2014 draft priorities

[varjao]

OK seems like OL and DT are the most desperate positions we need to fill, but what about a TE with the first round?

Look at the way this offense is playing with Gronk on the field, he's a monster and this is where Brady plays his best. He had two of the top 5 TE's in the league recently but unfortunately they didn't play too much at the same time on the field. And I don't need to say what happened a few months ago.

Ok we have Gronk and he's a beast , what would this offense be like playing with 2 TE again with Gronk and a guy like Jason Witten or Heath Miller?

When I think on those possible combos I caught myself like this

Although I'm not against going with a TE on the first round it's very unlikely, DT is a huge need and we are not that OK with CB's too. Depending on what Talib deliver on the playoffs he's gonna ask for big money.

 

[PATRlOT]

I'd rather sign a top O-lineman and tight end.

Draft DL first, then CB

 

[andrewgarrr]

I don't see any glaring needs at the start of 2014. We'll see how Jones, Vellano, and Sopoaga play through Nov, Dec, and hopefully Jan.

Best player available!

 

[Avenger]

Dt, s, te, lb, cb, og

 

[Avenger]

Woah, that was weird, it un-capitalized those on me.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Woah, that was weird, it un-capitalized those on me.

It does that if you type all caps.

 

[varjao]

I'd rather sign a top O-lineman and tight end.

Draft DL first, then CB

Yeah, I totally endorse the idea of paying big money for a top TE, I just don't know who will be available next FA

 

[Archeryaddict12]

Next draft priorities

Yeah, I totally endorse the idea of paying big money for a top TE, I just don't know who will be available next FA

Jimmy graham........

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Jimmy graham........

I'd rather have Talib.

 

[YearbookCurfew]

1. OL

2. DT

3. S,CB,WR, or TE.

 

[Soadisthebest]

Yeah, I totally endorse the idea of paying big money for a top TE, I just don't know who will be available next FA

I hear this Hernandez fella is a free agent.

 

[varjao]

Graham over Talib any day of the week, and I'm not saying this due to injury concerns.

Graham is a 100% guaranteed investment. Talib isn't.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I hear this Hernandez fella is a free agent.

There's a better chance that the Patriots will sign Snooki to play wide receiver.

 

[Christian]

I think they will resign Talib, which pretty much negates the need for drafting a CB.

You've got Dennard, Ryan, Talib and Arrington all locked up. That's 4 very solid corners. Maybe you draft a developmental one late. Maybe...or sign a vet.

I think the biggest priorities will be DL and OL, mostly DT and the interior OL positions. You can draft guys at DT and interior OL high that will be ready to step in and play.

WR is all set, though I'd expect them to sign some vets to compete. Doubt they will draft there. RB is all set. S is all set. I think they love McCourty as their FS of the future and I think Harmon will be his partner.

That really only leaves LB and TE. I don't expect Spikes to stay, unless his market is not what he expects. But I think some team will pay him. So, perhaps another LB later in draft. TE is another spot where I think they can find a formidable TE in FA for a decent price that can play with Gronk. Or they could always draft there too. Either way, DT, OL, TE, LB are the priorities in that order.

 

[Soadisthebest]

You've got Dennard, Ryan, Talib and Arrington all locked up.

Yeah they sure do. Possibly past his rookie deal even.

 

[manxman2601]

Two thoughts:

1. Josh McDaniels likes to run the spread offense and whilst that doesn't preclude adding an athletic TE, I think it makes spending a lot of draft capital on a TE a little less likely.

2. If we're only going to carry 4 DTs on the roster (5 at a stretch), with Wilfork, Kelly, Jones , Vellano and Armstead already in place adding a DT will mean getting rid of one or two already on the roster presumably.

 

[Username]

I'm concerned about Logan Mankins play thus far this season and wouldn't be against using an early pick on a LG, maybe David Yankey or Xavier Su'a-Filo. Even if he's not ready to play immediately, a competent understudy could put some pressure on Mankins and make him up his game.

 

[Fencer]

If you look at the Patriots' roster right now, and assumed (contrafactually) that everybody was healthy, then the weakest spot would be #2 TE. So TE is a clear draft need.

All the starting interior OL have question marks, and the best backup OL are natural tackles, so interior OL is an obvious need as well.

DT is anywhere from a huge need (no pun intended) to a non-issue, depending on which veterans are or aren't retained. I'd think at least a developmental nose tackle would be a priority.

 

[varjao]

Wilfork and Kelly aren't that young, Wilfork had a major surgery and I don't doubt Kelly will need some procedure.

 

[DarrylS]

Dennard "locked up" could be either a good or bad prophecy..