If BB asked for your advice, what position should he take first in the draft?

[ctpatsfan77]

So note that this is not what you expect BB to do, just what you would tell him to do if he randomly called your phone and asked for your advice.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I think safety should be our focus. Obviously if one of the Wilson's pan out it wouldn't be needed this year but if the right prospect is there (future OR this season) grab it.

WR is a need but history shows the chances of a rookie coming in and contributing year 1 are slim to none, so whatever we pick for WR is likely doing more learning than producing year one. Still I'd have that as the 2nd priority or 3rd after pass rushing DE.

 

[Sciz]

The position of the best player available, excluding QB, TE, OT, and possibly LB.

 

[Ozymandias]

After watching the AFCCG several times and dissecting the main issue on defense in the second half, I would say to Coach that the team needs a speedy coverage LB, specifically, Arthur Brown from KSU if he's there at 29. He could instantly replace Spikes/Hightower in sub packages (and potentially replace Spikes altogether if he walks next season).

Brown would look great in a Patriots uniform alongside Mayo and could fix the issue of coverage in the middle of the field and RBs slipping out the back-field. They along, with Hightower, could easily make up the best 4-3 LB trio in the NFL by a wide margin for may years to come.

 

[Ivan]

WR is clearly the greatest need ad a position where there is starting space available, unlike their other big needs, but it still comes down to how the board falls on draft day, who is sitting there when they are on the clock, and what other teams are offering to move down. As much as i want a WR with 2 of their first 3 picks if a guy like Werner is still on the board they have to take a serious look at making him the choice, especially if the run on Wr's in the 20's takes place as predicted, as there isn't much sense in taking the 6th best WR when the 2nd best corner or DE/OLB is on the board. In fact Mayock now has Hayden as the best corner in the draft and he could well be there when the Patriots are picking, and i can't remember the last time that happened.

This is the strangest draft I can remember looking at leading up to it. There are numerous players that the mocks have going both in the 20's and in the 40's to 50's, like Keenan Allen and Jesse Williams. I have never seen anywhere near this kind of uncertainty heading into a draft and that makes it pretty much impossible to know where prospects may be going or available, let alone have any idea where teams actually have them rated. Ultimately it is probably going to be best player available at WR/CB/or DL, and i will be fine with a whole bunch of them as i also cannot remember when there were so many good prospects in the 20-50 range. This draft is definitely weak at the top but the 2nd and 3rd rounds may be as strong as we have ever seen.

 

[VJCPatriot]

After watching the AFCCG several times and dissecting the main issue on defense in the second half, I would say to Coach that the team needs a coverage LB, specifically, Arthur Brown from KSU if he's there at 29. He could instantly replace Spikes/Hightower in sub packages (and potentially replace Spikes altogether if he walks next season).

Brown would look great in a Patriots uniform alongside Mayo and could fix the issue of coverage in the middle of the field and RBs slipping out the back-field. They along, with Hightower, could easily make up the best 4-3 LB trio in the NFL by a wide margin for may years to come.

He fits a specific need, coverage LB, but does he represent the best value for a 1st round pick? I mean, do you remember the Dolphins drafting Ginn at #6 because they needed a kick returner? That was not well received. And it was a poor overall choice for the value then and even looking back at it now.

 

[manxman2601]

He fits a specific need, coverage LB, but does he represent the best value for a 1st round pick? I mean, do you remember the Dolphins drafting Ginn at #6 because they needed a kick returner? That was not well received. And it was a poor overall choice for the value then and even looking back at it now.

The same could have been said of Hightower. Whilst I like Ogletree more than Brown, both could see plenty of action this year and both could be every down starters next year if Spikes walks.

 

[manxman2601]

WR is clearly the greatest need ad a position where there is starting space available, unlike their other big needs, but it still comes down to how the board falls on draft day, who is sitting there when they are on the clock, and what other teams are offering to move down. As much as i want a WR with 2 of their first 3 picks if a guy like Werner is still on the board they have to take a serious look at making him the choice, especially if the run on Wr's in the 20's takes place as predicted, as there isn't much sense in taking the 6th best WR when the 2nd best corner or DE/OLB is on the board. In fact Mayock now has Hayden as the best corner in the draft and he could well be there when the Patriots are picking, and i can't remember the last time that happened.

