1. Everson Griffen, OLB, USC
The prototypical hybrid DE/OLB could step in to a huge role from day one in New England. Rushing the passer was a big problem for the Pats in 2009 and the addition of Griffen could change that. He'd easily be in a rotation from the start and could be the young blood the once stout 'D' needs.
2a. Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
How much does Moss have left? Can Welker make a full recovery? Where's the depth? Sure, Sam Aiken and Julian Edelman are nice stories and provide a spontaneous good game or two, but can they be trusted for the future? Scouts and draft experts think LaFell can and getting him at this juncture of the draft would be ideal for the Patriots. He has the stature of a true #1 guy, with the right height-build-speed combo. teams crave. He wasn't ridiculously productive in college like a few recently drafted WRs, but that was more due to the LSU scheme than his shortcomings.
2b. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
New England has three big needs that must be addressed: OLB, DE, and TE. They got Griffen at OLB; now it's time to cross of TE. Gronkowski, who missed all of the 2009 college season due to injury, has massive upside. Despite his missed time, he is still considered one of the premiere TEs available in the 2010 draft, up there with Gresham and Hernandez. He's a mid- to late-2nd round pick and the Patriots should jump all over him with this selection.
2c. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
A QB? In round two? Tom Brady didn't tear his other ACL, did he? I assure you, he did not. Then why was a QB taken here? Simple - BPA. Does New England absolutely need a QB, especially this early? No. But the numbers were right for it. Brady will be 33 by the time the season begins and could start to slow down soon. And who's behind him? Are you comfortable with Brian Hoyer or Jeff Rowe? Don't give me the "Matt Cassel spiel" either. If McCoy was there and could sit behind Brady for 3-4 years learning, would you be willing to sacrifice the Pats' third (and last) 2nd round pick? I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.
4. Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
6. Kurt Coleman, SS, Ohio State
7a. Zoltan Mesko, P, Michigan
7b. Jeron Mastrud, TE, Kansas State