*The Official Draft Rolando McClain warwagon!*

[mayoclinic]

Mayo,

If Berry fell out of the top 10 based on the history of safeties not being selected in the top 10 would you take him?

Tough call. It would depend on who else is available.

First, I doubt Berry falls out of the top 10, and even if he did we would have to trade up quite a bit to get him. Though you can make an argument that Texas S Earl Thomas may be as good a playmaker as Berry, and he will probably go in the 15-20 range, not far from where we pick.

Second, I feel that our #1 need is blue chip playmakers who can make a difference, almost regardless of position. I'd much rather have a blue chip safety who can turn games around like Troy Polamalu or Ed Reed than a red chip OLB. So from that point of view, I would have to give a lot of thought to one of those guys if the cost wasn't prohibitive.

But if other blue chip prospects or playmakers are available at positions of greater need, I would probably have to go in that direction. I'd probably rather have a Cody, Dunlap, or Spiller (and certainly a McClain) than another safety, if a Berry, given our depth at the position.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

But if other blue chip prospects or playmakers are available at positions of greater need, I would probably have to go in that direction. I'd probably rather have a Cody, Dunlap, or Spiller (and certainly a McClain) than another safety, if a Berry, given our depth at the position.

Given the guys they already have there, I just don't see enough value added (since the new safety would probably replace one of the safeties already on the team) to justify it.

I'd like to see the Pats add an FA and a top-100 draft pick at both LB positions.

 

[mayoclinic]

I'd like to see the Pats add an FA and a top-100 draft pick at both LB positions.

I'd like to address SILB and both OLB positions through either FA and the draft. Either bring in Karlos Dansby at SILB and draft 2 playmakers with high upside, or bring in a FA pass rusher such as Shawne Merriman and trade up for Rolando McClain at SILB, while drafting a developmental pass rusher with high upside.

 

[Warren94]

Do u think Merriman has anything after his knee surgery. I realize it's a wait and see approach a la Brady..

 

[dipset617x540]

Right now they have mcclain going number 11 to the broncos.so if they i would take him there is really no good ilb around us . so i think we should do this try and get Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU and sign Karlos Dansby or DeMeco Ryans or Kirk Morrison. ryans and mayo would be sick .but ryans would most likely would stay in houston so lets go big for dansby. are coners are fine i think there young so there get better but it doesnt hurt to bring in a older guy.for dline bring in a younf dt and resign wilfork.and we should be good there. For i really think we should try to get Willie Parker as are main guy next with fred taylor and sammy morris.im sick of laurence maroney,get rid of him please.for wr i know this sounds crazy but bring in Terrell owens,guy will free up moss and they would not be able to double team them.For te either resign watson or draft or sign anybody that can block or catch a few.Oline jus add littel things and they will stay fine.for next year we should be a 12 to 14 win team if we stay healthy and get a new DC

 

[TriplecHamp]

Bama LB McClain Announces He'll Enter NFL Draft - ABC News

 

[DreaIVIS]

It would have been better if McClain declared next season. We would probably be able to get him then.

But this is a pipedream. BB will never trade into the top 5, and that is where McClain will get drafted.

 

[lostjumper]

It would have been better if McClain declared next season. We would probably be able to get him then.

But this is a pipedream. BB will never trade into the top 5, and that is where McClain will get drafted.

Unfortunately, I believe you are right. He'll be in the top 10 for sure.

 

[TriplecHamp]

It would have been better if McClain declared next season. We would probably be able to get him then.

But this is a pipedream. BB will never trade into the top 5, and that is where McClain will get drafted.

No way he goes top 5.Highest he goes is 10 or 11, wherever the Broncos first pick is.

 

[mgteich]

This McLain thread reminds me of similar Curry threads last year. We would like the player, but he will get drafted too high to even considering trading up for,

No way he goes top 5.Highest he goes is 10 or 11, wherever the Broncos first pick is.

 

[mayoclinic]

This McLain thread reminds me of similar Curry threads last year. We would like the player, but he will get drafted too high to even considering trading up for,

Like last year, we have a 1st round pick in the early 20's (22 vs. 23) and 3 2nd round picks (something like 42, 47 and 53 vs. 34, 47 and 58). We certainly have the ammo to trade up in any number of ways. Last year BB there were rumors that the Pats would trade up into the top 10, but BB clearly didn't like the values and chose to trade down and around, ending up with 34, 40, 41, 58, 73 (traded for a 2010 2nd round pick) and 83. Some people have criticized that strategy for ending up with a bunch of red chip prospects and no blue chip prospects.

But 2009 was a predominantly red chip draft, whereas 2010 is the deepest draft in memory. There wasn't an obvious blue chip prospect at 23 - some would argue that Michael Oher, Vontae Davis and Clay Matthews would qualify, but I don't think that was at all the concensus going into the draft. There should be one or more blue chip prospects available in the 20's.

Consider some of the following options:

1. Trade 22 + 42 to move up to 10-11 to draft ILB Rolando McClain. Take the best available red chip OG and pass rusher with our other 2nd round picks.

