PFT Has Put Pats' Draft "Needs" Up

[psychoPat]

So, who is surprised?

by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com

The New England Patriots have built a solid team through great drafting. ....
Given the offseason additions at linebacker and receiver and cornerback, there are even fewer needs this time around. As a result, look for the team to target players who can provide short-term depth and be groomed into long-term contributors.

1. Cornerback: The only clear need is at cornerback, where Asante Samuel is carrying the franchise tag and Randall Gay is a year away from unrestricted free agency. But are Samuel and Gay great players, or are they products of a great coaching system and defensive scheme? In other words, can these former Patriots draft picks be replaced in the same manner that they were found? We think that the Pats think the answer is yes. After all, who ever heard of Samuel or Gay before they were drafted by the Pats?

2. Inside linebacker: Tedy Bruschi is winding down and Mike Vrabel is likely head back outside, where he'll serve as a booked with Adalius Thomas. With two first-round picks, look for one of them to be used on an inside linebacker.

3. Safety: With Rodney Harrison getting closer to the end of the line and there really isn't anyone else at the position who is worth a darn.

4. Wide receiver: .... We have a feeling that either Stallworth or Washington will be cut, and that either Caldwell or Gaffney will be gone, too.

- edited excerpt
http://www.profootballtalk.com/2007PatriotsDraftNeeds.htm

 

[Seymour93]

Nothing really shocking there. I've thought for awhile now that, especially with the Samuel situation, CB is a greater need than safety. I'm not sold on Hobbs as a #1 CB... behind him and Samuel the depth is suspect. The only thing I disagree with PFT is about Stallworth or Washington getting cut. Stallworth will be solid and let's not forget that Washington was playing behind Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh... Washington can be a great redzone threat for us at the least.

 

[ironwasp]

I agree. The only thing that looks suspect here is the "Stallworth or Washington" could be cut. Perhaps Washington, but onyl perhaps, there's no way i see them cutting Stallworth.

I will believe they are going to go with an inside linebacker in the first round only when I hear the Commissioner say it. Not saying it won't happen, but it goes against type.

 

[DarrylS]

I agree. The only thing that looks suspect here is the "Stallworth or Washington" could be cut. Perhaps Washington, but onyl perhaps, there's no way i see them cutting Stallworth.

Geez, we all had our hopes up high with our depth at WR and already they are talking about letting them loose. I see it the opposite, not sure Stallworth is a good fit here, but seems that Washington is a sleeper.

Was disapointed in the PFT draft needs, usually they are better than that, and thought it was kinda shallow.

 

[ironwasp]

Was disapointed in the PFT draft needs, usually they are better than that, and thought it was kinda shallow.

Probably comes from being 28th of 32. They're a little bored with it...

 

[The 12th Man]

Yeah, no way they cut Stallworth this year. They already paid him over a million in bonuses. Now if they meant AFTER this year, that's a different story. It will definitely depend on how he performs if he gets the option next year. Washington could be a cut possibility this year or next. This year, if they don't like what they see in TC from him (also only $300,000 signing bonus). Next year, if he doesn't show anything on the field this year. But I'd be happy with either CB/S and ILB combination in the first round. It will depend who falls to us, but I see #24=S, #28=ILB, #91=CB, 4th round=RB, unless some trades occur. Just a guess though, of course, probably end up way off.

 

[DW Toys]

Yeah, no way they cut Stallworth this year. They already paid him over a million in bonuses. Now if they meant AFTER this year, that's a different story. It will definitely depend on how he performs if he gets the option next year. Washington could be a cut possibility this year or next. This year, if they don't like what they see in TC from him (also only $300,000 signing bonus). Next year, if he doesn't show anything on the field this year. But I'd be happy with either CB/S and ILB combination in the first round. It will depend who falls to us, but I see #24=S, #28=ILB, #91=CB, 4th round=RB, unless some trades occur. Just a guess though, of course, probably end up way off.

Thats the way I see it also. Good job.
DW Toys

 

[bakes781]

Yeah I'm thinking they meant next year when referring to cutting Stallworth. But for that reason I agree with them that WR is still a position of need.

 

[patchick]

Probably comes from being 28th of 32. They're a little bored with it...

Yep, I'm getting definite "why the heck did I ever start this" vibes. I won't be counting on seeing that feature next year.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

The Denver newspaper says that the Broncos are really interested in David Harris to replace Al Wilson.

That would be a kick upside BB's head if Harris goes before we get a shot at him.

 

[JoeSixPat]

Stallworth cut? Where the heck is that coming from?

Washington, sure - Caldwell, Gaffney - if someone pushes them down the depth chart - ok. Troy hopefully makes the team even if they do keep 6 WRs as a backup DB and PR

But Stallworth? Maybe if Jackson gets so healthy he can be a real deep threat, but since that was such a high need last season i don't see them dumping a relatively cheap first year Stallworth.

The fact is there will be a WR or two drafted - Stallworth, Caldwell, Gaffney and Washington all have contracts that will be up after next season or can be dumped.

Drafting WRs is about the future, and we likely will have a need in 2008