LB has to be #1 although I think we'll look to FA not the draft. We need an ILB and an OLB (TBC is a UFA and Bruschi probably only has one year left). We desperately need some speed there.
I think we'll add a LB from both FA and the draft. From the draft, we may go as early as round one with a DE/OLB like Abiamiri or Spencer. The last two drafts we did select Ryan Claridge and Jeremy Mincey both on day two -- so there's been an interest in that position. Abiamiri or Spencer would represent VALUE at #24.
In the past I've liked some of the undersized LBs like Ernie Sims, Demeco Ryans and Vilma. This draft we have Willis and Posluszny to consider. If BB were to select a smaller LB early, I'd be pleasantly surprised...but I doubt he will. So I'll just focus on the DE/OLBs.
LT is still #2 on my list despite what happened last Sunday. Light could be a really good RT, I'd love to get a stud LT. O'Callaghan would be a great RT backup and Kaczur has shown he can be a backup anywhere on the line (except maybe Center).
I don't know how we'd get a "stud LT" in later rounds. That position's always in demand, tend to go early, and sometimes bust. In addition, most of the O-Line prospects are OGs or RTs -- very few with LT experience. But of course, in the draft -- anything's possible.
Safety is #3. Sanders looks like he could be a solid replacement for Rodney but the other Safety spot has an OK Hawkins with Wilson who has been hurt two straight years, whose play has levelled off and who is a UFA after next year. A Landry, Griffin, etc, to go with Sanders could be a long term solution.
CB is next but that's if Samuel leaves. Without being replaced.
The need for a DB (CB or Safety) is twofold:
First is the strength of the DB position in round one and where we select. Looking at the prospects, there's a good chance a quality DB will slide to #24 -- making him a VALUE PICK.
Secondly, if that DB is a potential impact player/playmaker like Rodney, Law, or Samuel, it's a no-brainer to select him NOW especially when Rodney will retire soon and Samuel may depart. And your comment about Geno is true -- he's not the same player. Most importantly, the need for a difference-maker in our secondary is a HUGE complement to our DL -- which remains the strength of the D. Drafting a DB in round one is not about adding a body. It's about adding or replacing playmakers.
WR depending how they think Chad Jackson will be next year. If they think he's close this isn't much of a need. If they think it's 50-50 we'll see the same again, this moves up to #2 after LB.
The development of Jackson is a consideration, but it's way too early for us to bail on him just yet. I agree, a healthy Jackson receiving valuable reps in TC and pre-season will produce a different player. But how productive, is the question...
I'm open to BB drafting a WR somewhere -- but seriously doubt we go round one. He's drafted 3 WRs in round two thus far. He'll do it again if the value is there. I like our current WR corps, but feel we need Jackson or another to be part of the mix. I'm just not enamoured with the round one crop...but do like a few of the second-rounders better.
Ditto.
DL - Belichick always looks at big bodies on the DL, don't be surprised . . .
This would be the surprise pick of round one.