This is the strangest draft I can remember looking at leading up to it. There are numerous players that the mocks have going both in the 20's and in the 40's to 50's, like Keenan Allen and Jesse Williams. I have never seen anywhere near this kind of uncertainty heading into a draft and that makes it pretty much impossible to know where prospects may be going or available, let alone have any idea where teams actually have them rated. Ultimately it is probably going to be best player available at WR/CB/or DL, and i will be fine with a whole bunch of them as i also cannot remember when there were so many good prospects in the 20-50 range. This draft is definitely weak at the top but the 2nd and 3rd rounds may be as strong as we have ever seen.

This is spot on analysis.

 

[Ozymandias]

He fits a specific need, coverage LB, but does he represent the best value for a 1st round pick? I mean, do you remember the Dolphins drafting Ginn at #6 because they needed a kick returner? That was not well received. And it was a poor overall choice for the value then and even looking back at it now.

For your second point, Ted Ginn Jr. was actually drafted at #9, not #6 by the Dolphins in 2007's draft whilst prospects that fit their needs like Patrick Willis and Darrelle Revis were still on board. But your point still stands, and I agree to some extent. The problem was, the Dolphins drafted Ginn with the legit expectation that he would develop into a deep threat WR. His speed at the time was right up there with the fastest players, he just could never catch the football consistently and suffered from a learning disability, preventing him from ever grasping a NFL playbook as complex as it is to be even an average WR. The pick itself was a reach, precisely because it wasn't their most glaring weakness that season. Their defensive backfield was in shambles that season (as Randy Moss poignantly proved in their games). At the time a prospect like Revis could have fixed that problem.

As for coverage LB, I think it is a need - in today's NFL with the way the game is changes annually defending all areas is necessary. Last season proved the Patriots had difficulty defending the middle of the field against TEs and RBs out the back field. The Ravens' game was where it was most apparent. That's not to say the team doesn't have other needs, but as always the Patriots draft with the future in mind. Spikes may be on his way out, and Brown is a talented prospect that could potentially replace him in the future. Brown probably will be drafted by pick #25, with the Bears, Vikings and others pick in that area. So if he somehow falls to #29, then its absolutely a great value pick.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

For your second point, Ted Ginn Jr. was actually drafted at #9, not #6 by the Dolphins in 2007's draft whilst prospects that fit their needs like Patrick Willis and Darrelle Revis were still on board. But your point still stands, and I agree to some extent. The problem was, the Dolphins drafted Ginn with the legit expectation that he would develop into a deep threat WR. His speed at the time was right up there with the fastest players, he just could never catch the football consistently and suffered from a learning disability, preventing him from ever grasping a NFL playbook as complex as it is to be even an average WR. The pick itself was a reach, precisely because it wasn't their most glaring weakness that season. Their defensive backfield was in shambles that season (as Randy Moss poignantly proved in their games). At the time a prospect like Revis could have fix that problem instantly.

I don't think "poignantly" is quite the right word for it. . . .

 

[Ozymandias]

I don't think "poignantly" is quite the right word for it. . . .

For Dolphins fans, it was.

 

[363839]

I would advise BB to pick anyone but a DAMN defensive back.:bricks:

 

[PatriotDynasty_12]

You're all still celebrating 4/20 if your answer isn't WR. Outside receiver is clearly the biggest need on this team.

 

[Kontradiction]

The first three picks should go something like this...

Trade down
WR
DE
WR

After that, it's a toss up between coverage LB, CB, and S. I'll also accept signing Lloyd as well.

 

[Patstopia]

If BB ever asked advice from me on anything regarding the team, I would have to say that he should look for a new coach. Because the one we have must have lost his mind!
That being said, I'll go with the a LB that can cover. I think an outside WR threat would also be nice. But then an extra DB never hurt. Also another OT/OG would be nice too. But then DL can use another body also. Now you see why I made my first point!

 

[DarrylS]

Dependent on what is available, first choice is a fast receiver who might be able to understand the offense.. second choice is a physical CB..

 

[Urgent]

This team needs to improve pass receiving and pass defense. Period.

The first three picks need to be DE pass rush, DB pass defense, and WR pass reception. The order depends upon best available players.

Anything else won't make the same impact, nor receive adequate playing time.

I'd prefer DE, then WR, then DB, but if all three are targeted I'm fine.

Depending upon the way the draft unfolds, I don't see a huge difference in players in the 29-35 range, and would expect an attempt at trading down. However, it is possible someone like a Trufant or Werner or Hopkins will drop.

 

[Mack Herron]

I put DL simply because drafting WRs has proven to be something like buying lottery tickets around here while the track record with DLs is quite good.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

WR..no question

 

[olschool]

Since BB has an aversion to WR, I'd still like a CB better than Arrington.