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Only in Boston is the #2 priority upgrading the All-Pro tackle ...
If Light was an "ALL-PRO" this is the first I've heard of it. In fact, Mankins was only 2nd team "ALL-PRO" and I thought he was the only Patriot O-lineman to be mentioned. I think you are confusing ALL-PRO with PRO-BOWL. And, for at least the next year, the newbie would play RT while he got used to the game.
Anyway, the only assumption I'll make is Asante is gone.
1. CB - With Asante gone, either draft or FA needs to net starting caliber CB.
Don't make the assumption he's gone. Just make the assumption he's a fa. There aren't many starting caliber FA CBs available.
2. ILB - Bruschi/Seau were much better in rotation. Someone needs to be brought in to start or rotate with them. This is even higher priority if Colvin goes as AD would likely move outside. You could also look at this need as OLB if the thinking is Colving goes & AD moves inside. Depends on your POV.
I agree that ILB needs an upgrade. I don't see Colvin going anywhere. The Pats defense was BEST when Thomas was inside with Vrabel and Colvin on the edges. I agree that new blood is needed here.
3. RT - I think Kaczur can be improved upon. Having him & O'C as backups and another starter at RT really improves the line immensely.
That's the idea of drafting an OT early and having him play RT then move to LT. Also, someone mentioned that Light has been tried at RT and has fared poorly there. I don't know if this is true or not.
4. Punter - Never mentioned really, but I think this is a no brainer & easy upgrade.
WOW. I guess the stats LIE or something. Do you realize that the Pats only had 14 punt returns against them? That's on 44 punts. And they only allowed 5.3 yards per return. That is a HUGE improvement over last year. when the Pats were allowing 11.7 yards per return at the end of the season.
5. FB - Evans is a decent blocker and sounds like he is a good locker room guy, but I swear to God I've never seen an alleged FB go down on first contact more than this guy. I cringe every time he carries the ball. I think there a few guys who can be drafted late -- Owen Schmidt, Jacob Hester - who are more versatile and would represent an upgrade.
I like Hester. He has "PATRIOTS" TYPE written all over him. I wouldn't mind seeing him in a Pats uniform, though he is lighter than either Evans or Eckel.