Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

It looks like the Pats will focus on defense at the top end of the draft. Even if they add Landry, the biggest hole on this team still looks like an outside pass rusher. There looks to be a good chance Mark Anderson is gone and gambling on Carter one more year to repeat his production last season might be too big of a risk (although bringing him back would be welcomed at the right price).

Now that the NFL has a rookie cap, high draft picks do not have the risk that they have had in past years. Is this the year the Pats trade up and get a legitimate dominant pass rusher like Ingram?

Re: Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

I'd prefer Perry or Upshaw but yes, you'd think now is the time to make such a move.

Re: Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

They could trade up for Fletcher Cox and solidify the 3-4 line with Cox-Wilfork-Deaderick. I just don't trust trading up for an OLB prospect.

Re: Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

I like the idea of drafting 4 defensive players w/ our first 4 picks. You have to accept that at least 1, probably 2, of those picks will bust. By picking 4 defenders you worst case scenario is 1 solid starter on D.

Re: Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

None of us have any clue about what will really happen. Trade up, trade down, stick with current pick...who knows. The only pattern that is clear is that they will pick the best player available regardless of position, even if that's already a position of strength.

Re: Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

I don't know if they'll focus on D in the draft or not. What FA has done for the Pats is filled the holes - we'd field a pretty damn good team if the season were to start tomorrow.

This leaves the Pats in a great position come draft time. Rather than drafting for need, they can take a 'best player available' stance - which means if a great OL or other prospect slides to them, I don't think they'll hesitate to pull the trigger for an offensive player.

We're all hoping for a strong defensive draft, but don't be surprised if an OL or TE goes higher than we all think, either. Its a great position to be in :)

Re: Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

True in the draft we will get a pretty good feel whether Light and Waters will be back.

If we sign Fells and BJGE and BB knows Waters and Light will be back we may not see an O player in the first 3 rnds, perhaps a developmental WR.

Re: Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

I'm more worried about our ability to cover than our pass rush.

Re: Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

Right now, Lloyd is the only apparent improvement over last years team.

Yes, defense would still seem to be the priority, but you could say that at this time last year

Re: Based on the Pats' free agency so far.....
 

If you get a good pass rush you don't have to cover as long........a great pass rush makes a secondary look all world.