What I meant is...maybe they are targeting that dlineman next year with that top pick.
Looking at NFL Draft Scout's top 10 ranked DT and DE, there are two players whom NE might consider as 5-techs in the 2011 class (some will argue they should be OLB, but that's a decision for later):
-- Cameron Heyward, Ohio State, 6-6/287
-- Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh, 6-5/270
The only other DL in the top 10 for DT or DE who is listed at 6'5" or taller is a small school kid with NT weight. Unless NE is picking #1, which Crazy Al may gift to BB anyway, it's not a sure thing they can get the player they want.
The smartest thing to do is try and build the team with the draft class at hand, if one of the players in 2011 is an upgrade, and available when NE picks, you make your decision then. Last year BB drafted three DL, Pryor was a surprise since he didn't appear to fit the scheme, but he was used creatively and proved coaching good players means you can be scheme diverse. This is a deep draft for DL, NE is currently short on DL for the roster - they have seven, which most seasons has been the number carried on the "53." Richard, Grady, and Brace all carry PSquad eligibility, as will whomever NE drafts this year, so there is lot's of flexibility to draft and reorganize the DL.
Regarding Floyd Reese: He was signed on for his expertise in contract negotiation, his expertise in team building, and his historic knowledge of the NFL dating back before the first salary cap. In an uncapped year he serves as a sounding board and memory aid to Bill Belichick on just how things used to work - an experienced team manager who helps with planning a management strategy and adjusting it on the fly as 2010 turns into 2011. He also is a sounding board who Nick Caserio can use as Nick manages his role in player personnel - he may also be teaching Caserio the business side of things that Pioli used to handle so Nick can grow into a General Manager in his own time.
Nick Caserio is the man who heads the team pulling together all the data on prospects from scouts, coaches, and external sources. Just as last year, Nick's the Personnel guy, Reese wears a different hat.