If we ended up with the #3 pick...

[JSn]

What do you suppose we would do with it?

I ask because I suspect there's an above average chance a pick-swap will be part of the deal. A deal that has already been constructed, but won't go down until draft day...

 

[Richter]

I think it would extremely difficult to move it, and even harder to move it on draft day, because teams aren't going to want to move up to take a guy that isn't a much better prospect than someone else they can get 10 or 15 picks later and pay a whole lot more money. The only likely scenario I can see that involves the Patriots acquiring the 3rd pick and moving down from it is if the Lions settle on an offensive tackle and the Rams go with a tackle or receiver. That would leave Stafford there to tantalize some team that needs a quarterback into moving up.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Option One is more likely a trade down move, but with Light's contract expiring after next season...and Moss' after 2010...

#1: Jason Smith
#2: Michael Crabtree
#3: Aaron Curry
#4: Eugene Monroe
...it starts to get hazy here...
#5: Jenkins/Raji
#6: Maclin

 

[JSn]

That certainly makes a good case for getting he deal done early (besides freeing cap space). Maybe with a little extra time, the #3 can get traded for players or down for a swap of #1's and an extra #2...

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I think it would extremely difficult to move it, and even harder to move it on draft day, because teams aren't going to want to move up to take a guy that isn't a much better prospect than someone else they can get 10 or 15 picks later and pay a whole lot more money. The only likely scenario I can see that involves the Patriots acquiring the 3rd pick and moving down from it is if the Lions settle on an offensive tackle and the Rams go with a tackle or receiver. That would leave Stafford there to tantalize some team that needs a quarterback into moving up.

That's actually the scenerio I see playing out, NE dangling Stafford and/or Crabtree and getting some movement.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

That certainly makes a good case for getting he deal done early (besides freeing cap space). Maybe with a little extra time, the #3 can get traded for players or down for a swap of #1's and an extra #2...

I'd expect there would be some draft day deals outlined ahead of time that would involve a move down...I'd actually hope Detroit jumps all over Stafford because one of the top OTs would really be serious trade bait...though I'd be mildly miffed at BB if he didn't draft Jason Smith if he slid down.

 

[Richter]

That's actually the scenerio I see playing out, NE dangling Stafford and/or Crabtree and getting some movement.

I don't see Crabtree being worthwhile bait in that scenario unless his foot heals quickly and he absolutely kills it at his pro day. Otherwise, teams in need of a receiver will simply hope that he falls, since after Seattle, there aren't a ton of teams that wide receiver is a top need for in the top 10.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I don't see Crabtree being worthwhile bait in that scenario unless his foot heals quickly and he absolutely kills it at his pro day. Otherwise, teams in need of a receiver will simply hope that he falls, since after Seattle, there aren't a ton of teams that wide receiver is a top need for in the top 10.

I beg to differ: Cincy, Oakland, Jacksonville, SF all have serious WR issues. Yes, they wouldn't be there without serious issues all over, but even if Crabtree does get the surgery, I can see teams drooling over him - especially if he gets into the mid 4.5's.

 

[Richter]

I beg to differ: Cincy, Oakland, Jacksonville, SF all have serious WR issues. Yes, they wouldn't be there without serious issues all over, but even if Crabtree does get the surgery, I can see teams drooling over him - especially if he gets into the mid 4.5's.