2. Trade 42, 47 and our 4th round pick to Atlanta for 19 and 83. Take two blue chip prospects from among the following possibilities (not all of whom will necessarily be available, but some of whom should be): RB CJ Spiller, OT Brian Bulaga, DT Terrance Cody, and one of the top DE/OLB prospects (Carlos Dunlap, Jason Pierre-Paul, Greg Hardy, Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, Jerry Hughes, or the player of your choice). Pick up an additional red chip DE/OLB, 3-4 DE, or OL at 83 (possibly trading up within the 3rd round).

3. Stand pat at 22 or trade back a few spots and take a stud interior lineman such as Mike Iupati. Use our 2nd round picks (possibly moving around with the round, as we did last year) to pick up a DE/OLB, a 3-4 DE, and possibly a RB like Jahvid Best or Jonathan Dwyer or a WR like Golden Tate, or another OL or DE/OLB.

4. Stand pat around 22 and pick up DT Terrance Cody. Then use our 2nd round to pick up a OG, pass rusher, and another prospect (RB, WR, TE, OL or DE/OLB)

Which do you prefer? A lot depends on who we can pick up in FA. Get Karlos Dansby and I prefer option 2. Get Reggie Bush and Shawne Merriman, and I prefer option 1, with options 3 and 4 as backups. Lose Vince Wilfork, and I prefer option 4. Lose Logan Mankins and I prefer option 3.

 

[NePatriots]

I like #2 best #1 second, and #3 third. I dislike #4 something fierce.

With picks at 19, 22, 53, 83 (scenario #1), we could get a blue-chip OG (Iupati) and a blue chip LB/DE/OLB (Take Your Pick) with our first two picks, not neccessarily in that order.
,
At #53 other prospects like DE/OLB's Austen Lane/Jeremy Beal/Greg Romeus, RB's like Ryan Matthews/Jonathan Dwyer, OL like Gabe Carimi/Vlad Ducasse, and CB's like Amari Spievey, Syd'Quan Thompson, and Kareem Jackson. Almost certain to find a great red-chipper there.

 

[mgteich]

3 or 4 for me.
WR's and OLB's should be signed in free agency. I relly do hope that Wilfork and Mankins sign long-term contracts.

I'm with Belichick. I'm always tempted to move up, but from the 20's, it is usually better to stand pat or move down. If I could get Iupati or Cody or an equiivalent player at 22, I would nto even consider moving up. This is a great draft beacuse of the threat of rookie slary cap. Perhaps we will indeed get a blue chip player at 22. I usually don't expect more than one to slip past 16. I'm also fine with moving up a spot or two, but I hope that we don't need that.

Like last year, we have a 1st round pick in the early 20's (22 vs. 23) and 3 2nd round picks (something like 42, 47 and 53 vs. 34, 47 and 58). We certainly have the ammo to trade up in any number of ways. Last year BB there were rumors that the Pats would trade up into the top 10, but BB clearly didn't like the values and chose to trade down and around, ending up with 34, 40, 41, 58, 73 (traded for a 2010 2nd round pick) and 83. Some people have criticized that strategy for ending up with a bunch of red chip prospects and no blue chip prospects.

But 2009 was a predominantly red chip draft, whereas 2010 is the deepest draft in memory. There wasn't an obvious blue chip prospect at 23 - some would argue that Michael Oher, Vontae Davis and Clay Matthews would qualify, but I don't think that was at all the concensus going into the draft. There should be one or more blue chip prospects available in the 20's.

Consider some of the following options:

1. Trade 22 + 42 to move up to 10-11 to draft ILB Rolando McClain. Take the best available red chip OG and pass rusher with our other 2nd round picks.

2. Trade 42, 47 and our 4th round pick to Atlanta for 19 and 83. Take two blue chip prospects from among the following possibilities (not all of whom will necessarily be available, but some of whom should be): RB CJ Spiller, OT Brian Bulaga, DT Terrance Cody, and one of the top DE/OLB prospects (Carlos Dunlap, Jason Pierre-Paul, Greg Hardy, Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, Jerry Hughes, or the player of your choice). Pick up an additional red chip DE/OLB, 3-4 DE, or OL at 83 (possibly trading up within the 3rd round).

3. Stand pat at 22 or trade back a few spots and take a stud interior lineman such as Mike Iupati. Use our 2nd round picks (possibly moving around with the round, as we did last year) to pick up a DE/OLB, a 3-4 DE, and possibly a RB like Jahvid Best or Jonathan Dwyer or a WR like Golden Tate, or another OL or DE/OLB.

4. Stand pat around 22 and pick up DT Terrance Cody. Then use our 2nd round to pick up a OG, pass rusher, and another prospect (RB, WR, TE, OL or DE/OLB)

Which do you prefer? A lot depends on who we can pick up in FA. Get Karlos Dansby and I prefer option 2. Get Reggie Bush and Shawne Merriman, and I prefer option 1, with options 3 and 4 as backups. Lose Vince Wilfork, and I prefer option 4. Lose Logan Mankins and I prefer option 3.

