Pats looking at interior linemen?

[Seneschal2]

Not a surprise, as most of us have the Pats drafting some insurance for Neal:

Several interior linemen have had discussions with Patriots officials, either here at the Combine, at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, or in both locations.

Kraig Urbik, the guard from Wisconsin, told me he went over a few plays with the Pats staff.

Alex Mack, center from Cal, was a wrestler in high school and nearly did so on the college level. I brought up Stephen Neal's name and he lit up. Said he's been following Neal's career since he was on the Pats practice squad several years ago.

"Anytime there's a story about Stephen, I read it," Mack said.

Oregon center Max Unger and Stanford's Alex Fletcher have also talked with New England representatives. Both are big enough and athletic enough to play either guard or center, so it's not surprising that the Pats, a team known for demanding versatility from its linemen, are interested in talking with these guys.

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BTW, I wholeheartedly recommend following this blog during the Combine, as it's the crew from Patriots Football Weekly.

 

[PatsCanDoIt]

I've actually been thinking about G/C in the 2-3 round area. It seems there are quite a few that are highly regarded.

 

[stinkypete]

I love reading that from Alex Mack, and Unger is a player I really like. I think the interior line is a big need, given the way the offense performed from the 2007 playoffs to mid-2008. There was a noticeable drop-off in offensive production, and a dramatic increase in sacks, over the time in which Neal was out.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

that's what I was thinking all along.....there are some around here who seem to think that OT is the priority, but neal is the real liability right now along with then potential need to replace mankins (light and kaczur won't cost nearly as much to keep)

 

[j00fek]

need replacements for light and neil

 

[tanked_as_usual]

need replacements for light and neil

light can still play

 

[JSn]

light can still play

Yeah, he just seems to have more off games now than he used to.

 

[Nestapats]

According to PFT, the Jets might release starting RG Brandon Moore, so he could come if the price is right. Is he still any good?

 

[Richter]

that's what I was thinking all along.....there are some around here who seem to think that OT is the priority, but neal is the real liability right now along with then potential need to replace mankins (light and kaczur won't cost nearly as much to keep)

The reason I like the idea of drafting an OT is so the Pats can shift Kaczur inside, while retaining his versatility as a backup swing tackle. On top of that, it gives the Pats time to groom Light's replacement, who'll probably be needed in a few years. Considering the potential surplus of picks the Patriots will have if Cassel is traded, I wouldn't mind them addressing OT and OG/C both early in the draft.

 

[zero]

I think this draft is deep enough to get good value for OG/C in the 3rd round, Canfield or/and Caldwell

 

[mayoclinic]

I think this draft is deep enough to get good value for OG/C in the 3rd round, Canfield or/and Caldwell

I would agree with that. Eric Wood or Trevor Canfield would both be terrific pick ups in the 3rd round.