Those are all teams that I agree would look at a receiver, but they all need an OT more, funny enough. Cincy's position will depend a lot on what they think Ocho Cinco has left in the tank, and whether or not they think Jones can stay healthy for them at LT. Oakland is the other team most in need of a wide receiver there, but Davis hasn't drafted one high in a while and who knows what they'll do? Jacksonville also needs linemen way more than receivers and are thought to be coveting a tackle or a defensive lineman. San Francisco's situation depends a lot on whether or not they resign Alex Smith and Isaac Bruce. Any of those teams could go for Crabtree, but I don't think any team in the top 10 needs a receiver more than Seattle, and is prioritizing that position as highly. It's not a stretch to imagine Crabtree falling to 10 if his workouts are bad and someone reaches for Sanchez or Moreno. If he gets by San Francisco, it's a potential freefall, though I think they'd be crazy to pass him up there, since the best tackles will likely be off the board, Raji will be off the board and they'd have to reach for Freeman.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Those are all teams that I agree would look at a receiver, but they all need an OT more, funny enough. Cincy's position will depend a lot on what they think Ocho Cinco has left in the tank, and whether or not they think Jones can stay healthy for them at LT. Oakland is the other team most in need of a wide receiver there, but Davis hasn't drafted one high in a while and who knows what they'll do? Jacksonville also needs linemen way more than receivers and are thought to be coveting a tackle or a defensive lineman. San Francisco's situation depends a lot on whether or not they resign Alex Smith and Isaac Bruce. Any of those teams could go for Crabtree, but I don't think any team in the top 10 needs a receiver more than Seattle, and is prioritizing that position as highly. It's not a stretch to imagine Crabtree falling to 10 if his workouts are bad and someone reaches for Sanchez or Moreno. If he gets by San Francisco, it's a potential freefall, though I think they'd be crazy to pass him up there, since the best tackles will likely be off the board, Raji will be off the board and they'd have to reach for Freeman.

I have no doubt they all have serious issues they might rather address ahead of a WR, but it's also fair to say they aren't the most well run clubs in the NFL... All speculation on our part, I just found myself coveting another team roper when I read about Jason Smith and got thinking about a trade with KC.

 

[Water Boy]

My frist choice would be to keep the pick and take Curry. If Curry was off the board, I'd take Raji.

 

[mayoclinic]

My frist choice would be to keep the pick and take Curry. If Curry was off the board, I'd take Raji.

If by some chance we got the #3 pick, I'd like to see the Pats end up with one of Jason Smith, BJ Raji, or Aaron Curry. Ideally, I'd like to see a tradeback a somewhere later in the top 10.

The best case scenario I can envision is something like the following:

- Detroit takes Stafford at #1
- St Louis takes either Crabtree or Jason Smith/Eugene Monroe at #2

With a clear "top 2" OTs right now (Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe appearing to have separated themselves from Andre Smith and Michael Oher), I could see teams being eager to move up to get one of the top 2 OTs, especially if one was off the board. Jacksonville needs an OT in a bad way. I could see them trading us #8 plus their 2nd round pick to move up to #3 for their top rated OT, or for the remaining of the top 2 OTs. At #8, we could probably get BJ Raji.

 

[stinkypete]

If by some chance we got the #3 pick, I'd like to see the Pats end up with one of Jason Smith, BJ Raji, or Aaron Curry. Ideally, I'd like to see a tradeback a somewhere later in the top 10.

The best case scenario I can envision is something like the following:

- Detroit takes Stafford at #1
- St Louis takes either Crabtree or Jason Smith/Eugene Monroe at #2

With a clear "top 2" OTs right now (Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe appearing to have separated themselves from Andre Smith and Michael Oher), I could see teams being eager to move up to get one of the top 2 OTs, especially if one was off the board. Jacksonville needs an OT in a bad way. I could see them trading us #8 plus their 2nd round pick to move up to #3 for their top rated OT, or for the remaining of the top 2 OTs. At #8, we could probably get BJ Raji.

That would be a near-ideal scenario for me. 3-4 ready nose tackles are much more rare than 3-4 ready linebackers. Top 10 picks need to be spent on a rare find kind of football player. I would take Raji even if Wilfork extends.

As far as the more glaring holes of pass rusher and go cornerback go, there will be several evenly valued players available throughout the first ten picks of the 2nd round.

 

[Water Boy]

I could see them trading us #8 plus their 2nd round pick to move up to #3 for their top rated OT, or for the remaining of the top 2 OTs. At #8, we could probably get BJ Raji.

Sounds like russian roulette to me.

 

[Water Boy]

That would be a near-ideal scenario for me. 3-4 ready nose tackles are much more rare than 3-4 ready linebackers. Top 10 picks need to be spent on a rare find kind of football player. I would take Raji even if Wilfork extends.

I hear what you are saying about Raji. Given the Pats current situation I would have a hard time passing on the instant gratification that would come with drafting Curry who I project could be plugged in at ILB and have an instant impact similar to Mayo.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I hear what you are saying about Raji. Given the Pats current situation I would have a hard time passing on the instant gratification that would come with drafting Curry who I project could be plugged in at ILB and have an instant impact similar to Mayo.

