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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.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.
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
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.
Trouble is, Sanders is a UFA after this season.5: Rodney/Lynch/Tank may not be the future, but, if Meriweather establishes himself at FS, what about Sanders?
That's basically my thinking. It's a terribly hard position to fill, and Seymour's contract will be coming 'round again.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"?