Is there a clear first-round need for 2009?

[ctpatsfan77]

Please note I'm talking about positions, not specific players.

Just food for thought at the moment--would you say that there is one position of clear, convincing need for 2009, or would the Patriots be able to take the "best Pats-type player available"?

 

[Taxed in Maine]

I don't think there is one position, there could be three or four. Remember its not just BPA, it has to be "Best player available - that fits the system".

Right now, I could see these three positions - ILB, OT, SS.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I don't think there is one position, there could be three or four. Remember its not just BPA, it has to be "Best player available - that fits the system".

Right now, I could see these three positions - ILB, OT, SS.

I didn't forget.

 

[patchick]

Right now, I could see these three positions - ILB, OT, SS.

I'd rank the top 5 likeliest as:

1. OT
2. TE
3. DE
4. OLB
5. SS

 

[Mike the Brit]

I'd rank the top 5 likeliest as:

1. OT
2. TE
3. DE
4. OLB
5. SS

Slightly surprised.

No quarrels with 1. or 4. but using a first-rounder on a tight end yet again? I don't say it's impossible (this is BB-Pioli) but I'd say it was likely only if you thought that neither Watson nor Thomas could be a number one tight end going forward. Watson has his strengths and we really don't know yet about Thomas. @ 3: are you saying that we're losing either Seymour or Warren (or Jarvis)? @ 5: Rodney/Lynch/Tank may not be the future, but, if Meriweather establishes himself at FS, what about Sanders?

My five on the basis of need:

1. OT
2. CB
3. OLB
4. SS
5. OG

I'll give you, though, that if they see a DE whom they really like, they'll take him whatever other needs they have, since that seems to be the position -- quarterback apart -- where the drop-off in performance from a top-tier player to one on the second tier means that settling for second best makes least sense.

 

[Taxed in Maine]

I don't really see DE or OLB, or CB.

Unless they know Seymour isn't coming back or is going to ask for the moon in his next contract, he'll be here. I doubt they invest 3 1st rnd picks for two starting spots. I see a true back-up NT as more of a need, but not in the first round.(but maybe as early as the 3rd?)

At OLB we have Vrabel, AD, Woods And Crable. Maybe this is one of those wait and see positions. But if Woods and Crable earn PT this year, probably not a 1st round need.
But at ILB we have Bruschi and Mayo. Hobson hasn't looked that good, then who else? Alexander & Guyton? And Bruschi will probably be gone next year.
IMO ILB is a far higher priority than OLB

At this point in time I see CB as a 'wait and see' situation. We just drafted two. If the guys we have prove they can get the job done, then it's not a high priority. If not, then i will concede and put CB on the list.

At SS, I like Sanders, he is a very solid reliable player. But I think the opportunity to have a real big-bodied playmaker at SS, would improve the entire D-backfield. Rodney used to be that guy, but not anymore.


Just some of my thoughts.

Barry

 

[patchick]

Slightly surprised.

No quarrels with 1. or 4. but using a first-rounder on a tight end yet again? I don't say it's impossible (this is BB-Pioli) but I'd say it was likely only if you thought that neither Watson nor Thomas could be a number one tight end going forward.

Well, neither Watson nor Thomas is signed past 2009. Plus the past couple of drafts have been extremely weak at the position, which is in the "rare body type" arena. I might have ranked it a bit high, but if there's good value at TE it wouldn't surprise me at all.

5: Rodney/Lynch/Tank may not be the future, but, if Meriweather establishes himself at FS, what about Sanders?

Trouble is, Sanders is a UFA after this season.

I'll give you, though, that if they see a DE whom they really like, they'll take him whatever other needs they have, since that seems to be the position -- quarterback apart -- where the drop-off in performance from a top-tier player to one on the second tier means that settling for second best makes least sense.

That's basically my thinking. It's a terribly hard position to fill, and Seymour's contract will be coming 'round again.

 

[PonyExpress]

I think the BB draft cycle moves in 9 year intervals. We're back to Adrian Klemm, then Richard Seymour, then Daniel Graham.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

#1 Most pressing need for the 2009 draft - playmakers in the secondary, preferably 1 at Safety and 1 at CB.

#2 - Nastiness in the OL, preferably on the right side.

#3 - Lightening quick edge speed pass rusher.

 

[cstjohn17]

Can I be boring and say best player available at a position of need?

QB is off the table, along with kicker, punter, etc., most of the team is signed through 2009.
http://www.patscap.com/futureyears.html

After 2009 the stuff hits the fan, only 21 players are signed and most of them, well, they suck or are basically unproven.

Most the D-Line and O-Line will be free agents in the next couple of years. I would say stick to the trenches and look for value.

 

[patchick]

Can I be boring and say best player available at a position of need?

