While waiting for TC...

[AzPatsFan]

While waiting for training camp and the beginning of the new season, there isn't much to talk about.

So here is my attempt to start a discussion.

Belichick has spent the last few years rebuilding, or retooling, while continuing to win. In 2007, he reconstructed the WR corps, and started to rebuild the secondary by drafting Meriwether. In 2008 he continued rebuilding the secondary using high draft picks on two CBs. And of course he continued re-building the LB corps, using his high First on Jerod Mayo, and a Third on Crabel.

This past off-season, it has been apparent that he spent the majority of his time rebuilding the secondary, while he added another high pick, (Third) to the LB corps.

He also spent 6 picks on the Lines, three each. For most teams that is their entire draft, 6 or 7 picks, yet it doesn't feel like that was the major thrust.

Here is the question. Belichick has stockpiled 5 high picks for the next draft. 1 x 1; 3 x 2; and 1 x 3. What positions will he use them on? What position will the First Rounder fill? What positions should he use them on if your expectations of what he will do is different from what he should do? Discussion, Please.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

If it was up to me, I would try to land the future replacements for Light, Koppen, and Faulk. Even though they picked up some promising young OL, we could use some more. Morris, and Taylor might not be around after this year, and we still havent seen if Maroney will make it longterm. So, RB could be a big area to address next year. Oh, and MLB.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I couldn't even hazard a guess until this season shakes out, and then it won't be worth much until Free Agency's feeding frenzy period passes.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

I couldn't even hazard a guess until this season shakes out, and then it won't be worth much until Free Agency's feeding frenzy period passes.

You're just being lazy :yawn2:

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

You're just being lazy :yawn2:

Never "just!"

 

[BelizePats]

I think it depends on how the late round D line draft picks from this year pan out. Do they grasp the system? Do they show promise? Do they even make the team?
With Green, Big Vince and Seymour all free agents after this year and with BB's past commitment to building this team through the lines, I would not be surprised to see him go D line with some of those picks.
What I absolutely love about this years draft aside from drafting some very good young talent, is the two additional seconds we have next year. As we saw this year, some very good, cap friendly players, can be had in the second round.
The scouting staff are critical to the long term success of the franchise and if we hit one or two home runs from next years draft, this will be a very young talented team as Brady enters his mid 30's.
Respects,

Rich

 

[Ring 6]

I think overall, in general, he drafts the best players available, exclusive of need. I think that his belief is that over time including the use of free agency, the talent across positions will be distributed evenly.
I think this is why trying to predict his draft choices is so difficult.
Any evidence that he is drafting to need really seems to be coincidental, because he appears to ignore need often as well.
I would tend to agree that it is better to draft a better player at a position that appears to not be a need than a lesser player at a position that doesnt. Ultimately, other than QB, reality is that pretty much every position becomes a need within 2-3 years anyway.

 

[jmt57]

A lot of this will change an be determined by free agency, depending on who gets their contract extended and who leaves to sign with another team. My guess is there will be focus on the offensive line. I can see a 2nd round pick being used on a guard; Stepehen Neal will be 34 in 2010 and Logan Mankins' price tag may be too high (assuming a new CBA is in place and he's not a RFA.) I would guess the first round pick and one second will be used on a defensive end and outside linebacker. And I will guess the remaining second round pick will be used on a running back; Laurence Maroney and BJGE are the only players under the age of 30 at that position. One of those picks could be switched to an inside linebacker to go with Mayo depending on the progress of Guyton and McKenzie. Wide receiver is another position that will need to get younger soon but it is not as pressing as the other positions, and there are usually a lot of free agents available if needed.

Of course all of that will probably be turned upside down due to trades and free agency signings making this speculation useless.

 

[AzPatsFan]

When i started this I prposely did not include my choices.

I think the next draft selections will go as follows
#1 RB;
#2s DE-->OLB candidate, Guard-interior lineman, and CB;
and then a
#3 RB-third down back.