I'd tske the movedown to 8-10 and them take one of the big four LOTs. The only way to get the :Big Uglies" is to have a premium pick, once you have one, use it on one of them...

 

[Seneschal2]

That would be a near-ideal scenario for me. 3-4 ready nose tackles are much more rare than 3-4 ready linebackers. Top 10 picks need to be spent on a rare find kind of football player. I would take Raji even if Wilfork extends.

The #3 pick in the draft would not only be a starter, but would be expected to be an immediate impact player with Pro Bowl potential. Where would you play Raji if Wilfork extends? That said, he's the one player mentioned here I would not draft at #3.

---

Option One is more likely a trade down move, but with Light's contract expiring after next season...and Moss' after 2010...
#1: Jason Smith
#2: Michael Crabtree
#3: Aaron Curry

I agree with the above three if we were to remain at #3. I'd leave the order up to BB. My personal preference with such a high pick, is to trade down.

#1: Jason Smith - he's been my favorite OT for a while now, but believing we'd have no chance of getting him. He's a franchise LT (not RT), which means Light moves to RT. After Light was drafted, BB mentioned how he had the ability to play there, but since then -- he never has.

#2: Michael Crabtree - would immediately give the Pats the best WR trio in football. Will not have surgery on his foot (the stress fracture). Is still healing from a sore ankle, and will be ready to run his 40 at his March 26 private workout. And in the words of Scott Pioli:

"You got a bunch of tapes to watch guys on. From our standpoint we evaluate guys on how they play football and not just on how they run," noted Pioli.

"The combine's great, but you watch tape on the player and that's really your top priority."

#3: Aaron Curry - with Wilfork hopefully extended, and Curry paired inside with Mayo, the D would be near dominant. Especially if we devoted the rest of the draft to upgrading the CB and Safety positions.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

My personal preference with such a high pick, is to trade down.

#1: Jason Smith - he's been my favorite OT for a while now, but believing we'd have no chance of getting him. He's a franchise LT (not RT), which means Light moves to RT. After Light was drafted, BB mentioned how he had the ability to play there, but since then -- he never has.

#2: Michael Crabtree - would immediately give the Pats the best WR trio in football. Will not have surgery on his foot (the stress fracture). Is still healing from a sore ankle, and will be ready to run his 40 at his March 26 private workout. And in the words of Scott Pioli:

#3: Aaron Curry - with Wilfork hopefully extended, and Curry paired inside with Mayo, the D would be near dominant. Especially if we devoted the rest of the draft to upgrading the CB and Safety positions.

Smith actually needs a year of development as as three-point stance run blocker. I can see him rotating in with Light and Kaczur, then taking over the first injury opening...and moving to LT next offseason, with Kaczur being re-signed and kicked inside to RG alongside Light.

Brayd, Welker, Moss, and Crabtree would truly strike fear in NFL hearts.

Curry and Mayo...I'd still go after Barwin or English or Cody Brown to develop outside, but the youth revolution would be over.

 

[WhiZa]

With the Pats history of taking a WR early I would not take Crabtree. If he was Calvin Johnson who had no question marks and was just an all around great pick I could make an exception.

 

[Seneschal2]

Smith actually needs a year of development as as three-point stance run blocker. I can see him rotating in with Light and Kaczur, then taking over the first injury opening...and moving to LT next offseason, with Kaczur being re-signed and kicked inside to RG alongside Light.

True, Smith won't be handed the job from the get-go, but in order for him to have an opportunity to make an impact (sooner rather than later), he'll need as many reps as possible. One scenario is for him to arrive on time, receive 100% of the reps at LT during TC (Light doesn't need any time there), then a full pre-season vs NFL competition. All the while, Light is doing the same at RT. Evaluate both players throughout the process, with Nick as the backup at both RT and RG.

All draft prospects are dealing with the NFL transition, and all develop at different paces. If, as you state, his run blocking needs some work, he may have the necessary time to improve during this pre-season. We, as fans, can't put a timetable on the development of rookies -- it's individually based.

If, Smith isn't deemed ready this pre-season, return to the starting OL of '08.

Never thought I'd be speculating about the #3 pick in the draft -- twas fun...although I won't be counting chickens.