Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

I know it's not even the 2009 draft yet, but as we are debating about which positions to prioritize, I've been thinking about 2010.

As I've mentioned before, 2010 appears to be loaded for 3-4 DE candidates. Among the possibilities:

- Ndamdukong Suh (senior), Nebraska, 6'4", 310#
- Gerald McCoy (junior), Oklahoma, 6'4", 295#
- Marvin Austin (junior), North Carolina, 6'3", 305#
- Lawerence Marsh (junior), Florida, 6'5", 305#
- Carlos Dunlap (junior), Florida, 6'6", 290#
- Arthur Jones (senior), Syracuse, 6'3", 295#
- Vince Oghobasse (senior), Duke, 6'6", 310#

Even assuming we pick at #32, it is unlikely that one or more of these guys won't fall to within reach. Some will be top 10, but some will fall a bit. There's just too many top talents.

Another area to think about is SILB. Personally, if Brandon Spikes had come out I would have strongly considered him at #23 this year. I think he's a much better complement to Mayo than Maualuga would be. He'll be out next year, and possibly also Rolando McClain. If we end up trading one of our 2nd round picks into 2010 then we may have some ammo to move up. But there are also a lot of possibilities who should be available later. I had my eye on Eric Norwood from South Carolina, a DE who also played LB, who almost came out this year. He's a 6'1" 260# fire hydrant. Obi Ezeh from Michigan may also come out. Micah Johnson from Kentucky is yet another option. They all have the size to play SILB for the Pats. So there may be more depth at this position than there is in 2009, and it may not make sense to jump to fill SILB rather than continue with Mayo/Guyton/Bruschi for another year.

Re: Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

Big fan of Herzlich out of BC. Could have declared this year. See him as a flexible guy in terms of where he could play on the field.

Re: Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

I didn't include him because most consider him a 4-3 SAM, but I could see him putting on 10-15# and being a dynamite 3-4 SILB. He certainly has the mentality.

Herzlich will probably go top-20, but again, as with DE, there are just a lot of talented kids coming out. Sergio Kindle has Barwin-like athleticism and size and will have 2 years of OLB experience by the time he comes out. Kindle, Herzlich, Spikes and McClain are all potential top-20 guys, but there's going to be a logjam and someone may fall. And at the very least they will push some quality talent down. I suggest people keep an eye on Eric Norwood next year. He could be something special.

Re: Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

Well if you listen to a majority of the radio and blog pundits you would think the Patriots are going to keel over and die of old age after this season.. The window is closing fast lol. They couldn't be further from the truth.

This year and next BB and crew can turn this from one of the oldest rosters to one of the youngest and most experienced young veteran rosters in the league. This team is set provided the Pats draft well and listen to us:}

Re: Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

Don't forget about Jared Odrick - PSU. He plays DT in PSU's 4-3. He started his career at de but they prefer quicker, smaller de's like T.Hali,M.Evans and Maybin. This kid is
about 6'5"310lb physique wise. Looks similiar to Big Sey. I think he's athletic enough to play de in our 3-4. He will be a 4th year Senior. So, no eligiblility left.

Re: Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

Go look at a roster. It is already a very young roster. There is not but a single starter on Defense over thirty and AD is only 31-32. There may be some reserves like Bruschi and a phone call away Rosey, Junior and Rodney that are oldsters. But only AD and Bruschi have any age, on the Defensive roster.

On Offense there are 3 guys as starters who are a little older. Tom, Randy and Steve Neal, are the over thirty, all at 32. At their positions guys play for another 3-5 years. There are older reserves, Galloway, Hochstein, Faulk, Sammie Smith and Fred Taylor. But all are complementary players to the starters.

This is ALREADY the youngest team that Belichick has fielded since he has been here.

Re: Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

Taylor Mays!

Re: Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

At some point we have to look at OT .. I think Kazcur is a weak point for us and Light isnt the consistent LT someone like Brady needs

If we dont go LT this year I hope we do next or address it in FA

Re: Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

I thought Mark LeVoir did a good job. Not a long-term solution, but a solid guy to have around.

Wouldn't be surprised at an OT with the first 4 picks. In fact, I'd be more surprised if they didn't get one within the first three rounds.

Re: Looking Ahead: Thoughts on 2010
 

I would agree. There are some nice OT prospects next year, but this year's class appears deeper. One of the reasons that I prefer Barwin/Beatty/Delmas over Barwin/Maualuga/Delmas (in some order) is that there are a lot of solid SILB candidates next year, many of whom should be available in the 2nd or 3rd round. If I had to choose between getting my SILB prospect or my OT prospect this year, I'd go OT. Plus Adalius Thomas always gives us options inside as well.