From Globe's Ask Reiss..

[SavioKid]

Q&A regarding what to do with the 7th pick: Reiss is more 'connected' in a way than most local media with the PATS. He makes a good point on , if picking 7th, spending big $$ on a DL to bolster the pass rush...I hope Gholston from Ohio State falls to 7th..

Question: Like most Pats fans, I'm concerned about our LB and CB positions. We are only a few weeks into phase 1 of the 3 roster phases (FA, draft, trades), but the pickings seem to be slim for starting CBs and LBs. Seward might provide nice depth if signed, but are there any starters out there? It's tough for a rookie to step in and start at corner. Picking at #7, we're almost guaranteed to have our pick of the DB class in the draft. Do any of them look like impact starters to you? Hobbs seems like he can hold his own on one side, but with most teams using 3-wide sets, what about the other two spot? Will this be our greatest weakness next season?
Stephen

A: I think Seward could potentially be a starter in the sense that he'd be on the field on first and second down, or at least part of a still-evolving rotation. If the Patriots ultimately sign Seward, I think it is more than with just depth in mind. As for a rookie cornerback being able to step in and start, I wish I had the answer. I don't know. But what I do feel comfortable saying is that if the Patriots end up making the pick at No. 7, I am assuming they are more likely to draft a position like defensive line. My thinking is that if you're going to spend all that money (around $18 million in bonuses), it's the smartest business to do it on the line, especially when all the "experts" indicate there is probably no corner worthy of a selection at that seventh spot. The final point I'd make is that any secondary is only as good as the rush in front of it. If the Patriots can generate more of a consistent pass rush, I think that will also help the secondary. I felt the lack of rush left the secondary exposed at times late in 2007.

 

[WhiZa]

This has been discussed before that the Pats put their emphasis on the DL because it will make everyone behind the DL better.

I thought the more interesting point was Reiss saying we'd spend the #7 on a DL. It makes sense, but if you're going to spend the money you want someone who will be playing a lot. A player like AD who can stand up or get in a 3 point stance would be perfect here.

 

[mmasterkillah]

I think if Gholston, or either Long (god that would be crazy) is there, they would be the obvious pick.

The Patriots have always been sure to have an abundance of outside pass rushing DE/LB tweeners ala Adalius, Willie McGinest, Colvin and even worse guys like Tully Banta Cain. Losing Colvin gives me the impression that we will get somebody else to fill that spot, but I do think we need one or two more guys to help bolster the rush on the edge.

Richard, Ty and Vince are all among the best in the league in what they do, but IMO the Pats could use a nice Dime and Quarter package that features players like Vrabel and Adalius as rush ends.

If Jake Long somehow slips to us, I don't know if we could pass on him. To me, on tape he exhibits many skills that Joe Thomas didn't even possess. He is a mauler, and he's really improved his footwork. He could immediately step in and start for us, and help us improve either tackle spot. Sorry Matt Light.

Chris Long is just a beast. I'm still not sure if I prefer Long or Gholston. Long is mentally all there and such a talented player. He plays like he has watched tons of his father, and he reminds me of a Mike Vrabel and to an extent Pat Kerney (athletically, and technically).

We still need help at corner, whether it's Ty Law or what, but if we bolster our front 7 enough, it's true, our pass defense will improve immeasurably. Remember how gassed our defense was against Indy two years ago when we lost in the playoffs? We can always use more depth to bolster the pass rush in Belichick's scheme.

 

[sebman2112]

I'll take Chris Long over Vernon Gholston in a heartbeat. He's better against the run, looked more fluid during coverage drills, a more disciplined athlete, and has more polish. Al Groh claims Chris would make an outstanding 3-4 OLB, and even mentioned the Patriots as the perfect fit. But, I don't think there is any chance Chris Long falls to the 7th overall pick, and I don't see NE trading up either.

I do think Reiss could very well be correct, and the Patriots draft someone to play in the trenches, if they keep that pick.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I'll take Chris Long over Vernon Gholston in a heartbeat. He's better against the run, looked more fluid during coverage drills, a more disciplined athlete, and has more polish. Al Groh claims Chris would make an outstanding 3-4 OLB, and even mentioned the Patriots as the perfect fit. But, I don't think there is any chance Chris Long falls to the 7th overall pick, and I don't see NE trading up either.

I do think Reiss could very well be correct, and the Patriots draft someone to play in the trenches, if they keep that pick.

And the Pats don't draft RBs in the first round. Personally, I could easily see them jumpfrogging the JEST (i.e., to #4 or #5) if he were still available and they felt he was worth it.

 

[sebman2112]

And the Pats don't draft RBs in the first round. Personally, I could easily see them jumpfrogging the JEST (i.e., to #4 or #5) if he were still available and they felt he was worth it.

The difference here is that I said they were going to select Maroney...

I honestly think Chris should go in the top 3-4, and might even go 1st overall. Parcells lost out to the Jets in the Calvin Pace sweapstakes, and Jason Taylor apparently wants out, so DE/OLB becomes a major need for the Dolphins.

 

[VJCPatriot]

And the Pats don't draft RBs in the first round.

Laurence Maroney says HI.
I could see an offensive tackle, a LB, or a CB as the target.
McFadden would surprise me, but wouldn't necessarily displease me.
He's a special talent.

 

[sebman2112]

Laurence Maroney says HI.
I could see an offensive tackle, a LB, or a CB as the target.
McFadden would surprise me, but wouldn't necessarily displease me.
He's a special talent.

I think he was saying "And the Pats don't draft RBs in the first round" as a way of saying "their not being inclined to make that kind of trade up in the past doesn't mean they'll refrain from making such a trade in the future". Referencing the fact that a number of people didn't think NE would go RB in the first round, then the Patriots selected Maroney...

 

[NePatriots]

The only thing we know for sure, is that we don't what is going on in BB's mind. He seems to be a contrarian. Won't get bad character guys? Dillon, Moss. Won't spend? Thomas, Moss, Stallworth. Won't pick high? We'll see.

 

[sebman2112]

Right now, I think it's either OT or D-line, if they stay put at 7th overall.

When I say "D-line", I'm not talking about OLB...

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I think he was saying "And the Pats don't draft RBs in the first round" as a way of saying "their not being inclined to make that kind of trade up in the past doesn't mean they'll refrain from making such a trade in the future". Referencing the fact that a number of people didn't think NE would go RB in the first round, then the Patriots selected Maroney...

Exactamundo.