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I will admit that I am very disapointed the Pats didn't draft an OLB last night. I think their d-line need is overrated because that position has already been upgraded with the return of Ty Warren, Mike Wright, and Myron Pryor. OLB is a real need though. Perhaps Belichick is going to get one in free agency since he doesn't like to groom OLBs typically. The only way I can see they can salvage the OLB in the draft is if they get Sam Acho or Chris Carter.
As for the pick themselves, I like all the picks except for the Ridley pick. Solder has the ability to be an elite LT. Dowling is most likely going to replace the overrated Meriweather who is likely to leave in free agency after this season. Vereen is a versatile RB with homerun play capabilties. Mallett was at one point considered the best QB on the board until he scared teams off with questions about his maturity and rumors of drug use. If he can grow up, he could be a replacement for Brady in 3-5 years ala Aaron Rodgers if Brady's skill deteriorate or trade bait down the road. At the very least, the Pats will have arguably the best back up QB in the league and will protect the Pats from a 2008 Brady injury doomsday scenario.
Now if the Pats fill their OLB needs in free agency (possibly Mathias Kiwanuka who is a good two gap pass rusher), then I think this draft filled needs and can be successful. Otherwise, I agree with others they may have squandered opportunities in the draft. Evaluating this draft is harder than most because we don't have the benefits of know how teams filled in holes via free agency. Belichick usually likes to fill the OLB position in free agency over the draft because it can take years for a college DE to make the complete conversion to OLB in the 3-4. If after free agency, the OLBs look the same as last year then Belichick did fail this offseason to improve the pass rush.
As for the pick themselves, I like all the picks except for the Ridley pick. Solder has the ability to be an elite LT. Dowling is most likely going to replace the overrated Meriweather who is likely to leave in free agency after this season. Vereen is a versatile RB with homerun play capabilties. Mallett was at one point considered the best QB on the board until he scared teams off with questions about his maturity and rumors of drug use. If he can grow up, he could be a replacement for Brady in 3-5 years ala Aaron Rodgers if Brady's skill deteriorate or trade bait down the road. At the very least, the Pats will have arguably the best back up QB in the league and will protect the Pats from a 2008 Brady injury doomsday scenario.
Now if the Pats fill their OLB needs in free agency (possibly Mathias Kiwanuka who is a good two gap pass rusher), then I think this draft filled needs and can be successful. Otherwise, I agree with others they may have squandered opportunities in the draft. Evaluating this draft is harder than most because we don't have the benefits of know how teams filled in holes via free agency. Belichick usually likes to fill the OLB position in free agency over the draft because it can take years for a college DE to make the complete conversion to OLB in the 3-4. If after free agency, the OLBs look the same as last year then Belichick did fail this offseason to improve the pass rush.