked by anything.

I expect anything to happen so that nothing they do or don't surprises me anymore.

[Ochmed Jones]

I would be somewhat happy with those two picks in the first round if Moss could become that pass rushing OLB type that I think we've lacked since Willie left his prime. Although based on the Mincey experiment I have my doubts about Charlie Strong as a DC and his players.

Willis is a beast in run support and he shows some decent coverage skills.

Now if we got CB Revis at #24, OLB Moss/Spencer or ILB Willis at #28, ILB Harris or OLB Moses at #60 and FS/SS Gattis at #91 then my draft would be complete.

[Clonamery]

Originally Posted by Ochmed Jones

I would be somewhat happy with those two picks in the first round if Moss could become that pass rushing OLB type that I think we've lacked since Willie left his prime. Although based on the Mincey experiment I have my doubts about Charlie Strong as a DC and his players.

Willis is a beast in run support and he shows some decent coverage skills.

Now if we got CB Revis at #24, OLB Moss/Spencer or ILB Willis at #28, ILB Harris or OLB Moses at #60 and FS/SS Gattis at #91 then my draft would be complete.

Amen.

I would then be shocked/surprised for the first time in 3-4 years not only by the quality but by 4 defensive players in the first 4 picks.

[Ochmed Jones]

Last year had a ton of offense, so I'm hoping this year is HEAVY defense, diespite having one of the best defenses in the NFL last year.

Although I really would like to work a Brian Leonard in somewhere. If Leonard runs a 4.4 forty, I would be tempted to take him at #28.

[Clonamery]

Originally Posted by Ochmed Jones

Last year had a ton of offense, so I'm hoping this year is HEAVY defense, diespite having one of the best defenses in the NFL last year.

Although I really would like to work a Brian Leonard in somewhere. If Leonard runs a 4.4 forty, I would be tempted to take him at #28.

Yes, and that would be money well spent. It's strange that so many here see him only as a FB.

[DaBruinz]

I would be very surprised if the Pats took Jarvis Moss unless they were 100% certain he could regain the strength he lost due to the staph infection he had and that he had the abilities to drop back in pass coverage.

Otherwise, I see the Pats going in a different direction and looking at the likes of David Harris and Stewart Bradley.

[BelichickFan]

I'll believe we take two first day (let alone first round) LB when I see it happen. 7 Patriot drafts under Belioli, not a single first day LB. It's more than a coincidence, more than a trend . . . it appears to be a hard and fast belief system.

I'm not saying it won't happen - but I'll have to see it before I'll believe it.

[DaBruinz]

Originally Posted by BelichickFan

I'll believe we take two first day (let alone first round) LB when I see it happen. 7 Patriot drafts under Belioli, not a single first day LB. It's more than a coincidence, more than a trend . . . it appears to be a hard and fast belief system.

I'm not saying it won't happen - but I'll have to see it before I'll believe it.

Just remember, prior to drafting Wilfork, the Pats had the stigma of not drafting underclassmen. (only 1 in 5 drafts).

Prior to drafting Mankins, the Pats under BB hadn't taken an O-lineman in the 1st round. Not only did he draft an O-lineman in round 1, but it was an interior O-lineman as

Everyone ruled out BB taking a TE after he drafted Wilfork because they already had Graham.

When it comes to BB & Pioli, I have decided not to rule out the possibility of them doing anything. A LOT will be determined in the next 6 weeks.