Who do we take in the first round? Last year you said that you picked Maroney before the draft. I was a Bobby Carpenter guy.
Who do we take at 24? Do we trade up or down?
Before I answer let's take a step back and analyze last year's first round pick. Looks like the running backs in this years draft is weak, so my question is, would you have liked to see the Pats take a LB such as Carpenter or a RB like Maroney. The reason why I ask is because the LB's in this draft may be as deep as last year's and the running backs don't look as good except for Peterson and Lynch. Of course, I didn't know that the LB's would be pretty good in this draft and the running backs wouldn't be as good, so the Maroney pick makes the Pats look like they took a RB at the right time.
I liked Maroney last year because Dillon lost a few steps, I thought the LB's would all be gone by the time the Pats made their pick and Maroney seemed like a can't miss prospect. Now, since the Pats took care of the offense in last year's draft, I like LB and DB in the first round. Would I trade up? Nothing dramatic, maybe a few spots to grab the player of choice. However, trading the 28th pick for a future 1st round pick would be a great move as well because the draft is deep which will result in many teams trying to trade up in the first round.
I don't have a prediction just yet because it's still too early, but soon I will have one. Players that I do like are who could be available when the Pats pick:
ILB Patrick Wills -In my opinion -I would be extatic if he falls to the Pats. would be the ideal choice. Very high character, smart, loves the game, but his workout times could have his stock skyrocket, could go as high as the Bills.
S Reggie Nelson - He is all over the field, plays like Ed Reed, stock could be rising.
LB Paul Posluszny - Had he not blown out his knee last year, would have been top rated LB ahead of A.J. Hawk in 2006 draft.
DE/OLB Jarvis Moss - good pass rusher, disrupts every play, good size.
I think some of the CB's are going to drop into the second round as well as the Safeties.
If best available defensive player isn't there, this is who I like on offense that have a chance to be available when the Pats pick:
WR Dwayne Bowe - I'll admit, I have never seen him play, but lots of people think he is a high character guy who loves to play the game, would be a nice addition.
WR Robert Meachum - Has great hands, speed and a big target
OT Joe Staley - *Surprise pick if available* his stock is rising because of his freak athletic ability. The Pats run blocking needs improvement, hopefully Staley is that guy.
