The Roster as of 3/10

[mayoclinic]

I'm with you on another safety as a primary need, I bet the Pats nab a big, hard hitting S, early in the draft.

And you're right - OLB/pass rusher is still a major weakness. We'll have AD back, but Crable, Baanta-Cain remain unknowns for next year. While there are a lot of bodies at OLB, we don't have a certified speed freak QB killer and we need one.

I disagree with your view of the RB position - I think BB will have a young RB on the team in the mold of Faulk. If we keep all the 2nds, then the new RB will come pretty early. I also believe there may be room for a FB/ST out of the draft, a guy to replace Izzo - essentially all ST with the ability to lend a hand if really needed.

I'd say you underestimate the DL needs. With so many guys possibly gone next year and obviously some questions about Seymour's true worth, the DL looks to be one of the highest priorities in this draft. Don't be surprised if we trade up for Raji.

From your lips to God's ears, I hope. I consider Raji the top prospect in the draft for the Pats, even above Aaron Curry. I started a thread on this almost 2 months ago and suggested that he would make more of a difference to the defense than any other player:

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/13/209694-bj-raji-hypothetical.html

I would be thrilled if we could somehow land BJ Raji, and I would give up anyone on my current list of prospects to do so in a heartbeat, but at this point I think the chance that he doesn't go top 10 is less than 10%, and I don't see us trading into the top 10. If he falls into the 2nd 10, then it's definitely a possibility.

I was just addressing immediate needs for 2009. With Seymour, Wilfork and Warren returning and Green and Wright as backups, there's not a lot of room for a DE on 2009 unless we manage to land someone really exceptional. Similarly, I just said "you can make a strong case" that there's no room for an RB. We won't carry more than 5 RB's on the roster, and Maroney, Taylor, Morris and Faulk are set unless one gets traded. I don't see much room there. I could imagine us drafting someone like Devin Moore and grooming him to be Kevin Faulk's replacement, but even that is a long shot.

 

[Seneschal2]

So if we use all 4 of our picks, I would like to see a minimum of 1 OL, 1 LB and 1 S taken, with the 4th pick being used either on another OL, another LB, or a DL.

I agree on the positions. There are of course numerous scenarios, so here's only one:

1) OT Beatty
2a) DE/OLB Barwin
2b) SS Chung
2c) C/OG Wood

Leaving ILB for day two with maybe a Brinkley, etc.

Those 4 may be entirely possible, given their current rankings. The only crimp I see is if we select DE Jackson #1, leaving the OT position to be filled with more of a developmental prospect than someone like Beatty. And for those who prefer Delmas over Chung, I doubt he makes it to 2b.

Mayo, any scenarios we propose this early regarding the first four picks will undoubtedly change come April. Prospects are still rising...making their values much different (according to the GMs) come draft time.

This draft is slowing evolving into one of the best ever for the Pats, possibly netting us 4 starters -- just on day one.

 

[mayoclinic]

I agree on the positions. There are of course numerous scenarios, so here's only one:

1) OT Beatty
2a) DE/OLB Barwin
2b) SS Chung
2c) C/OG Wood

Leaving ILB for day two with maybe a Brinkley, etc.

Those 4 may be entirely possible, given their current rankings. The only crimp I see is if we select DE Jackson #1, leaving the OT position to be filled with more of a developmental prospect than someone like Beatty. And for those who prefer Delmas over Chung, I doubt he makes it to 2b.

A perfectly good foursome, no tears would be shed over that draft. My personal preference at this time is:

1) OT Beatty
2a) DE/OLB Barwin
2b) S Delmas
2c) DE/LB Ayers

With probably some trading around to move up a bit in the 2nd around. I agree with you that Delmas may not last till #47. I like Chung a lot, but I definitely prefer Delmas.

Mayo, any scenarios we propose this early regarding the first four picks will undoubtedly change come April. Prospects are still rising...making their values much different (according to the GMs) come draft time.

Absolutely correct. We're all just speculating, but what fun it is.

This draft is slowing evolving into one of the best ever for the Pats, possibly netting us 4 starters -- just on day one.

The really nice thing is that your statement is absolutely true, but the FO has done such a great job in FA that we have almost no dependency on the draft for 2009. And this draft could set us up for the next 5 years.

 

[JackBauer]

We need a STRONG safety. Meriweather can't tackle Tight Ends. Sanders isn't fast enough to cover them either.

One missed tackle on a rookie phenom TE does not mean Meriweather can't tackle tight ends.

 

[BradyManny]

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/13/209694-bj-raji-hypothetical.html

I would be thrilled if we could somehow land BJ Raji, and I would give up anyone on my current list of prospects to do so in a heartbeat, but at this point I think the chance that he doesn't go top 10 is less than 10%, and I don't see us trading into the top 10. If he falls into the 2nd 10, then it's definitely a possibility.

Mayoclinic - what do you think of his teammate, Ron Brace?

 

[mayoclinic]

Mayoclinic - what do you think of his teammate, Ron Brace?

Brace doesn't have Raji's outstanding athleticism or penetrating ability. He is what he is - a big strong run stuffer who will plug the middle. He'll probably go 2nd round given the 3-4 teams looking for an NT, and in that range there are other players that I'd rather target with more upside. A solid player though.

 

[tb4u]

We need a STRONG safety. Meriweather can't tackle Tight Ends. Sanders isn't fast enough to cover them either.

I think that Meriweather can tackle Tight Ends. But I also agree, I think we need a hard hitting SS. Someone like Samari Rolle anyone?

Don't u think Maroney can be the next Faulk? I think so.

