Down to two very likely draft pick position selections at #24 for NE

[PATRIOT64]

With the presumed signing of Adalius Thomas barring no major setback we not focus on what the first pick will be in the draft,This of course goes with the assumption that any other well known player out in FA won't be a big money signing right now until draft day because of course we need the $$$ to get the draftees aboard,If we do sign a WR or S/CB or even another LB I don't think it will be a guy who is a pro-bowl type guy,He will probably be a lower rated name player,probably a seasoned veteran in late 20s to low 30s age and one who plays hard,wants to win and is team oriented.

I think without a shadow of a doubt one of two positions will be picked at #24 and definately at least at #28 and that is S/CB or WR

Judging by where we stand right now in that lower area of the first round of the draft,it looks like a very strong possibility we pick up Griffin or Bowe or even Meacham if Meacham is still around by then...One of those 3 seems to be to almost be a lock to be wearing a Patriots uniform next year..Unless of course we get lucky and Ginn drops down a bit,no doubt BB will take him with the versatility he has.

If we don't take both a WR and S/CB position as #24 and #28 I will be very surprised.

The LB position can be dropped as regarded as most important position to fill now with the signing of Thomas,but the team will still need a few more bodies there,especially another ILB and we can get that in middle rounds or maybe a floating so-so LB in FA.

 

[Canada's #1 Pats Fan]

I am still not convinced that Piolichick will draft a WR in 1st round. Especially with this draft being so deep in WR. Remember the Pats don't necessarily draft on need but best player available. I see them possibly moving down with their #28 and stockpiling picks this year or for next. #24, I feel, will definitely be a defensive player - I mean it has to.

 

[PATRIOT64]

I am still not convinced that Piolichick will draft a WR in 1st round. Especially with this draft being so deep in WR. Remember the Pats don't necessarily draft on need but best player available. I see them possibly moving down with their #28 and stockpiling picks this year or for next. #24, I feel, will definitely be a defensive player - I mean it has to.

Bet you didn't think anywhere near picking Watson in the first round a few years back eh?

Its all a crap shoot when NE drafts.....I don't really care what the pick is,As long as its not another damn TE!

 

[Canada's #1 Pats Fan]

You are right. I bet no one saw Watson coming, but that holds true to their best player available strategy. If they sign a top flight WR in free agency, I wonder what that will do to their draft board?

 

[PATRIOT64]

You are right. I bet no one saw Watson coming, but that holds true to their best player available strategy. If they sign a top flight WR in free agency, I wonder what that will do to their draft board?

If they get a strong WR in FA now theres no doubt its all defense until maybe 4th round where they would probably grab an OL or another WR...But don't expect a top flight receiver on top of the A.T. signing,The money will be needed on the draft picks...Between Samuel and Thomas that 30M just became somewhat smaller in a hurry and will be even smaller once draft picks are signed.

If we do sign a FA wide receiver it will likely be a guy who will play for low money,probably a guy in his 30s like a Joe Horn or Eric Moulds,Maybe even Stokely..I would rule Bennett and probably Welker out of the running,the price will be high on those guys.

 

[salty]

No WR. They need somebody that can contribute immediately, and rookie WRs rarely do that. They need to sign a veteran wide receiver and then maybe draft another guy in the 2nd or 3rd round. The first round picks should be used exclusively for defense, as we need to get younger and faster at LB and safety. Also, they will need to draft a decent corner to groom, if they are planning on losing Asante.

 

[Handel]

Remember the Pats don't necessarily draft on need but best player available.

Yes and no. Needs are part of the equation. How could you explain selections of Wilfork, Mankins and Maroney if not that they were need selections. Maybe best player available at their position too.

 

[ChoWZa]

Unless someone falls through to 24/28 I still see pats taking best player available out of LB/CB/S.

The Patriots are trying to bring the 03-04 defense back it seems.

 

[Tucker]

Unless someone falls through to 24/28 I still see pats taking best player available out of LB/CB/S.

The Patriots are trying to bring the 03-04 defense back it seems.

I would love to see posluzny fall to us <drool>

 

[gomezcat]

Bet you didn't think anywhere near picking Watson in the first round a few years back eh?

