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

[DaBruinz]

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.

How can the LB position be dropped as the most important position to fill? All it takes is ONE INJURY and we're right back to where we were before Thomas was signed.

The Patriots will take the best VALUE available, in their eyes. That value is based on NEED, Player Tangibles and Player Intangibles.

Right now, the Pats have Thomas, Bruschi, Colvin, Vrabel, Alexander, Mays, and Woods for LBs. The Pats have carried 9-10 LBs on a regular basis and as many as 12.

If the best value available at #24 or #28 happens to be a LB, then the Pats will take that LB. If the best value is a WR, then they will take that WR. If they think its a Safety or a DB, then they will take them.

Honestly, I do see the Pats attempting to trade down from 24 or 28 and trying to get picks for next year. Why? Because I believe that the strength of the draft, is from rounds 2-4.

 

[DaBruinz]

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.

The problem is that the Pats don't draft by need or by best player available. They draft by best VALUE available. This has been well documented since 2003.

 

[DaBruinz]

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

See, I disagree. A young linebacker will, most certainly, contribute immediately because they will be on special teams. Also, with a starting 4 of Bruschi, Vrabel, Thomas and Colvin, the Pats don't need him to start right away.

Also, don't rule out guys like Zak DeOssie or Stewart Bradley not being able to contribute to the defense right away. DeOssie has been around the Pats A LOT and I wouldn't be surprised if he knows a LOT of the defense already. Bradley could help out in some pass rushing situations to start with.

 

[DaBruinz]

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.

Again, that is because the Patriots don't draft strictly on NEED or on BPA. Its a combination called BEST VALUE.

You could go out on a limb and call it BPA if you throw in the caveat that its based on the Pats draft board and not the top 500 prospect lists floating around.

 

[DaBruinz]

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?

Not at all.

With the depth at WR, CB, and Safety in this year's draft, I believe the exact opposite is true. I believe the Pats would be better served in moving down unless they feel that the player is very special.

 

[Jimke]

With the Pats committed to spending more this free agency, I could

see them saving a little on draft choices by trading down to the second

round with one of the first round picks.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Again, that is because the Patriots don't draft strictly on NEED or on BPA. Its a combination called BEST VALUE.

You could go out on a limb and call it BPA if you throw in the caveat that its based on the Pats draft board and not the top 500 prospect lists floating around.

That combo is what perplexes draftniks who are mystified when BB trades up "too early" for a player. The objective is to get the guy who will make your team contend better, not to score points on some weenie value system.

 

[cstjohn17]

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:

I agree, I think the will take best player/best fit from any group except QB and PK/P. There is no such thing as being too strong in any specific area.

I have become conditioned, nothing, and I mean it this time, nothing they do will surprise me.

 

[patchick]

That combo is what perplexes draftniks who are mystified when BB trades up "too early" for a player. The objective is to get the guy who will make your team contend better, not to score points on some weenie value system.

I generally think of it as:

(Incremental improvement to your team over the next few years) X (rareness of talent factor)

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

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

Screw that. Patrick Willis is the MAN!

 

[pats63]

Draft like less than couple months away.....I am going pick this one and that one,then in draft day I say"What"....I just say brillant....