My take after day 2

[Rob0729]

I will admit that I am very disapointed the Pats didn't draft an OLB last night. I think their d-line need is overrated because that position has already been upgraded with the return of Ty Warren, Mike Wright, and Myron Pryor. OLB is a real need though. Perhaps Belichick is going to get one in free agency since he doesn't like to groom OLBs typically. The only way I can see they can salvage the OLB in the draft is if they get Sam Acho or Chris Carter.

As for the pick themselves, I like all the picks except for the Ridley pick. Solder has the ability to be an elite LT. Dowling is most likely going to replace the overrated Meriweather who is likely to leave in free agency after this season. Vereen is a versatile RB with homerun play capabilties. Mallett was at one point considered the best QB on the board until he scared teams off with questions about his maturity and rumors of drug use. If he can grow up, he could be a replacement for Brady in 3-5 years ala Aaron Rodgers if Brady's skill deteriorate or trade bait down the road. At the very least, the Pats will have arguably the best back up QB in the league and will protect the Pats from a 2008 Brady injury doomsday scenario.

Now if the Pats fill their OLB needs in free agency (possibly Mathias Kiwanuka who is a good two gap pass rusher), then I think this draft filled needs and can be successful. Otherwise, I agree with others they may have squandered opportunities in the draft. Evaluating this draft is harder than most because we don't have the benefits of know how teams filled in holes via free agency. Belichick usually likes to fill the OLB position in free agency over the draft because it can take years for a college DE to make the complete conversion to OLB in the 3-4. If after free agency, the OLBs look the same as last year then Belichick did fail this offseason to improve the pass rush.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

this could have a draft to help us be contenders for years to come... but again a miss in 2009 with Darius Butler caused us to draft another CB.... the rb situation is a need, but not sure we needed to take 2 of them ... Solder looks like he will be solid...but taking a chance on Mallet and not picking up a pass rusher is not going to be awnsered until or when free agency begins...

 

[Rob0729]

this could have a draft to help us be contenders for years to come... but again a miss in 2009 with Darius Butler caused us to draft another CB.... the rb situation is a need, but not sure we needed to take 2 of them ... Solder looks like he will be solid...but taking a chance on Mallet and not picking up a pass rusher is not going to be awnsered until or when free agency begins...

I don't know if there was a difference making pass rusher where Mallett was selected. Now you can argue they should have grabbed a guy earlier, but by the Mallett pick most of the pass rushers with first to third round grades were gone.

 

[mcgraw_wv]

I believe Ridley was drafted not to be a RB, but a FB. We haven't had a FB for some time, and I think we missed being able to have that I-Formation power running game.

I think Ridley was brought in, not too compete with Vereen, but to block for him.

He looks like a young Jerome Bettis...

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

I don't know if there was a difference making pass rusher where Mallett was selected. Now you can argue they should have grabbed a guy earlier, but by the Mallett pick most of the pass rushers with first to third round grades were gone.

the one arguement i may make on solder is if they needed a cb, maybee prince amakamura might have been a better pick...i am disapointed that cameron jordan didnt get picked.

 

[Rob0729]

the one arguement i may make on solder is if they needed a cb, maybee prince amakamura might have been a better pick...i am disapointed that cameron jordan didnt get picked.

I wanted Jordan too, but maybe he wasn't the prospect we think he is. I thought the Pats took a good look at the guy (I could be wrong). Maybe he had trouble answering questions when they tested him or he wasn't a scheme fit.

As I said, I think DE need is overrated (although you can never have too many d-linemen). The return of Warren, Pryor, and Wright will definitely boost that core.

As for Dowling, I am not convinced he will be a CB for the Pats. I think he will replace Meriweather and hopefully will become the Pats' version of Ed Reed or Troy Polumalu. The guy has the skillset to be a stud safety.

 

[Triumph]

I have to chuckle at BB.

What did he say again pre draft? "The teams that evaluate the front seven players in this draft the best will be the winners" or something to that effect.

So, he goes and drafts an OT, 2 RBs, a QB and a CB.

 

[Bostonian1962]

I will admit that I am very disapointed the Pats didn't draft an OLB last night. I think their d-line need is overrated because that position has already been upgraded with the return of Ty Warren, Mike Wright, and Myron Pryor. OLB is a real need though. Perhaps Belichick is going to get one in free agency since he doesn't like to groom OLBs typically. The only way I can see they can salvage the OLB in the draft is if they get Sam Acho or Chris Carter.

As for the pick themselves, I like all the picks except for the Ridley pick. Solder has the ability to be an elite LT. Dowling is most likely going to replace the overrated Meriweather who is likely to leave in free agency after this season. Vereen is a versatile RB with homerun play capabilties. Mallett was at one point considered the best QB on the board until he scared teams off with questions about his maturity and rumors of drug use. If he can grow up, he could be a replacement for Brady in 3-5 years ala Aaron Rodgers if Brady's skill deteriorate or trade bait down the road. At the very least, the Pats will have arguably the best back up QB in the league and will protect the Pats from a 2008 Brady injury doomsday scenario.

