Todd McShay of espn.com/ scouts inc has the Pats picking...

[SamBamsFan]

Todd McShay of espn.com/ scouts inc has his newest mock up Today. He has the Pats picking:

24. New England (from Seattle)

Projected pick: +Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
The Patriots have not been keen on drafting linebackers on Day 1, but that could change this year. Bill Belichick has a thing for players out of Florida and Moss is a perfect fit as a developmental rush linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme.

28. New England (12-4)

Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi
Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel are not getting any younger. Willis is instinctive, tough, quick and versatile enough to earn a starting job as a rookie, which would allow Vrabel to move back to his more natural outside linebacker position.

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[patchick]

Gotta say, that's more thoughtful than most. Noting BB's connection to Mayer's Florida team, for instance, shows he's paying attention.

But I'd still be shocked to see 2 LBs in the first round!

 

[Clonamery]

Gotta say, that's more thoughtful than most. Noting BB's connection to Mayer's Florida team, for instance, shows he's paying attention.

But I'd still be shocked to see 2 LBs in the first round!

I didn't know Gals could be shocked by anything.

I expect anything to happen so that nothing they do or don't surprises me anymore.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I would be somewhat happy with those two picks in the first round if Moss could become that pass rushing OLB type that I think we've lacked since Willie left his prime. Although based on the Mincey experiment I have my doubts about Charlie Strong as a DC and his players.

Willis is a beast in run support and he shows some decent coverage skills.

Now if we got CB Revis at #24, OLB Moss/Spencer or ILB Willis at #28, ILB Harris or OLB Moses at #60 and FS/SS Gattis at #91 then my draft would be complete.

 

[Clonamery]

I would be somewhat happy with those two picks in the first round if Moss could become that pass rushing OLB type that I think we've lacked since Willie left his prime. Although based on the Mincey experiment I have my doubts about Charlie Strong as a DC and his players.

Willis is a beast in run support and he shows some decent coverage skills.

Now if we got CB Revis at #24, OLB Moss/Spencer or ILB Willis at #28, ILB Harris or OLB Moses at #60 and FS/SS Gattis at #91 then my draft would be complete.

Amen.

I would then be shocked/surprised for the first time in 3-4 years not only by the quality but by 4 defensive players in the first 4 picks.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Last year had a ton of offense, so I'm hoping this year is HEAVY defense, diespite having one of the best defenses in the NFL last year.

Although I really would like to work a Brian Leonard in somewhere. If Leonard runs a 4.4 forty, I would be tempted to take him at #28.

 

[Clonamery]

Last year had a ton of offense, so I'm hoping this year is HEAVY defense, diespite having one of the best defenses in the NFL last year.

Although I really would like to work a Brian Leonard in somewhere. If Leonard runs a 4.4 forty, I would be tempted to take him at #28.

Yes, and that would be money well spent. It's strange that so many here see him only as a FB.

 

[DaBruinz]

I would be very surprised if the Pats took Jarvis Moss unless they were 100% certain he could regain the strength he lost due to the staph infection he had and that he had the abilities to drop back in pass coverage.

Otherwise, I see the Pats going in a different direction and looking at the likes of David Harris and Stewart Bradley.

 

[BelichickFan]

I'll believe we take two first day (let alone first round) LB when I see it happen. 7 Patriot drafts under Belioli, not a single first day LB. It's more than a coincidence, more than a trend . . . it appears to be a hard and fast belief system.

I'm not saying it won't happen - but I'll have to see it before I'll believe it.

 

[DaBruinz]

I'll believe we take two first day (let alone first round) LB when I see it happen. 7 Patriot drafts under Belioli, not a single first day LB. It's more than a coincidence, more than a trend . . . it appears to be a hard and fast belief system.

I'm not saying it won't happen - but I'll have to see it before I'll believe it.

Just remember, prior to drafting Wilfork, the Pats had the stigma of not drafting underclassmen. (only 1 in 5 drafts).

Prior to drafting Mankins, the Pats under BB hadn't taken an O-lineman in the 1st round. Not only did he draft an O-lineman in round 1, but it was an interior O-lineman as

Everyone ruled out BB taking a TE after he drafted Wilfork because they already had Graham.

When it comes to BB & Pioli, I have decided not to rule out the possibility of them doing anything. A LOT will be determined in the next 6 weeks.