Its all a crap shoot when NE drafts.....I don't really care what the pick is,As long as its not another damn TE!

That's the thing with the Pats; it's really difficult towork out who they are likely to take, until 3 or 4 picks before their turn. I agree that it is a crap shoot.

 

[cloud34]

No WR. They need somebody that can contribute immediately, and rookie WRs rarely do that. They need to sign a veteran wide receiver and then maybe draft another guy in the 2nd or 3rd round. The first round picks should be used exclusively for defense, as we need to get younger and faster at LB and safety. Also, they will need to draft a decent corner to groom, if they are planning on losing Asante.

Isn't this a contradiction? A young linebacker will never contribute immediately in this complicated defense,

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

The best thing about FA this season is that by signing Kyle Brady, Belichick has momentarily sated his lust for TEs and he won't be taking one in the 1st round!

 

[patchick]

I'll try to stop beating this same drum, but...

IMO, signing Thomas has NO impact on the Patriots' draft strategy. Zilch, Zippo. There was never a question of a rookie filling that slot, it's a slow position to learn. The need is longer term.Here's what I said in another thread:


...drafting day-1 LB talent was never about the 2007 season to begin with. From the start, it's been virtually certain that the Patriots would sign a vet FA for this year's starting lineup, whether it's Thomas or a lesser name. But even assuming Thomas, you're talking about 4 starting LBs all over the age of 30, with currently only UDFAs to back them up!

There is plenty of room for linebackers on this team. TBC, Gardner, Seau, Izzo and Davis are all FAs. I wouldn't be surprised to see the team sign two significant vets AND draft two significant rookie LBs if they see the talent available.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

I could see a lb taken in the first round if the right one is there. Remember that BB likes to put together unique packages such as one or 2 DL and 4-5 lb's and the rest db's on the field. He likes quick units like that on occassion. Like db's, you cann never have enough depth at lb.

I could see a signing like Bobby Engram or Kelly Washington. I think the Sammy Morris potential to sign is great too. Didn't they look at this guy a couple years back?

The great thing is BB is adding veteran leadership and talent, this will be coupled with the rookies who won't be asked to step in right away.

This draft could be the opposite of last year where last year was primarily offense.

 

[patsfaninpa]

I don't think you can rule out lb. Our starters are fine. A.Thomas Vrabel Bruschi and Colvin. Not much depth. E.Alexander,P.Woods,C.Mays are unproven. L.Izzo is a ST guy. Can't count on Barry Gardner. I'd love to draft P.Willis as Bruschi's replacement if he slides. Or, trade back from 28 and
get D.Harris in Rd 2 to grom for that slot. I believe you're right about db. I'm going with R.Nelson or B.Beriweather 1A if P.Willis gone. L.Hall and C.Houston will be gone at cb. D.Revis could be a choice. Would like to see him forty time first though. If it's 4.7 like D.Hughes no way. If it's 4.5. Possibly cb and s in
Round 1.

 

[Patriot Missile]

I can't even begin to guess what they are gonna do. I have never got one Pats pick right in a mock except Damien Woody. I'm fine how they run things. I'd be happy with either LB,WR,S,CB as our two first picks. I think we could use help at any of those positions so it's kind of a win win situation if you are a fan of the Pats. I'd also be happy trading down too. I'm easy to please I guess.

 

[WTE]

Remember the Pats don't necessarily draft on need but best player available.

Not always.
Does anyone really think Gostowski was the best player available when he was drafted in the 4th round? That was a pick based more on necessity. He was the only kicker drafted last year so it appears the Patriots were competing against themselves.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I say safety and ILB in Round 1. Maybe the move up and get a CB in R2 and go for BA the rest of the draft...

 

[tatepatsfan]

I think that if I have only learned one thing about Belichick and the Draft over the past few years it that he and Pioli almost never draft who I expect them to draft. In fact, over the past few 1st round picks, I believe I only predicted Warren and Wilfork. Never saw Graham, Watson, or Mankins that is for sure.

That being said, my best guess would be a CB/S and either an LB or WR. But honestly, nothing would ever surprise me.

 

[BritPat]

Does anyone think that there might now be real value in us trading one of our firsts and maybe a second/third/whatever rounder as well to move up, for the best available S/CB/WR?