Wow, I'm surprised that people aren't putting 3-4 DE/DT as the foremost position in this draft. Perhaps we've all forgotten, but the Patriots clearly consider their defensive line to the most important part of the team (outside of QB), as evidenced by the following:
Drafting Seymour, Warren, and Wilfork in the first round.
Making both Seymour and Wilfork the highest paid players in the NFL at their position.
Let's remember, Seymour was traded last year well after the draft, and it was too late to find a replacement. That doesn't mean the Patriots don't think that position isn't absolutely vital and probably the major reason for disappointment last year. Last year was the first time they've played a season without a stellar front three in how long?
I expect the Patriots to be very aggressive if there's anyone out there they really like at that position. I think they could even trade up into the top 15 if they have their eye on someone.
List of positional priorities, based on the team's weaknesses and Belichick's habits:
3-4 DT- #1 priority is replacing Seymour
OG- It is not a sure thing that Mankins will be re-signed, and Neal almost retired.
TE- Belichick's favorite position is currently thin and uninspiring.
RB- Getting a solid running game would improve the offense much more than another good receiver; it would also give us the balance we haven't had since 2004
Positions that we are unlikely to draft in the early rounds, but would draft in later rounds:
OLB/DE- Expect this to happen only in the mid to late rounds. For whatever reason, Belichick does not like to use high picks here. I think he wants players with experience, ala Willie McGinest, Roosevelt Colvin, and Mike Vrabel, but he is willing to gamble with a later pick.
OT- Let's remember that our right tackle position needs upgrading, unless Light wants to rotate over. I wouldn't be shocked to see us use a pick here.
CB- It took the Patriots a first round tradeback, and then first picking a safety, before drafting Butler last year- and Butler was someone who Belichick really liked. Again, this is more likely to be a later round pick.
S- I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats add depth with a late round pick or two; they clearly value this position very highly
LB- Both ILB and OLB (not necessarily a rushbacker at OLB) can always use depth; Mayo's injury last year reminded us that we are vulnerable without him
Positions I expect the Patriots to ignore, unless there is a great undervalued player:
WR- Now, before you throw your hands up in protest, let's remember the Patriots usually do the opposite of the obvious solution. I think Belichick wants guys like Edelman and Tate to develop, and sees more need for experienced veterans. I think the Holt signing answered the question of drafting a WR. The only way I see WR getting drafted is if also returns kickoffs and punts. If Dez Bryant ends up on the Patriots, I'll be 100% shocked. No interest in Boldin or Marshall, definitely no interest in Bryant.
QB- Only way the Pats draft a QB is if they envision Tim Tebow playing fullback, or it's past the fifth round and they are just bored and want people to start panicking
K/P- Too many concerns right now to worry about a punter; there are always some on the FA market
I haven't seen many fan mocks that address OL prior to day 3 and I think that's a big mistake. Matt Light is pretty much toast IMO. I would love to see Vollmer moved to LT and have a top prospect take over at either RG or RT. This would solidify the pass protection which has been average at best and should greatly improve the run game everyone seems to be so worried about.