Now if the Pats fill their OLB needs in free agency (possibly Mathias Kiwanuka who is a good two gap pass rusher), then I think this draft filled needs and can be successful. Otherwise, I agree with others they may have squandered opportunities in the draft. Evaluating this draft is harder than most because we don't have the benefits of know how teams filled in holes via free agency. Belichick usually likes to fill the OLB position in free agency over the draft because it can take years for a college DE to make the complete conversion to OLB in the 3-4. If after free agency, the OLBs look the same as last year then Belichick did fail this offseason to improve the pass rush.

Are you saying the Patriots drafted a cornerback with the first pick in Round 2 to convert him to safety to repace Merriweather? Hmmm. As for Vereen being a "homerun capabilities" type of RB, he had two runs over 30 yards all season in 2010, so that is not his MO. That said, I kinda like his versatility. Mallett is going to bust out of the league IMHO. He has an arm, and that's it. He ran the slowest 40 for a QB in 22 years. Brady would leave him in the dust. His athletic numbers in the other drills were beyond horrible. He couldn't even stay sober when the number one team picking in the draft wanted to interview him. Based on the reports of his poor interviews, what kind of leader is he going to be? My only asterisk is that this is one of the few teams in the league that gives this kid a chance.

 

[Sfpat]

I have to chuckle at BB.

What did he say again pre draft? "The teams that evaluate the front seven players in this draft the best will be the winners" or something to that effect.

So, he goes and drafts an OT, 2 RBs, a QB and a CB.

I guess we'll find out in a couple of years who evaluated the front seven players the best.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Here's my take:

As has been pointed out by others, the list of players that fans thought were the best on draft day, yet are mediocre NFL players at best today, is a long one.

Heralded names are fun in early May but whoever the coach wants is fine by me. No doubt there've been some surprises that BB hasn't found a pass rusher he likes amid the picks thus far, but I assume the guy knows what he's doing.

The Mallet pick is only a shocker til you realize that all Mallet needs to do is behave - not play - to earn his shot as a starter for another team and earn the Patriots a MUCH higher pick than 74 in return.

I can't help but wonder how different this draft would be if we had the ability to trade for veteran players and have gone through a normal free agency period prior to the draft. Those two factors alone mean that we don't have the proper context of knowing what plans BB might have once those two activities can commence.

Everyone here is looking at this draft through the context of business as usual - and this year is anything but.

 

[Rob0729]

Are you saying the Patriots drafted a cornerback with the first pick in Round 2 to convert him to safety to repace Merriweather? Hmmm. As for Vereen being a "homerun capabilities" type of RB, he had two runs over 30 yards all season in 2010, so that is not his MO. That said, I kinda like his versatility. Mallett is going to bust out of the league IMHO. He has an arm, and that's it. He ran the slowest 40 for a QB in 22 years. Brady would leave him in the dust. His athletic numbers in the other drills were beyond horrible. He couldn't even stay sober when the number one team picking in the draft wanted to interview him. Based on the reports of his poor interviews, what kind of leader is he going to be. My only asterisk is that this is one of the few teams in the league that gives this kid a chance.

Why not convert a CB as a second round pick if you think he he could be an elite saftey. Converting a CB to safety is far easier than a DE ot OLB. Besides, plenty of CBs even high picks become safeties at this level.

Maybe I am wrong about Vereen's home run capabilities (I got that from one of the TV analysis) although you are wrong about the number over 30 yard plays he had. He had two 50 plus yard plays vs. Nevada. But he might have had one or two more than that so it is may be six at most.

As for Mallett's lack of athleticism, that is overrated. If he can learn learn how to feel the rush and step up like Brady, his athleticism means nothing. It doesn't take a great 40 time to step up one or two steps to avoid the rush. As long as the pocket doesn't collapse in front of him and he can learn to feel the rush, he could be in a wheelchair and be effective.

As for the Carolina visit, we do not know if he was truly hungover or that was a rumor by someone to make his stock drop. The Pats spent a lot of time with the guy. Besides, he will have time to mature on the bench and isn't going to be thrusted into the spotlight right away.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

As for Dowling, I am not convinced he will be a CB for the Pats. I think he will replace Meriweather and hopefully will become the Pats' version of Ed Reed or Troy Polumalu. The guy has the skillset to be a stud safety.

I bet BB isn't convinced either.... There are a couple ways to go.... Even if he comes in and they decide to stick straight with CB. He may be ready to take over Bodden (and his significantly higher $$) by next year to. I could totally see McCourty/Dowling tandem (for years to come).

Then again, I also think you're right about him possibly be a replacement for the freelancing Meriweather too. Either way, at the spot, it's a very good pick with some leaves then some options down the road.

 

[upstater1]

I agree with Rob on the CB/S discussion for Dowling. Unless people here think that BB has changed overnight from his preference for CBs with quick hips and is now looking for more straightline versions of Antonio Cromartie, then this Dowling kid is probably more suited for FS.

BB probably sees the writing on the wall with Meriweather making the Pro Bowl for two years in a row. He will command a lot more money than the Patriots are willing to pay him.

