patsox23 said:I'm not sure how you can have TE as your 2nd priority. We have two VERY GOOD ones right now. I see an heir apparent to Dillon and a #2 WR as far more important than landing a 3rd TE (or even a replacement for Graham in case he leaves in 2007).
Now, if you're arguing that there's great VALUE at TE, then I get your point, but it still can't possibly be #2 in terms of team need.
Actually, I can see the Pats taking a TE high very easily. Here's why:
1) Unless I'm mistaken then Graham's a FA after 2006. Fauria is already gone. So that potentially leaves us with one TE for next season.
2) Pioli/Belichick have taken a TE in every draft since they took over with mixed results. Any TE they've taken after the first round has washed out. They've only had success by taking them early.
3) TE seems to be yet another position on the team that needs to be groomed for a year or two. If they anticipate losing Graham next season then they'd probably want to start training his replacement this year.
4) They still need to add a 3rd TE for this upcoming season.
I don't think a TE in the first round is that far fetched at all and I wouldn't be shocked if it happened.
They have many needs in this draft. This would not be a good year for them to have a year like 2001 where only their 1st and 2nd rounder were productive. A year like 2003 would go a long way towards maintaining this run.