 

[BelichickFan]

Just remember, prior to drafting Wilfork, the Pats had the stigma of not drafting underclassmen. (only 1 in 5 drafts).

Prior to drafting Mankins, the Pats under BB hadn't taken an O-lineman in the 1st round. Not only did he draft an O-lineman in round 1, but it was an interior O-lineman as

Everyone ruled out BB taking a TE after he drafted Wilfork because they already had Graham.

When it comes to BB & Pioli, I have decided not to rule out the possibility of them doing anything. A LOT will be determined in the next 6 weeks.

I don't disagree. I'm just saying I'll believe it when I see it. And I think we're FAR MORE likely to see a couple of veteran LB signed than drafted high.

 

[cstjohn17]

Something different that is for sure, sounds kinda of interesting...

Not sure about Moss but on paper it looks ok, play Willis in a 3 man rotation (1-2 downs) with a veteran of your choice and Bruschi.

ROLB - Colvin, Woods
RILB - Bruschi, Willis, Mays
LILB - Veteran (Fletcher, Edwards, Harris), Alexander
LOLB - Vrabel, Moss

RDE - Seymour, Hill
NT - Wilfork, Smith
LDE - Warren, Wright

RCB - Hobbs, Scott?
LCB - Samuel, Gay?

SS - Harrison, Sanders
FS - Wilson, Hawkins?
ST - Andrews, Mitchell, Jones

Pretty good mix of vets and youth. If Samuel is retained the defense looks pretty good (and quite young) at first glance.

 

[dryheat44]

Gotta say, that's more thoughtful than most. Noting BB's connection to Mayer's Florida team, for instance, shows he's paying attention.

But I'd still be shocked to see 2 LBs in the first round!

Except that BB likes Florida receivers, especially those who've played for Meyer. Owing to the offensive similarities. To my quick recollection, Guss Scott is the only Florida defensive player -- the only UF non-receiver, actually -- that BB has drafted.

Much like drafting 3-4 front seven players on defense, all things being equal, take the player who has experience in your system.

 

[SamBamsFan]

Jeremy Mincey says hi. (How soon they forget!)

Also, Caldwell & Gaffney played @ UF before Meyer got there.

 

[carolinatony]

I would love this BUT can't see Willis falling to 28

28. New England (12-4)
Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi

 

[broadwayjoe]

Just remember, prior to drafting Wilfork, the Pats had the stigma of not drafting underclassmen. (only 1 in 5 drafts).

Prior to drafting Mankins, the Pats under BB hadn't taken an O-lineman in the 1st round. Not only did he draft an O-lineman in round 1, but it was an interior O-lineman as

Everyone ruled out BB taking a TE after he drafted Wilfork because they already had Graham.

When it comes to BB & Pioli, I have decided not to rule out the possibility of them doing anything. A LOT will be determined in the next 6 weeks.

You make a good point and before drafting Maroney the Pats under BB hadn't drafted a running back in the first round so it will be interesting to see what they do on draft day.

 

[dryheat44]

Jeremy Mincey says hi. (How soon they forget!)

Also, Caldwell & Gaffney played @ UF before Meyer got there.

Quickly indeed.

On the second point, I'm well aware. However those guys weren't originally signed by BB, and in fact were the best of what was available at the time. I think the fact they're UF receivers are co-incidental. Jackson and Kight are not.

 

[shirtsleeve]

Todd McShay of espn.com/ scouts inc has his newest mock up Today. He has the Pats picking:

24. New England (from Seattle)

Projected pick: +Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
The Patriots have not been keen on drafting linebackers on Day 1, but that could change this year. Bill Belichick has a thing for players out of Florida and Moss is a perfect fit as a developmental rush linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 scheme.

28. New England (12-4)

Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi
Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel are not getting any younger. Willis is instinctive, tough, quick and versatile enough to earn a starting job as a rookie, which would allow Vrabel to move back to his more natural outside linebacker position.

Subscription needed: http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft07/insider/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=2765614

If this turns out to be true, you wont be able to wipe the smile off my face!

 

[DarrylS]

As much as I would like to see this scenario played out, somehow difficult to predict as there will be movement on the FA front and some of these needs may be met this way. IMO a 1st round rookie LB with a lot of upside on a 5 year contract makes a lot of sense to me.