OL, OL ,Pass Rusher, Pass Rusher and more

mgteich said:

You just can't do it all at once. We don't have the resources and the OL would be better if the transition is gradual. Most evaluations of our OL has been that it has been pretty good, and needs to get better. .

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Ding ding ding

I think the lines are going to be the priority as well. Hope it plays out like this: Jerry hughes from TCU with the late 1st, than take Jahvid best with the jacksonville pick. The best guard (ducasse??) with the titans pick and trade the last second rounder to a bad team for their second rounder next year. We would get three quality players who can contribute pretty much right away.

Stephen Neal expressed some doubt as to whether he would return for 2010 at all. His body has taken a lot of wear and tear, and it seems that he's one of those who isn't sure he has what it takes left in the tank.

Neal uncertain about future - Extra Points - Boston.com

I think we need to resign Mankins, but I wouldn't make any plans that depend on Neal. Even if he comes back, he hasn't been able to stay healthy.

DocE said:

It's just not true that whoever the Pats draft, they wouldn't start on this Oline next year. I would be willing to bet that Oher would start on the Patriots this year, just like he did for the Ravens this year. This is a deep draft for OT's and I think a first round OT would start for the Patriots next year. I also think a guy like Iupati would start at OG from day one. If an offensive guard is drafted in round 1 (something I am generally not a fan of), he usually starts from day one.

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Most 1st round OL do seem to start for their teams. I am all in favor of a OG/OL in the first round.
I just heard Neal may retire so OL is a need..

Some of us want Wood, Unger or LeVitre in 2009. Instead of two starting guards, we have four starting quality safeties.
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In any case, it will occur to some of us that our number one player need is a RG. If we don't re-sign Mankins and tender him instead, we would be well-advised to draft two guards in the first four picks. We have four tackles capable of starting in 2010 and 2011. We have ZERO guards.
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Yes, we have other needs, which can be met through the other draft picks and through free agency, but we need to draft the guard.
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CONSIDER (I DONT THINK THIS PLAN WILL BREAK THE BANK OR THE BUDGET)
Re-sign Wilfork for basically whatever he wants (say $10M a year) or sign Hampton
Re-sign Bodden to a reasonable contract, overpaying a bit
Re-sign Watson, Faulk, Burgess and even Green (you can cut them later if you find better)
Tender Gost, Mankins, and Woods
Sign Dansby or another top LB
Sign two midlevel free agent wide receivers
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Then, what are draft needs?
I suggest that after you draft your guards, you will have two seconds and a fourth to find more depth, or to trade for ONE stud.

I've been thinking a lot about FA and the draft over the last couple of weeks. We are now in good position to move in FA, but I think we should give FA a miss, sing up those players we need to, Wilfork, Bodden, Green and Mankins. And then use up all these draft picks(we have two first rounders in 2011 also). This is the richest draft for some time, its worth taking a chance and bringing in an extra guy for OLB/DE spots in case one of them doesn't work out. It worth taking an extra OG, its worth taking a running back or two and getting rid of the injury prone veterans Morris and Taylor. This is what I'd do with our early picks.

Round 1 Pick 24. Jerry Hughes OLB/DE TCU
Round 2 Pick 42.*From Jacs. Mike Johnson OG Alabama
Round 2 Pick 50.*From Tenn. Jahvid Best RB Califrornia
Round 2 Pick 56 Ricky Sapp OLB/DE Clemson