Ranking the Patriots Draft needs

[mayoclinic]

I remember that.

Grid and I were both high on Demario Davis as well as Lavonte David that year. Davis (6'2" 239#, 4.61 40, 38" vertical, 32 reps@225) was extremely athletic and very, very physical. He ended up going in the 3rd round to the Jets (d%#*!@t), who didn't think he was too small to play 3-4 WILB. He's the guy who ran down Vincent Jackson from behind week 1 and saved the game for the Jets.

Those were the days when the "Yankee 2-4-5" was born. 2 years later, I still want guys like David and Davis. Fast and physical (instincts help). Adding Christian Jones and/or Marcus Smith on top of Jamie Collins would help soothe the pain.

 

[supafly]

1. I don't see safety as a need so probably not.

Say what, manx?

What are your plans in how we should improve the safety plan then, especially if you consider Gregory a potential cut?

I see DL, S, OL, and TE as our 4 biggest needs, in no particular order.

 

[Username]

DT
Interior OL x 2
TE
Pass rushing DE
Safety

 

[manxman2601]

Say what, manx?

What are your plans in how we should improve the safety plan then, especially if you consider Gregory a potential cut?

I see DL, S, OL, and TE as our 4 biggest needs, in no particular order.

1. I don't think Gregory should be cut.

2. why should I have a plan to inprove the safety position ? Particularly as I don't think it's all that bad in the first place.

3. I'll just reiterate what I consider the biggest needs:

1. Tight End x2

2. Backup pass rusher.

3. Defensive Tackle

4. Interior OL

5. Greater defensive speed ( from wherever).

No safety.


Unless Gregory is a cap casualty, I'd bet that safety is not drafted this year. Unless it's a hybrid nickel/safety or safety/LB type player.

 

[zimmy]

It's hard to call these draft needs as we don't know how free agency will turn out but I see two basic needs:

1. More offensive playmakers. We currently only have Gronk (and maybe Vereen). I love Brandin Cooks/Odell Beckham and would happily take either. But I don't particualrly mind if we get a Tight End or a WR. Just need more options for Tom.

2. Better players on 3rd down/nickel defense. I think this would include a cover linebacker, a big strong safety (they might be the same thing if we can find the right players) and more 3rd down passrushers (in the Collins mould perhaps).

If we came out of the draft in the first 4 rounds hitting those needs I'd be happy.

 

[AzorianPats]

1. TE x2.

Gronk coming back from a torn ACL, and the other TE we gave millions to is locked up in jail. Aside from Gronk, we had next to no production from our TE in the passing game. Assuming we stay in a 2 TE set, I see us double dipping. Finding some sort of replacement for AH is a must, and we need some type of plan B if Gronk goes down. BB loves the mismatches TE's bring.

2. DE.

If Talib not brought back, CB shoots up to number 2, but I'm assuming he's staying. We need more then Jones and Ninko. And you can never have enough pass rushers. The pass rush was better this year than in others, but it still failed us at the end. A good, strong pass rush hides a lot of weaknesses in the secondary. See the Giants of the past, and the 49ers and Panthers this year.

3. OG/C

The play of our interior line almost got Brady killed this year. Only reason its not higher in the list is 2 reasons. 1. I can see BB with Scar retiring wanting familiarity with his line. And 2. The line, and the offense just looked to run so much smoother when Gronk was in there.

4. Secondary.

Like I said earlier, I'm assuming Talib staying, so either you want to add another CB to push Arrington down the depth chart, or you want to replace Gregory at Safety. I can see either or, but either way, if Talib their, its not as important as getting a consistent pass rush.

 

[gobesmug]

Here is my amateur breakdown of the patriots roster and needs.

QB:
With this being Mallett's final year, I fully expect BB to draft or sign a UDFA to develop as the qb3 to take over the job of being Brady's back up.
Draft potential: We know BB has valued the back up QB spot enough to invest a 3rd round. So from rounds 3-7 drafting a qb is a strong potential.

HB:
Even if Blount isn't retained, I don't see BB drafting a HB this year with Ridley and Vereen still on the roster. This is there contract year, but I expect BB to resign one of them.
Draft potential: I don't see anything beyond a UDFA brought in.

WR. Just say no to drafting a WR. Dobson, Thompkins, and Boyce showed progression over the year, and just need time to develop, like all rookie wrs need. Throw in Moe, Harrison, Mcgufie and another inexperienced rookie is not needed.
Draft potential: History shows that after BB drafts a couple of wrs, he doesn't draft another one for a few years UDFA is a potential, and maybe a 6th or 7th.

TE:
A must that could be addressed in FA. I have nothing to add that hasn't been said.
Draft potential: BB has always valued the TE position spending two firsts and a second. Anytime the pats are the clock a TE could called.