Butler may or may not be out the door, but I think that will be a quite different evaluation than anything to do with Dowling. With Bodden, Arrington, Wilhite and Butler, a number of things can happen. But I would say to hold tight since Arrington and Butler still only have 2 years under their belts.

Where was Asante Samuel after his second season?

 

[jefmblrd]

I have to chuckle at BB.

What did he say again pre draft? "The teams that evaluate the front seven players in this draft the best will be the winners" or something to that effect.

So, he goes and drafts an OT, 2 RBs, a QB and a CB.

Notice how he "couched" it by using the word evaluate there--which could mean they either evaluate them positively or negatively. It seems obvious that BB did not have positive evaluations on the front seven players who fell to the Pats.

And it is correct that no one will know about all of these guys for a few years.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I will admit that I am very disapointed the Pats didn't draft an OLB last night. I think their d-line need is overrated because that position has already been upgraded with the return of Ty Warren, Mike Wright, and Myron Pryor. OLB is a real need though. Perhaps Belichick is going to get one in free agency since he doesn't like to groom OLBs typically. The only way I can see they can salvage the OLB in the draft is if they get Sam Acho or Chris Carter.

As for the pick themselves, I like all the picks except for the Ridley pick. Solder has the ability to be an elite LT. Dowling is most likely going to replace the overrated Meriweather who is likely to leave in free agency after this season. Vereen is a versatile RB with homerun play capabilties. Mallett was at one point considered the best QB on the board until he scared teams off with questions about his maturity and rumors of drug use. If he can grow up, he could be a replacement for Brady in 3-5 years ala Aaron Rodgers if Brady's skill deteriorate or trade bait down the road. At the very least, the Pats will have arguably the best back up QB in the league and will protect the Pats from a 2008 Brady injury doomsday scenario.

Now if the Pats fill their OLB needs in free agency (possibly Mathias Kiwanuka who is a good two gap pass rusher), then I think this draft filled needs and can be successful. Otherwise, I agree with others they may have squandered opportunities in the draft. Evaluating this draft is harder than most because we don't have the benefits of know how teams filled in holes via free agency. Belichick usually likes to fill the OLB position in free agency over the draft because it can take years for a college DE to make the complete conversion to OLB in the 3-4. If after free agency, the OLBs look the same as last year then Belichick did fail this offseason to improve the pass rush.

Good post, Rob. While I am not disappointed with the picks as a whole, I am a bit frustrated that they did not fortify the front-7 with not only a pure-pass rusher but more stoutness on the LoS. If you look at the numbers the Pats run D in short-yardage was also sub-standard.

There are many ways to win a Super Bowl, but IMO the best way to start is to build an elite defense or close to that in which the D can stop teams when it needs to. The 2010 Pats improved from previous years but still fell short in that area. More health from Wright, Ty Warren, Brace and Pryor will help the run D. Another year in the system for Cunningham and Deadrick will help too. With all that said, I viewed a top-end talent at OLB playing opposite Cunningham was a big need here. Obviously BB has his reasons to not go in that direction but my belief is that via trading picks to nab that type of talent and inject that individual in key situations would have helped this D execute more in the "critical situations" dept that I emphasized earlier.

 

[mgteich]

There were four Round 2-3 safety prospects in this draft: Dowling, Williams, Moore and Gilcrest. All were gone by 50. Belichick had his choice ar 33 and took it. BTW, Williams was picked at 34. Many team coveted a safety. Perhaps Belichick could have traded down a few picks and still gotten Darling. My guess is that Belichick didn't think the 4th that he may have gotten was worth much compared to making sure that he got one of the safeties he wanted.

 

[BB4PRez]

Hard to quible with the talent picked in this draft on a pick bye pick basis. But, there was risk in each of these picks.

Solder is an elite talent -could be the best at his position. But, he may take time to develope the skill necessary at the next level.

Dowling is a supperior athlete who could easily move to free safety. But he has a long history of injuries.

Mallet was one of if not the most talented quarterbacks in the draft. And, I know we have the best player in the league at that position, but Brady has finished the last three years with injuries even if he was on the field for two of those years. Mallet will need to mature but this is a good team for him to do that on.

Edited to add that I would love to see them pick up Mathias Kiwanuka if he can pass a physical

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Are you saying the Patriots drafted a cornerback with the first pick in Round 2 to convert him to safety to repace Merriweather? Hmmm. As for Vereen being a "homerun capabilities" type of RB, he had two runs over 30 yards all season in 2010, so that is not his MO. That said, I kinda like his versatility. Mallett is going to bust out of the league IMHO. He has an arm, and that's it. He ran the slowest 40 for a QB in 22 years. Brady would leave him in the dust. His athletic numbers in the other drills were beyond horrible. He couldn't even stay sober when the number one team picking in the draft wanted to interview him. Based on the reports of his poor interviews, what kind of leader is he going to be? My only asterisk is that this is one of the few teams in the league that gives this kid a chance.

As has been mentioned, Vereen had 2 50+ yard runs against Nevada. He also had two 30+ yard receptions. 2009, he had 5 different games with a 35+ yard run. In 2008, he had 3 50+ yard plays and another 35+ yard run. While he certainly is no Chris Johnson, he can make you pay if you overcommit or miss a tackle.