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Every year we want to Belichick draft the next potential sack leader, or a premier pass rusher. And every year, Belichick says "not interested". And every year we win 10 games, and win or tie for the division.
All positions except QB, NT and slot receiver could be upgraded. (I don't think OT can be upgraded in Light is being re-signed).
Obviously, Belichick will pick an OLB if the value is there. However, the question is whether Belichick sees a pressing need at OLB. His evaluation of what we have is crucial when he is looking for 2 year projects as upgrades. He may see the need to develop a replacement for Banta-Cain, but see no pressing rush to do so.
Banta-Cain
Ninkovich
Cunningham
Fletcher
Moore
OPTION 1
This is a pressing need that should be addressed by the pick 40, and then again later.
OPTION 2
This is a pressing need that should be addressed br pick 40.
OPTION 3
This is a need that should be addressed before the end of the second, and perhaps again.
OPTION 4
This a need that justifies an addition in the first four rounds.
BOTTOM LINE
A) The defense is a work in progress. We have a lot of youngsters, many of whom we should expect to improve this year and next.
B) We NEED a stud defensive end. Here I think that the inscrutable Belichick agrees. After all, it is Belichick that highly values DL's and drafts them in the first when there is need and opportunity. I recall no year where that need and opportunity were more present. Not only is there a match of need, opportunity and value in the first half of the 1st, the patriots also have ammunition to trade to almost any spot they wish.
C) For Belichick, OLB is luxury pick. It always is. OLB's have to be developed. Belichick always has the option of developing a young vet from another team or a seasoned vet. With the likelihood a shortended camp or no camp, any OLB will likely not be able to absorb the system this year.
D) For me, any early OLB makes sense. I can see the strong likelihood that the player will project to be an improvement. After 40, I'm not so sure. Yes, if we don't pick an OLB by then, we likely will still pick one ro two by the end of the third, or not.
All positions except QB, NT and slot receiver could be upgraded. (I don't think OT can be upgraded in Light is being re-signed).
Obviously, Belichick will pick an OLB if the value is there. However, the question is whether Belichick sees a pressing need at OLB. His evaluation of what we have is crucial when he is looking for 2 year projects as upgrades. He may see the need to develop a replacement for Banta-Cain, but see no pressing rush to do so.
Banta-Cain
Ninkovich
Cunningham
Fletcher
Moore
OPTION 1
This is a pressing need that should be addressed by the pick 40, and then again later.
OPTION 2
This is a pressing need that should be addressed br pick 40.
OPTION 3
This is a need that should be addressed before the end of the second, and perhaps again.
OPTION 4
This a need that justifies an addition in the first four rounds.
BOTTOM LINE
A) The defense is a work in progress. We have a lot of youngsters, many of whom we should expect to improve this year and next.
B) We NEED a stud defensive end. Here I think that the inscrutable Belichick agrees. After all, it is Belichick that highly values DL's and drafts them in the first when there is need and opportunity. I recall no year where that need and opportunity were more present. Not only is there a match of need, opportunity and value in the first half of the 1st, the patriots also have ammunition to trade to almost any spot they wish.
C) For Belichick, OLB is luxury pick. It always is. OLB's have to be developed. Belichick always has the option of developing a young vet from another team or a seasoned vet. With the likelihood a shortended camp or no camp, any OLB will likely not be able to absorb the system this year.
D) For me, any early OLB makes sense. I can see the strong likelihood that the player will project to be an improvement. After 40, I'm not so sure. Yes, if we don't pick an OLB by then, we likely will still pick one ro two by the end of the third, or not.