2009 Preview - Where's the talent?
 

OK. I know its really early in the season, but I just looked at a top 100 list and I was utterly blown away... Unless there is the largest junior class in NFL history to enter, this draft is going to be particularly thin on talent at the top of the draft. There were only about a dozen true 1st rounders with another dozen 1st/2nd rounders... The 2nd rounders took me through pick 40 and then the 2/3 and 3rd rounders took me to pick 75...

I know the Pats have 3 picks in the 1st 2 rounds and, probably 5 in the 1st 100 due to compensation for Samuel. However, its not looking great for the talent that will be available...

Re: 2009 Preview - Where's the talent?
 

Hmm...let's say that in a typical year, there are maybe two dozen "true first rounders." Last year about half (11) of the first two dozen players ranked by nfldraftscout were underclassmen. So if you counted a dozen seniors in that category for this year, that actually seems pretty solid.

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Re: 2009 Preview - Where's the talent?
 

Patchick - Maybe the sites are getting better at predicting talent or maybe the talent just isn't there. I don't know. But in years past, there have usually been two dozen SENIORS who were listed as solid 1st rounders at this time of year, with another two to three dozen listed as tweeners and solid second rounders.

The last time it was like this was 2007, which BB claimed was a poor draft, talent wise.

Re: 2009 Preview - Where's the talent?
 

To be honest, I can't think of a draft with more than a handful of blue-chip seniors since the mid-90s. If they were that good as juniors, they left early. How many were there last year? Probably a half dozen (guessing).

Re: 2009 Preview - Where's the talent?
 

The thing that may sweeten up the draft is the large influx of

juniors that you mentioned above. I read recently that juniors are

worrying that any new CBA might reduce rookie salaries.

Re: 2009 Preview - Where's the talent?
 

I try not to read too much into the quality of drafts, most of 5 studs, 10-20 good players and then a bunch of players that in the right situation could be good. Top end talent doesn't concern me because most years the Pats don't pick until around 30 so no point drooling about Calvin Johnson or Carson Palmer. It seems like every year there are some good players between pick 20 and pick 100. The Pats have 5 picks in that range, relying on past history 1 will be starter, 2 will be quality backups and 2 won't do anything.

The Pats can use more impact or depth at almost every unit and the draft is the cheapest and best way to develop a roster.

Most of the best "senior" talent for this draft is playing in the NFL right now.

I expect that this year's 1st pick could be a third year sophomore, Crabtree.

I think the first round could have as many as 20 juniors in it, with the entire top five being a sophomore and 4 juniors.

But overall this draft could not possibly be as deep as last year's draft.

Defensive End appears to be the deepest part of this draft. OT also appears to have a good bit of depth as well. CB, QB, WR, and even RB appear very thin at this point,but could change dramaticaly by April.

Re: 2009 Preview - Where's the talent?
 

ILB is a good position this year with Lauranitis, Rey Maualuga, Darry Beckwith.

If you think the senior class is week, imagine if Lauranitis, Maualuga, Oher and Jenkins had all come out last year as some expected.

Keep in mind that Virginia has a couple of LBers coming out this year, although I think one got hurt two weeks and is lost for the season.

ILB Sintim (or something like that) has decent size, takes few false steps and makes plays against most teams not named USC. Not sure how the kid is going to run or if Al is going to give BB the thumbs up on this kid yet, but based purely on what happens on the field, I think the kid can play for us.

Re: 2009 Preview - Where's the talent?
 

Not trying to be a homer.....

But MLB Frantz Joseph- Florida Atlantic
Was a transfer from BC and has been a beast for us ever since. Him playing at FAU could also make him a sleeper in later rounds.

Also like DE George Selvie- U of South Florida. Guy is insane and would be an interesting prospect especially with this being Seymor's last year under contract.

Keep an eye on Javon Ringer RB out of Michigan State. I'm kind of concerned about Maroney's progress.