OL:
Wendell might receive a contract too high in FA to retain. Even if retained, I would rather see him be a back up than a starter. Josh Kline looked good at LG for his limited time there, so perhaps he could slide over to rg.
Draft potential: rounds 1-7 are potential picks.

DT:
If Wilfork and Kelly are released, a FA would have to be brought in to replace them. No way BB goes into the draft with Siliga, Jones, and Vellano being the known quantity.
Draft potential: BB has drafted a stud DT since Wilfork. I could see him drafting a Donald, or Hageman at 29, or frustrating pats fans every where, by drafting a Rutgers DT in the second no one.has ever heard of at DT.

DE:
If not addressed in FA, a rotational DE needs to be drafted.
Draft potential: I don't see BB spending a first on this position, but starting in second, we could see the classic, but does he rush the pass, brought back up.

LB:
Collins, Hightower, and Mayo will be a top LB unit next season. I want more! Not sure if BB does.
Draft potential: Was Collins a sign showing that BB now wants elite athleticism at LB? If so, then another 2nd spent on a lb could happen.

CB:
If Talib is resigned, then I don't see this as a pressing need.
Draft potential: BB has spent more 2nd round picks on CB than any other position, or at least it feels that way. So who knows.

Safety:
There are so few good safeties in the league, that we are lucky to have one of them with McCourty. Gregory is decent, and hopefully an extension that reduces his cap can.be worked out.
Draft potential: Will BB go for a third.year in a row at safety within the first 3 rounds? Who knows.

FA is key before heading into the draft. With a team that already reached the AFC championship game there aren't any glaring needs. Which is great, since BB will be able to draft the BPA, instead of forcing a need.

 

[manxman2601]

Here is my amateur breakdown of the patriots roster and needs.

QB:
With this being Mallett's final year, I fully expect BB to draft or sign a UDFA to develop as the qb3 to take over the job of being Brady's back up.
Draft potential: We know BB has valued the back up QB spot enough to invest a 3rd round. So from rounds 3-7 drafting a qb is a strong potential.

HB:
Even if Blount isn't retained, I don't see BB drafting a HB this year with Ridley and Vereen still on the roster. This is there contract year, but I expect BB to resign one of them.
Draft potential: I don't see anything beyond a UDFA brought in.

WR. Just say no to drafting a WR. Dobson, Thompkins, and Boyce showed progression over the year, and just need time to develop, like all rookie wrs need. Throw in Moe, Harrison, Mcgufie and another inexperienced rookie is not needed.
Draft potential: History shows that after BB drafts a couple of wrs, he doesn't draft another one for a few years UDFA is a potential, and maybe a 6th or 7th.

TE:
A must that could be addressed in FA. I have nothing to add that hasn't been said.
Draft potential: BB has always valued the TE position spending two firsts and a second. Anytime the pats are the clock a TE could called.

OL:
Wendell might receive a contract too high in FA to retain. Even if retained, I would rather see him be a back up than a starter. Josh Kline looked good at LG for his limited time there, so perhaps he could slide over to rg.
Draft potential: rounds 1-7 are potential picks.

DT:
If Wilfork and Kelly are released, a FA would have to be brought in to replace them. No way BB goes into the draft with Siliga, Jones, and Vellano being the known quantity.
Draft potential: BB has drafted a stud DT since Wilfork. I could see him drafting a Donald, or Hageman at 29, or frustrating pats fans every where, by drafting a Rutgers DT in the second no one.has ever heard of at DT.

DE:
If not addressed in FA, a rotational DE needs to be drafted.
Draft potential: I don't see BB spending a first on this position, but starting in second, we could see the classic, but does he rush the pass, brought back up.

LB:
Collins, Hightower, and Mayo will be a top LB unit next season. I want more! Not sure if BB does.
Draft potential: Was Collins a sign showing that BB now wants elite athleticism at LB? If so, then another 2nd spent on a lb could happen.

CB:
If Talib is resigned, then I don't see this as a pressing need.
Draft potential: BB has spent more 2nd round picks on CB than any other position, or at least it feels that way. So who knows.

Safety:
There are so few good safeties in the league, that we are lucky to have one of them with McCourty. Gregory is decent, and hopefully an extension that reduces his cap can.be worked out.
Draft potential: Will BB go for a third.year in a row at safety within the first 3 rounds? Who knows.

FA is key before heading into the draft. With a team that already reached the AFC championship game there aren't any glaring needs. Which is great, since BB will be able to draft the BPA, instead of forcing a need.

Excellent write up and ties in with my way of thinking. My only niggle is that unless his injury is severe, I don't think that Kelly will or should be released.

