Updated mock from GBN, and the Patriots select.....

[dryheat44]

RB Rashard Mendenhall.

I really like the kid, I think he has a nice career ahead of him, but to me it makes about as much sense as drafting Brian Brohm there.

http://www.gbnreport.com/2008projection.html

In that scenario, any of Ellis, Jenkins, Gholston, or Harvey would be a better pick. I think Ellis could be a sneaky Belichick pick at #7.

 

[BelichickFan]

If not for Sammy Morris I could at least see it with a lot of teams doing the dual RB thing this year but with Maroney/Morris/Faulk we're fine - especially in the first round.

There's a SMALL chance we could take a RB in round three as it's an incredibly deep RB year this year and there could be a strong value once the teams needing a RB have taken one.

 

[Seels]

I really doubt we go for running back, the only true position of need on offense is offensive tackle.

 

[dryheat44]

If not for Sammy Morris I could at least see it with a lot of teams doing the dual RB thing this year but with Maroney/Morris/Faulk we're fine - especially in the first round.

There's a SMALL chance we could take a RB in round three as it's an incredibly deep RB year this year and there could be a strong value once the teams needing a RB have taken one.

I'll be very surprised if we don't get a RB between rounds 2-5...possibly two (It's no secret that I want Felix Jones badly), but I don't see any way to justify taking Mendenhall here.

 

[PonyExpress]

Ellis looks like he'll be a good pro, but he seems too small for the Pats' system. Maybe this Balmer kid or Pressley later on...

 

[Warren94]

I like the back from LSU whose name is escaping me

 

[Lockdown06]

I'll be very surprised if we don't get a RB between rounds 2-5...possibly two (It's no secret that I want Felix Jones badly), but I don't see any way to justify taking Mendenhall here.

I agree that we're going to be taking a back in this year's draft - I could see us take slaton if he slips out of the 2nd round, the really fast back from East Carolina (his name escapes me), Jacob Hester, Ray Rice (if he falls to us at #2 that would be crazy, but very unlikely) and maybe Mike Hart, although I dunno if his attitude fits in with the pats - I didnt like the way he was laughing and smiling after fumbling in the capital one bowl)

 

[sebman2112]

I like the back from LSU whose name is escaping me

Jacob Hester...4th rounder. He's the type of back I could see NE drafting. Runs with power, intelligent, and a good receiver out of the backfield. He'll also play other positions if needed.

I like Mendenhall, but not in the first. I'd think about taking him early-mid second, if NE somehow trades into that range.

My favorite back for NE is Stewart though. I think he has a lot of tool to be a very good back within NE's system (very powerful, runs with good speed for his size, has a good RB build/frame, catches the ball well out of the backfield, returns kicks, and has the ability to break long runs). He's getting projected anywhere from the mid first, to the mid second.

Slaton seems like an option if NE's looking for a potential Faulk replacement, and with so many RB's in this draft class, he could go a little later than his ability would suggest. Maybe NE can land him with Oakland's pick...

 

[Pat Fan in NYC]

WHen are we going to address LB....it's been a nice run, but the time is now with the number 7 pick.....when's the next time we'll draft this high?

 

[sebman2112]

WHen are we going to address LB....it's been a nice run, but the time is now with the number 7 pick.....when's the next time we'll draft this high?

Take my advice, don't worry about it.

BB & Pioli will do what they believe is best for the team. If that means drafting a LB in the first, then they'll do that. But I wouldn't say a LB has to come from the first round in order for him to be good in NE's system. Look at NE's current crop of LB's for an example.

Some potential post first round picks at LB:
Jon Goff: I've thought he was among the best LB's in the class for a while. He also has the size/frame, and intelligence to play within NE's defense. NE could land him in the second (hopefully).

J Leman
Bell
Larsen
Gooden

There's 3 to 4 LB's I could see NE taking an interest in during free agency, as well.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Remember basides playing RB, FB and H-back, Hester also plays special teams. When BB talks of versatility, he is really talking about Hester.

How fast Hester runs will determine where he goes in the draft.

Last year Leonard ran a 4.52 and went in the second I think.

I'm guessing Hester is slower than that.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I don't see Mendenhall with #7 either. I think he'll be a good player from what I've read, but I haven't seen him play personally so I just can't say he'll be worth it with any surety.

Maroney has also been coming on of late, so that pushes picking up a second RB to the 2nd-4th round need imo.

I'm beginning to think, trade down to #10, pick up an extra 3rd rounder, then pick the BPA that slides there.