Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

Let me be struck my lightening for even considering it...

Brandon Pettigrew is pretty much the complete package at TE. He can't stretch the field like Winslow, etc. but who can?

In year one he would provide solid depth in a rotation with Baker and Watson (bye bye Thomas). With all the deep speed (Moss & Galloway) there will be room underneath to operate, with Welker getting a lot of attention it is hard to imagine any of the Patriots TEs getting double covered all year. Depending on where Brady's knee is the Pats may be running the ball more than people expect this good mean more 2 TE sets (anyone remember the good old days, circa 2006, when the 2 TE set was going to change football forever...).

As I see it the worst case has him being a Daniel Graham type (with better hands, not quite as good blocker but close) best case is he is a Jason Whitten type that can make a living with the 5-7 yard option.

Watson and Thomas are free agents after 2009 opening the door for him to start after year 1.

Leave no stone unturned, this is the year that I will not be surprised...

Re: Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

I would have agreed with you before the Chris Baker signing, but Baker is essentially the same kind of package. Not as much upside, but definitely NFL ready, and a nice approximation of Dan Graham.

Re: Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

they tell you in business - sell high, buy low. TE's always in demand are in short supply this year - in terms of a total player. Somebody will reach and reach badly on this guy.

Now if they plan on axing Thomas, then a lower round pick makes perfect sense.

However given the draft position we hold this year, we can address immediate needs such as OLB and S, and needs for '10 such as LT, DL, RG

If we hit it strong on the draft next year, we might need a CB, TE, WR, RB, perhaps another DL (oh oh), and maybe a C and P.

Re: Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

I agree that someone will probably reach for Pettigrew, but I don't see it being the Patriots. Depending on who is left, I see them taking an OT or a DE/OLB with that first pick since there is a number of both that are projected as first rounders in this draft.

Re: Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

I'm not a huge fan of taking a TE but you can do worse than get a dominant blocking/capable receiving TE. I see him as a better blocking version of Jason Witten. We may trade up or trade some picks to 2010 but if we use all our picks we'll likely use them on BPA as we don't have a lot of holes to fill. I'm not prediciting it but if they both last I could see a shocker of Pettigrew/Donald Brown at 23/34 because we'd still have two 2s and two 3s to get a LB or two and a Safety.

Re: Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

Pettigrew is a strong all-around player who should be a solid contributor for years. In a different draft year, though, he wouldn't be in the 1st-round discussion. IMO you only consider him in round 1 if your team has a glaring hole at the position, which the Pats clearly do not.

So I think we're safe. :)

Re: Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

When it comes to BB and big physical tight ends WE ARE NEVER SAFE.

Re: Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

I've been thinking along the same lines. I wouldn't be too deflated, they are two very capable players we are talking about after all. As much as I think about not taking a TE Pettigrew does intrique me to say the least.

Re: Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

Very true lol

Re: Shudder.... Brandon Pettigrew?
 

I don't get the Pettigrew love myself. He's slow, soft, and has questionable hands. I think he's probably the second coming of Duane Carswell. He won't get open at the next level, and a first round pick for a blocking tight end seems excessive.