 

[gobesmug]

Excellent write up and ties in with my way of thinking. My only niggle is that unless his injury is severe, I don't think that Kelly will or should be released.

I agree with Kelly. I really liked what he brought to the team last, and hope he sticks around a couple more years.

 

[cstjohn17]

Not to be clever but it is really off season needs not just draft needs

I updated my list downgrading Wilfork due to his Achilles.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...QXNhc0IweWJ6bUE&single=true&gid=0&output=html

My list

1) Defensive Tackle - Assuming Wilfork is not the same player
2) CB - a true number 1 changes this a lot
3) WR - this crew stinks
4) Interior Offensive Line
5) DE - more depth or a specialist behind Nincho and Jones
6) Safety
7) LB Depth
8) TE - I have this much lower based on the assumption Gronk will be back, after #87 they really just need a couple of JAG blockers

Offseason plan (What I think they will do)

Sign a top CB (Talib or other)
Sign some veteran JAGs to bolster the offensive line

In rounds 1 & 2 - draft BPA from DT, WR, DE
Rest of draft - fill in holes

Post Draft - add a few more JAGs

 

[stumeister]

DT 1st or 2nd Round
TE 1st or 2nd Round
3rd-7 OL and DL

1st 2 - Pressure on the QB and run stopper up the middle, a Big target for Brady.

My hopes are that the pressure up the middle will make the jobs of the DB's and LB's easier.

Keep Talib and Blount

I am also counting on one of last year's WR rookies to break out.

Having said all that IF and I mean IF a real steal at WR (Big one) or DB falls to us and BB was licking his chops I would not loose sleep over it if we took one.

 

[gobesmug]

DT 1st or 2nd Round
TE 1st or 2nd Round
3rd-7 OL and DL

1st 2 - Pressure on the QB and run stopper up the middle, a Big target for Brady.

My hopes are that the pressure up the middle will make the jobs of the DB's and LB's easier.

Keep Talib and Blount

I am also counting on one of last year's WR rookies to break out.

Having said all that IF and I mean IF a real steal at WR (Big one) or DB falls to us and BB was licking his chops I would not loose sleep over it if we took one.

Yeah, if Calvin Pryor fell to 29 I would be doing back flips yelling for BB to draft him. That' why i love the way BB usually heads into the draft without dire needs. That way if an elite drops you can draft him.

 

[SalemPats]

Whether you are strong or weak DL/OL are always at the top. If it's the case of taking a lesser player at a position need or the best DL/OL you take DL/OL.

I would say
DT
WR
OL
Secondary (primarily safety, only if they are elite)

We are saying TE, but that position is a crapshoot.

 

[CTHuskies]

How do you rank the Patriots needs going into the draft?

Here is my take, but the Patriots needs are more fluid than any time I can remember, depending on the health of recovering players and FA's that are signed.

1) WR. The Patriots were playing with the Junior Varsity at WR this season. Dobson showed the ability to get open, but dropped too many balls. The Patriots need a defense stretcher.

2) Safety. The Tavon Wilson gamble did not pay off and the Patriots still need to pair someone with McCourty. Adrian Wilson looked like a bone crusher before his injury; not sure if he will be back.

3) Nose Tackle. It all depends on whether Vince will renegotiate his contract and get into shape. I would not count on the latter. I have a sneaking suspicion that NT will be the Patriots first choice, much to the groans of Patriots draftniks on draft day (actually the Patriots will trade back to Day Two of the draft).

4) TE. The Patriots cannot count on Gronk for a full season. They need depth here.

5) CB. Depth is needed here. That Patriots were highly vulnerable when Talib is not in the game. If a quality CB is available at 29, they have to take him.

6) Offensive line. With no more Scar, the Patriots will no longer be able to make lemonade out of lemons so they need an upgrade here.

1. CB to replace Talib
2. Rush DE
3. SS
4. TE
5. OL
6.TE
7. a Jag from Rutgers:rocker:

 

[goheels22002]

1. I don't think Gregory should be cut.

2. why should I have a plan to inprove the safety position ? Particularly as I don't think it's all that bad in the first place.

3. I'll just reiterate what I consider the biggest needs:



No safety.


Unless Gregory is a cap casualty, I'd bet that safety is not drafted this year. Unless it's a hybrid nickel/safety or safety/LB type player.

I agree on Gregory 100%. The Patriots pass defense improved in no small measure because there was continuity with the five starters from 2012 to 2013, and because they were rarely out of position. Gregory may not be the big jarring hitter people lust after, but he is smart and can read coverages just like McCourty can. That group of Talib, Dennard, Arrington, McCourty and Gregory is not going to get out-smarted by any quarterback, and when they were facing inexperienced QBs they ate their lunch.