QB is off the table, along with kicker, punter, etc., most of the team is signed through 2009.
http://www.patscap.com/futureyears.html

After 2009 the stuff hits the fan, only 21 players are signed and most of them, well, they suck or are basically unproven.

Most the D-Line and O-Line will be free agents in the next couple of years. I would say stick to the trenches and look for value.

Hard to argue with your premise, though I'd take a few more positions completely off the table for round 1: C, RB and WR. Koppen's signed through '11, Maroney & Morris through '10, and IMO WR is simply too risky to ever pick in the 1st round.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Hard to argue with your premise, though I'd take a few more positions completely off the table for round 1: C, RB and WR. Koppen's signed through '11, Maroney & Morris through '10, and IMO WR is simply too risky to ever pick in the 1st round.

A lot of talented WR's coming on the FA market in the next few years. Given that Jackson and Ventrone are our only current homegrown WRs (with a chance for a potential roster spot), maybe BB continues to recruit via the FA source.

 

[jeffbiologist]

I am not sure the need will be there for any LBs. If Crable comes along and develops they can kick Thomas(or Vrabel) back inside for Bruschi(who is signed for next year as well)if needed. And while we are loving the fact at least 2 rookie LBs look to make the roster, there is a likihood we pick up another ILB off the FA market next year for simple experience factor.
SS, OT and CB look to be the most pressing, alot depends on who does well and how quickly in the Capers' backfield. On offense, I see a major drop off in weapon quality in the 3-4 WR this year, but again there may be some vet looking to work with TB cheap....the benefits that keep on giving.

 

[cstjohn17]

I am not sure the need will be there for any LBs. If Crable comes along and develops they can kick Thomas(or Vrabel) back inside for Bruschi(who is signed for next year as well)if needed. And while we are loving the fact at least 2 rookie LBs look to make the roster, there is a likihood we pick up another ILB off the FA market next year for simple experience factor.
SS, OT and CB look to be the most pressing, alot depends on who does well and how quickly in the Capers' backfield. On offense, I see a major drop off in weapon quality in the 3-4 WR this year, but again there may be some vet looking to work with TB cheap....the benefits that keep on giving.

My early free agent to watch, Channing Crowder from Miami. He can't stay healthy but he is a good player who can play ILB for all 3 downs. A set of ILB Mayo and Crowder with Bruschi taking a few snaps is a nice tandem.

 

[Mike the Brit]

My early free agent to watch, Channing Crowder from Miami. He can't stay healthy but he is a good player who can play ILB for all 3 downs. A set of ILB Mayo and Crowder with Bruschi taking a few snaps is a nice tandem.

Good thought. BB seems to like him -- warm embrace at the end of a game a couple of years ago.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

My early free agent to watch, Channing Crowder from Miami. He can't stay healthy but he is a good player who can play ILB for all 3 downs. A set of ILB Mayo and Crowder with Bruschi taking a few snaps is a nice tandem.

We should know by the end of this season just how mentally tough he is in order to survive a season with BP.

 

[Jimke]

Can I be boring and say best player available at a position of need?

QB is off the table, along with kicker, punter, etc., most of the team is signed through 2009.
http://www.patscap.com/futureyears.html

After 2009 the stuff hits the fan, only 21 players are signed and most of them, well, they suck or are basically unproven.

Most the D-Line and O-Line will be free agents in the next couple of years. I would say stick to the trenches and look for value.

Your third paragraph is why the Pats should hold on to young
linebackers like Guyton and Redd. They may not fill an immediate
need but the Pats may be in dire need of players after 2009.

 

[cstjohn17]

Your third paragraph is why the Pats should hold on to young
linebackers like Guyton and Redd. They may not fill an immediate
need but the Pats may be in dire need of players after 2009.

I like the idea of a youth movement at LB but honestly I see both players as JAGs, I mean if they make the team they replace Izzo and Alexander. I am more concerned about the lines, there is a potential that the Pats lose 5 of the 8 starting lineman, 3 of them Pro Bowlers.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I like the idea of a youth movement at LB but honestly I see both players as JAGs, I mean if they make the team they replace Izzo and Alexander. I am more concerned about the lines, there is a potential that the Pats lose 5 of the 8 starting lineman, 3 of them Pro Bowlers.

I agree. This is not baseball, we can't be over committing roster spots to development, we need guys that can help us win today, while we plan for the future.

 

[captain stone]

Please note I'm talking about positions, not specific players.

Just food for thought at the moment--would you say that there is one position of clear, convincing need for 2009, or would the Patriots be able to take the "best Pats-type player available"?

Yes, there is one position of clear need for 2009. It's the same position of need we have for 2008: OL, specifically OT.

Job #1 for the FO should be: Protect the Franchise.