sebman2112
In the Starting Line-Up
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Right now NE's top options in the first round are as fallows (not particularly in the fallowing order):
Dorsey (if he falls): BB and Pioli believe in building their team from the trenches out. Wilfork, Seymour, and Green are all free agents after the 2009 season. So, while I don't think NE's defensive line is in need of another D-linemen, I wouldn't be shocked to see NE drafting someone early. It would instantly improve depth, and give them insurence in case Wilfork, Seymour, or Green sign elsewhere. I'm not banking on their selecting a D-linemen in the first, but I'd bank on at least one D-linemen coming somewhere in the draft.
Chris Long (as a 3-4 rush OLB): I'm really not sure about him as an every down OLB in NE's 3-4, as he'd need to develop his coverage ability, but it seems Al Groh, Howie, and others all believe he'd be the perfect fit at 3-4 OLB, and they've even said NE's defense in particular would be the perfect fit for him. If all this turns out to be true, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the Jets take him before NE gets the chance, though. It will be interesting to see if Long's still on the board when NE picks, and if they take him.
Jake Long (if he falls): Highest ranked OT in the draft, who's improved as a zone blocker. He'd instantly (NE's started rookie O-linemen earlier than other positions) upgrade NE's O-line, and allow them to use Kaczur as a backup. In time he might even replace Light at LT, allowing them to move Light over to RT, where I believe he's a better fit. Clady might also be an option at OT.
Gholston (with a slight trade down): I don't really think he's top 7 value, and somewhat Raw as an OLB prospect. I do like his size, speed, and strength, though. So, maybe if NE could land him anywhere from 14th-20th overall the pay off might be worth the time it takes to develop him. When I say that I don't think he's top 7 value, but I'm willing to take him later, what I really mean is the contract I'd have to invest in a 7th overall pick is far to substantial for me to spend it on a developmental rush OLB. I think NE's FO would agree.
Groves (with a trade down to the 20+ range): played through dislocated toes, and still put up 26+ QB hurries this season. Last year he racked up 9.5 sacks in the SEC, and his speed (4.43) is unreal for a man of his size (6'3" 250lbs) & position.position. Reminds me of both Colvin and Thomas.
Cason (with a trade down. Maybe in the 16-24 range.): Really, I think he's the best CB in the draft, for NE. He's got the same playmaking/ball hawking ability that Samuel has developed, and he's dangerous with the ball in his hand (also a good returner). I wouldn't be surprised to see him go higher than his current projections either, especially since Jenkins said he's staying in school.
Phillips (maybe with a slight trade down to around 10-14): With Rodney likely retiring soon, and Wilson hitting free agency that leaves Meriweather and Sanders at Safety. Sanders is a free agent after the 2008 season, so NE will likely draft another Safety. I don't know if it would be this high, but they'll draft someone within the first three rounds.
Also, while I like Sanders I don't really think he's a top level talent. If you added someone like Phillips to that secondary it would take pressure off your CB's, and NE would have one of the best (if not the best) Safety units in the league (Meriweather, Phillips, and Sanders). Keep in mind Kenny's enjoying a ranking on level with Laron Landry, making him by far the highest ranked Safety prospect coming out this year.
Dorsey (if he falls): BB and Pioli believe in building their team from the trenches out. Wilfork, Seymour, and Green are all free agents after the 2009 season. So, while I don't think NE's defensive line is in need of another D-linemen, I wouldn't be shocked to see NE drafting someone early. It would instantly improve depth, and give them insurence in case Wilfork, Seymour, or Green sign elsewhere. I'm not banking on their selecting a D-linemen in the first, but I'd bank on at least one D-linemen coming somewhere in the draft.
Chris Long (as a 3-4 rush OLB): I'm really not sure about him as an every down OLB in NE's 3-4, as he'd need to develop his coverage ability, but it seems Al Groh, Howie, and others all believe he'd be the perfect fit at 3-4 OLB, and they've even said NE's defense in particular would be the perfect fit for him. If all this turns out to be true, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the Jets take him before NE gets the chance, though. It will be interesting to see if Long's still on the board when NE picks, and if they take him.
Jake Long (if he falls): Highest ranked OT in the draft, who's improved as a zone blocker. He'd instantly (NE's started rookie O-linemen earlier than other positions) upgrade NE's O-line, and allow them to use Kaczur as a backup. In time he might even replace Light at LT, allowing them to move Light over to RT, where I believe he's a better fit. Clady might also be an option at OT.
Gholston (with a slight trade down): I don't really think he's top 7 value, and somewhat Raw as an OLB prospect. I do like his size, speed, and strength, though. So, maybe if NE could land him anywhere from 14th-20th overall the pay off might be worth the time it takes to develop him. When I say that I don't think he's top 7 value, but I'm willing to take him later, what I really mean is the contract I'd have to invest in a 7th overall pick is far to substantial for me to spend it on a developmental rush OLB. I think NE's FO would agree.
Groves (with a trade down to the 20+ range): played through dislocated toes, and still put up 26+ QB hurries this season. Last year he racked up 9.5 sacks in the SEC, and his speed (4.43) is unreal for a man of his size (6'3" 250lbs) & position.position. Reminds me of both Colvin and Thomas.
Cason (with a trade down. Maybe in the 16-24 range.): Really, I think he's the best CB in the draft, for NE. He's got the same playmaking/ball hawking ability that Samuel has developed, and he's dangerous with the ball in his hand (also a good returner). I wouldn't be surprised to see him go higher than his current projections either, especially since Jenkins said he's staying in school.
Phillips (maybe with a slight trade down to around 10-14): With Rodney likely retiring soon, and Wilson hitting free agency that leaves Meriweather and Sanders at Safety. Sanders is a free agent after the 2008 season, so NE will likely draft another Safety. I don't know if it would be this high, but they'll draft someone within the first three rounds.
Also, while I like Sanders I don't really think he's a top level talent. If you added someone like Phillips to that secondary it would take pressure off your CB's, and NE would have one of the best (if not the best) Safety units in the league (Meriweather, Phillips, and Sanders). Keep in mind Kenny's enjoying a ranking on level with Laron Landry, making him by far the highest ranked Safety prospect coming out this year.
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