I would not spend a high draft pick on another safety. Rather, I'd work with Harmon and Tavon Wilson, and bring in a veteran FA safety who has a chance to stick.

In the draft for me it's definitely:

OL, DL, DL, and pass-catching TE with the top four picks in whatever order the best players manifest themselves. Picking at the bottom of every round every year is so difficult.

On the defensive line, it could be that the Patriots know what they have inside with Siliga, Vellano and Chris Jones. Those three got tremendous experience in the latter half of the season and in two playoff games. A full camp with an early round rookie could be all that's needed. I am not counting on either Kelly or Wilfork to be on the team in 2014.

 

[rdf63]

The needs for the Pats are the following:
1. DL - need that impact player to start along side Vince. The Achilles is a tough injury and they have to start to rebuild.
2. TE - back problems at Arizona, multiple forearm surgeries and ACL. Tough gut but a lot of damage. Need a TE from the draft and also consider players like Chandler. How long Gronk can play is questionable.
3. OG/C - get a big strong run blocking center and it can really solve problems. A good running game is what DC fear when they play Tom Brady.
4. Safety - big hard hitting safety in the Louis Delmas type of style. Pryor from Louisville, Buchannon from Washington State or Vin Sunseri of Alabama (6th) could be pretty good.
5. WR - look for FAs not the draft
5. Reach pick - BB please don't pick an unknown in the 2nd round. Go after someone like McCullers a 6'8" DT from Tennessee in the later rounds (4th or lower?)

 

[ashley]

1-Defensive Line(1st or 2nd round in the draft)
2-SS(we need an upgrade over Gregory)
3- Tight End( we saw what happened to our offense in the red zone when Gronk went down)
4-OL- an upgrade in the interior....Replace Wendell and/or draft a guard/center.
5- I would be for drafting either depth at corner back or the bpa.

 

[JerseyShore99]

The needs for the Pats are the following:
1. DL - need that impact player to start along side Vince. The Achilles is a tough injury and they have to start to rebuild.
2. TE - back problems at Arizona, multiple forearm surgeries and ACL. Tough gut but a lot of damage. Need a TE from the draft and also consider players like Chandler. How long Gronk can play is questionable.
3. OG/C - get a big strong run blocking center and it can really solve problems. A good running game is what DC fear when they play Tom Brady.
4. Safety - big hard hitting safety in the Louis Delmas type of style. Pryor from Louisville, Buchannon from Washington State or Vin Sunseri of Alabama (6th) could be pretty good.
5. WR - look for FAs not the draft
5. Reach pick - BB please don't pick an unknown in the 2nd round. Go after someone like McCullers a 6'8" DT from Tennessee in the later rounds (4th or lower?)

1.D-line/ Louis Nix
2.TE/ Jace Amaro (1st) ASJ (second) Arty Lynch (4-6 steal)
3. OG/C Bryan Stork (4th)
4. S/ Sunseri
5. WR/ Jeremy Gallon (7/UDFA)
5. Steal of the year, hate to say it but with an amazing combine (athletics and interviews) Coke Lyerla

 

[mgteich]

I suppose that we are presuming the signing of Talib and Edelman or equivalent free agents.

I also expect us to extend Kelly. Wilfork will be replaced or will be expected to be a contributor, so I don't see much need at DT with Wilfork (or replacement), Kelly, Siliga, Jones, and Armstead. A late rounder and/or UDFA is always a fine idea, but there is no great need.

My general philosophy is that we draft future contributors. Since we always draft 25 or later, rookie contributions are just gravy. HOWEVER, there is often ONE position of need that requires it to be the focus of the draft and to require a possible double dip. This year that position is TE.
=====================================

1) TE (we probably should double dip even if we bring Hooman back)
2) OT to play RG or backup at both RT and RG (Cannon is in his contract year)
3) CB (we need a 5th, given the injury history of our corners)
4) S (how can we not want a future contributor to add to McCourty and Harmon)
5) DE (we need a 3rd DE; Ninkovich and Jones shouldn't play 90% of the defensive reps)
6) QB (We really do need to train someone for 2015; this choice is a year late)

 

[Deus Irae]

Two quick notes first:

1.) Free agency will probably end up changing the priority lists.

2.) I don't look at WR as a draft need because I don't know that the Patriots have decided Dobson/Boyce/Thompkins are busts. Unless they've done that, I'd think a FA WR would be a more likely target than another draftee.


Having said that, I'd probably go with

DT
TE
(interior)OL
S

as the top four, with the rankings being somewhat fungible, or at least subject to Patriots scheme planning (see especially TE) after DT at #1