Draft Thoughts redux

[sebman2112]

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.

 

[mesoslo]

They wont draft a OLB in the first round, Iam thinking Dorsey, and jake long. If anyone of of those guys drop to 7th I would take.

 

[Lockdown06]

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.

Did Cason declare? I'm pretty sure he's going back to school.

In my very humble opinion, I kinda doubt that the pats will take a CB or a LB in the first round (even though they are needs) because I think we can get better value at those positions later on in the draft (in the 2nd round, maybe even the 3rd round, linebackers like Tavares Gooden, Beau Bell, Goff, and maybe even someone like Bruce Davis if we think he can transition from DE to OLB.)

For CB, now that malcolm jenkins and cason are staying in school (i know for a fact jenkins is going back, not 100% on cason) the top corners are probably mike jenkins or Aqib Talib - while those guys are good, I don't think there's THAT much of a gap in talent between those guys and guys like Leodis McKelvin, Victor Harris, Flowers, Jackson from LSU, etc.

seeing as those are our two areas of need, I'd imagine BB will go BPA at the 7 if he can't trade back, which is probably going to mean o-line, or kenny phillips , for the simple fact that the guy is an athletic freak

 

[patchick]

Did Cason declare? I'm pretty sure he's going back to school.

Cason's a senior, so no worries. He looks like a good fit to me too, though I want to see his agility numbers.

 

[Lockdown06]

Cason's a senior, so no worries. He looks like a good fit to me too, though I want to see his agility numbers.

oh my bad, i must have gotten him mixed up with a different junior CB or somethin - in that case i think cason would be a great pick for us.

 

[DaBruinz]

They wont draft a OLB in the first round, Iam thinking Dorsey, and jake long. If anyone of of those guys drop to 7th I would take.

Weren't you the guy who started the thread about the Pats using a 1st round pick on Matt Ryan out of BC?

 

[Ochmed Jones]

One of the coolege football magazines said Groves ran a 4.45 40 on campus.

I know with edge pass rushers it is more about the quickness of the first step than pure speed, but wow having a 4.45 OLB/DE coming off the edge is very intoxicating to think about. (God help us if the opposing team decides t run at Groves however)

Even if Samuel, Gay and Wilson all leave, I still do not see the need to take a CB in the first round. There are a plethora of CB's that will be available in the 2nd through 4th round that could work well in BB's soft zone defense. Hobbs was starting mid way through his first season.

What we desperately need is someone that can consistantly pressure the opposing QB.

 

[sebman2112]

One of the coolege football magazines said Groves ran a 4.45 40 on campus.

I know with edge pass rushers it is more about the quickness of the first step than pure speed, but wow having a 4.45 OLB/DE coming off the edge is very intoxicating to think about. (God help us if the opposing team decides t run at Groves however)

Even if Samuel, Gay and Wilson all leave, I still do not see the need to take a CB in the first round. There are a plethora of CB's that will be available in the 2nd through 4th round that could work well in BB's soft zone defense. Hobbs was starting mid way through his first season.

What we desperately need is someone that can consistantly pressure the opposing QB.

Groves has already run a 4.43 for scouts. I think his closest comparison when it comes to playing style could be Colvin, while his straight line speed is better than AD's.

 

[mesoslo]

Weren't you the guy who started the thread about the Pats using a 1st round pick on Matt Ryan out of BC?

Well if you just won the superbowl and went undefeated with a LB core that farts dust, do you really need to draft a LB that high in the draft?
Just go FA to grab a vanilla LB.

That is why I think the patriots will not draft an OLB, especailly that high up in the draft.