 

[alvinnf]

No way he goes top 5.Highest he goes is 10 or 11, wherever the Broncos first pick is.

They are actually set at LB. Not to mention that they are still trying to work Ayers into the rotation. Of course he would be a great fit in many places, but for Denver he's low on the priority list.

 

[TriplecHamp]

They are actually set at LB. Not to mention that they are still trying to work Ayers into the rotation. Of course he would be a great fit in many places, but for Denver he's low on the priority list.

So we can cross them off

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Some people have criticized that strategy for ending up with a bunch of red chip prospects and no blue chip prospects.

But 2009 was a predominantly red chip draft, whereas 2010 is the deepest draft in memory. There wasn't an obvious blue chip prospect at 23 - some would argue that Michael Oher, Vontae Davis and Clay Matthews would qualify, but I don't think that was at all the concensus going into the draft. There should be one or more blue chip prospects available in the 20's.

I think blue chip prospects are very rare. Usually only 2 or 3 per draft; followed by a dozen or so red chip prospects.

This draft is shaping up to be very deep, but still only has 4 legitimate blue chippers (oddly enough no QB's, although someone will overdraft Bradford and Clausen)

Suh
McCoy
Berry
Okrung


This draft will probably end up having close to two dozen or so red chip prospects. An amazing number indeed.

 

[Seneschal2]

There should be one or more blue chip prospects available in the 20's.

Mayo,

This may be a deeper draft than usual, extending the overall talent throughout round two. However, all that truly matters is how many Pats prospects are on the board (and within reach) when NE selects. Hypothetically, if 5 red chip edge rushers are available at #22, but none of them fits the Pats profile, BB will pass on this position of need. Now, obviously there is at least ONE pass rusher who fits...but the overall point is that just because the draft may be deeper, legitimate Pats prospects may be thin (or not).

It's still too soon to create an accurate Pats Prospects list, as the process is just beginning. And I remain hopeful that those who fit the Pats are plentiful...

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Mayo,

This may be a deeper draft than usual, extending the overall talent throughout round two. However, all that truly matters is how many Pats prospects are on the board (and within reach) when NE selects. Hypothetically, if 5 red chip edge rushers are available at #22, but none of them fits the Pats profile, BB will pass on this position of need. Now, obviously there is at least ONE pass rusher who fits...but the overall point is that just because the draft may be deeper, legitimate Pats prospects may be thin (or not).

It's still too soon to create an accurate Pats Prospects list, as the process is just beginning. And I remain hopeful that those who fit the Pats are plentiful...

There are two edge pass rushers that fit the Patriot scheme and have first round grades.

The first is Dunlap of Florida 6'6" and 275 lbs. speculation is he runs a 4.6. He played DE at Florida but was extremely successful at setting a hard edge on running plays and rushing the passer. No experience dropping into coverage. Recent DUI may drop him on a lot of team's boards.

The second is Sapp of Clemson. He is about 6'4" and about 250. Good first step and very successful coming around the corner. He is also a decent, run defender. Also at Clemson he did drop into coverage a little bit, so BB will have film to watch on him doing a lot of the same things we would ask him to do.

 

[BritPat]

They are actually set at LB. Not to mention that they are still trying to work Ayers into the rotation. Of course he would be a great fit in many places, but for Denver he's low on the priority list.

Dunno, Williams wasn't great this year (not a surprise, he's just not a 3-4 ILB), whilst Davis will be 32 at the end of next year. Their only other ILB is the under-sized former Safety Wesley Woodyard. If they wanted to get their guy for the next 5-10 years, the time is ripe.

 

[mayoclinic]

There are two edge pass rushers that fit the Patriot scheme and have first round grades.

The first is Dunlap of Florida 6'6" and 275 lbs. speculation is he runs a 4.6. He played DE at Florida but was extremely successful at setting a hard edge on running plays and rushing the passer. No experience dropping into coverage. Recent DUI may drop him on a lot of team's boards.

The second is Sapp of Clemson. He is about 6'4" and about 250. Good first step and very successful coming around the corner. He is also a decent, run defender. Also at Clemson he did drop into coverage a little bit, so BB will have film to watch on him doing a lot of the same things we would ask him to do.

I think Dunlap would be my #1 strong side edge rushing prospect for the Pats, with Greg Romeus a close 2nd if he declares, with Greg Hardy 3rd. I think there's at least a 50% chance he's available at 22 at this point (he could rise after the combine if he puts up big numbers), and I think he would be good value there. BB is always going on about guys like Peppers and Williams and the kind of unique challenges they pose. Dunlap could be that kind of guy.

I don't consider Sapp a clear 1st round prospect, more like a mid 2nd guy. I think he's much more of a weak side prospect with good speed of the edge and pursuit capabilities. I like Austen Lane the best of the weak side prospects, with Jason Pierre-Paul having the most upside, but I'd be happy to consider Sapp along with Sergio Kindle and Jerry Hughes in the 2nd round. One or more of them will fall, and Lane is probably a late 2nd/early 3rd guy.