The Pats currently have an early 6th round pick from TB and an early 7th from Tennessee. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a 6th round comp pick, and I wouldn't be surprised if BB manages to pick up an extra late round pick along the way (he's done so in 2012, 2013 and 2014).
I personally want to use the first 4 rounds to focus on the lines, with 2 picks on both OL and DL (including DE/OLB). But I'd love to address some depth at the offensive skill players in the later rounds, and with UDFAs. Some guys who come to mind as good potential values:
RB: Karlos Williams, Malcolm Brown, Josh Robinson, Synjyn Days
WR: DeAndre Smelter, Tre McBride, Jamison Crowder, Deontay Greenberry, Devante Davis, Kasen Williams
TE: Jesse James, Jean Sifrin, MyCole Pruitt, Blake Bell
I think there's likely to be some very good talent available in the 6th and 7th rounds, and in the UDFA class.
Discuss.
I cannot discuss the potential draftes as I don't even pretend to be a Draftnik. But I am interested in the Pats Draft and Bill's approach to it.
I wholeheartedly agree that this should be a quality lineman Draft, but with emphasis on the weaker offensive line. It's not that I don't want to draft Defensive linemen, it is just that BB has devoted a lot to rebuilding the Defense and the Front 7, and has several recent acquisitions already, that may merely need more development, like Buchanan, Moore, Easley, Siliga, the Jones es.
BB has emphasizeed drafting LOT candidates and then gotten by with interior linemen of indifferent quality on the interior, while spending resources addressing other areas more needful of attention. BB quotes like, "You can always find a Guard" and "You draft Left Tackles..." seem to define BB's perspective on the O-line. But for once, with the Defense largely rebuilt, and no other crying need, I think it is a perfect time to try to acquire better O-line talent to work with, rather than heady but athletically limited PS types.
I don't know if BB will try to draft Gs, or fall back on his approach of selecting lesser rated Left Tackle candidates, and moving them inside. Doing so leads to agile, good pass blocking Gs, who are generally undersized, and are not good drive blockers for an overpowering running game. When he selects Right tackle candidates instead, he can end up with too tall, clumsy, G candidates with size but perhaps little quickness, to engage in a drive blocking scheme.
The result is a average good Offensive line, that very good defensive lines in the Playoffs can neutralize, limiting offensive success in big games. I'd really like BB to draft a pair of very good, big, quick and powerful G candidates to complete a very good Offensive line.
I also agree that BB prefers a RBBC and WRBC system for his Offensive skill positions. So BB can certainly try to add to those squads with Day 3 skill position selections.
The one exception might be a Day 2-3 addition at RB. Ideally, one who can both run and also catch; or resign the only highly skilled position RB on the roster, even if he can't catch very well, in Ridley. That may be possible on a lesser post injury contract.
It amazes me how closely your thought on the upcoming Pats Draft is to my own, and I defer to your Draft wisdom, (and ultimately BBs), on who those draftees might be.