I think that Maroney is AMAZING if he can stay healthy. He needs to be able to not get injured in the first couple of weeks of the season. That is why we always have so many running backs.

Maroney was in the same draft class as Steven Jackson. and Steven Jackson says that if we give Maroney the chance and he says healthy, Maroney is better then Steven Jackson.

Bottom Line, Maroney needs to stay healthy.

 

[JackBauer]

I think that Meriweather can tackle Tight Ends. But I also agree, I think we need a hard hitting SS. Someone like Samari Rolle anyone?

Samari Rolle is a cornerback, and since when is he "hard hitting"?

 

[AzPatsFan]

Mayoclinic - what do you think of his teammate, Ron Brace?

NT is critical to making a 3-4 defense work.

Unlike a lot of other posters, I have my eye on a true NT Ron Brace. Brace is not a Wilfork, but may be his equal against the run. Wright is not a Wilfork, but may be his equal or possibly even superior against the pass, while being acceptable for short periods against the run.

Collectively they are a situation-substitution pair, and a platooning creditable full reserve for Wilfork at NT.

There is an opening for the #7 DL. Brace with the last second rounder or first third rounder or if Brace stock rises, a necessary trade up into a higher position in the second than 58. That COMPLETES the Defensive line, that BB started building in 2001.

And you know how BB feels about his Defensive line. I expected the Pats to use their second third rounder last year on NT Red McKay from A&M, but they surprised me with Kevin O'Connell. This year they finish the job, and are prepared for all signing/injury eventualities in 2010 and 2011. Even though I don't think that Sey or Wilfork will be allowed to leave. BB would cut half the team to find the dough for both of them, IMHO. It is hard to imagine but that DL corps is young; no one is over thirty, including Seymour, so it could be dominate for another half a decade.

 

[mgteich]

Wilfork will be here for at least three more seasons. I think that he will be extended. If not, he will be franchised, twice if necessary. So, we have Wilfork for 2009, 2010, and 2011.

Are we really considering the need for a 2012 starter at NT a critical need?

Personally, I don't expect Seymour to be extended. HOWEVER, he can be franchised in 2010, even if there is a new CBA, if we extend Wilfork (which I expect to happen).

I am fine with seven defensive linemen. I am fine with a developmental backup nose tackle. However, I don't consider this a high need. To me, the following are higher needs: OLB, SS, OG, OT, and ILB.

NT is critical to making a 3-4 defense work.

Unlike a lot of other posters, I have my eye on a true NT Ron Brace. Brace is not a Wilfork, but may be his equal against the run. Wright is not a Wilfork, but may be his equal or possibly even superior against the pass, while being acceptable for short periods against the run.

Collectively they are a situation-substitution pair, and a platooning creditable full reserve for Wilfork at NT.

There is an opening for the #7 DL. Brace with the last second rounder or first third rounder or if Brace stock rises, a necessary trade up into a higher position in the second than 58. That COMPLETES the Defensive line, that BB started building in 2001.

And you know how BB feels about his Defensive line. I expected the Pats to use their second third rounder last year on NT Red McKay from A&M, but they surprised me with Kevin O'Connell. This year they finish the job, and are prepared for all signing/injury eventualities in 2010 and 2011. Even though I don't think that Sey or Wilfork will be allowed to leave. BB would cut half the team to find the dough for both of them, IMHO. It is hard to imagine but that DL corps is young; no one is over thirty, including Seymour, so it could be dominate for another half a decade.

 

[BradyManny]

Brace doesn't have Raji's outstanding athleticism or penetrating ability. He is what he is - a big strong run stuffer who will plug the middle. He'll probably go 2nd round given the 3-4 teams looking for an NT, and in that range there are other players that I'd rather target with more upside. A solid player though.

Good points. I like Brace, but maybe Sammie Lee Hill a couple rounds later is more appropriate. Granted, I've never seen Hill play and am only going based on a couple scouting reports. But basically I see backup DT as a need on this team, the depth behind Vince is weak.

 

[BradyManny]

NT is critical to making a 3-4 defense work.

Unlike a lot of other posters, I have my eye on a true NT Ron Brace. Brace is not a Wilfork, but may be his equal against the run. Wright is not a Wilfork, but may be his equal or possibly even superior against the pass, while being acceptable for short periods against the run.

Collectively they are a situation-substitution pair, and a platooning creditable full reserve for Wilfork at NT.

There is an opening for the #7 DL. Brace with the last second rounder or first third rounder or if Brace stock rises, a necessary trade up into a higher position in the second than 58. That COMPLETES the Defensive line, that BB started building in 2001.

I 100% agree w your assessment of the depth behind Wilfork. Also agreed #7 DL should be addressed via the draft, and it should be an NT. But I might also be inclined to, as mayoclinic says, think round 2 is too early. It'd be great if Brace lasted into the third, otherwise, as above, Sammie Lee Hill interests me based on his writeups.

 

[mgteich]

If we must have a seventh Dl, I would prefer a DE who would replace Seymour or Green on next year's depth chart.

I 100% agree w your assessment of the depth behind Wilfork. Also agreed #7 DL should be addressed via the draft, and it should be an NT. But I might also be inclined to, as mayoclinic says, think round 2 is too early. It'd be great if Brace lasted into the third, otherwise, as above, Sammie Lee Hill interests me based on his writeups.

 

[BradyManny]

If we must have a seventh Dl, I would prefer a DE who would replace Seymour or Green on next year's depth chart.

Personally, I say we cross that bridge if and when we come to it. Depth at DT for 2009 is a bigger priority, IMO. I think the depth that they have gone into the season w the last few seasons has been a little risky, and I hope they don't do it again in 09.