When he was here Pioli's draft mantra used to encompass the smaller pool philosophy. The Pats are looking for talent that fits their system and scheme. Everyone knows the scheme fit needs, although at times a segment of the fanbase chooses to ignore them in favor of flashier hyped up talent. Many here have forgotten what the system tennants are altogether because they don't care about things like off field antics or indiscretions or uneven motors or guys obcessing about getting paid. They just want brand name, recognizable, highly hyped talent.
Our old pal Richard Seymour when commenting on what happened here last season said that more than ever the young talent entering this league is more wrapped up in achieving the lifestyle of the NFL player than winning championships. He said if he were starting his own franchise from scratch he would target guys to whom football truly matters. He would sacrifice a little top end talent to acquire the kind of talent that is inclined to overachieve via hard work because winning at this level matters that much to them.
Sadly, Richard was a do as I say not as I do kind of leader... Belichick is looking to retool his leadership core on this team and as part of the process he is surrounding them with the kind of football matters guys he believes will be either be easier to coach and lead if not likely to emerge as leaders themselves. There are no guarantees, teambuilding a championship roster is as much art as science, but genuine leaders seldom emerge from amongst the most overhyped college players because leaders more often than not are forged out of adversity.
I like the fact that nobody who walks through that door, over which the sign hangs that admonishes you to check your ego and do your job, for the first time this season will have already achieved financial security for this generation, let alone their grandkids... They're going to have to go some to prove they belong here and deserve it 4-5 years down the road, although by all accounts including where they were drafted they certainly have the tools to.
I also after giving it some thought like the idea that the one unit on the team that appeared to be set on the heels of recent drafts and FA signings, a unit where diva like egos often lurk just below the surface, just got a little kick in the ass message that there is a new sherriff in town, drafted in the first round, and he's a four downs player...
In a perfect world I would have loved to see him draft another one of those kinds of guys to light a fire under some resident asses on the OL, particularly amongst the guards/center since Vollmer likely lit a little flame under the tackles last season that continues to flicker heading into this season. Competition is a great motivator.
