So, where is the bigger issue? On OFFENSE where people claim the Pats need a BIG TIME WR (people have been saying that since 2001 and I have yet to see one on this team)?
I'm not in the 'we need a #1 WR' camp -- although I'll take one for free.
What we do need (Brady needs), are 2
reliable wideouts. Not a TE...not a pass catching RB who are
receiving options -- but WRs. Yes, like Branch and Givens. Two wideouts who are
consistent in their route running so Brady can be confident in his reads...vs his exhibited frustration this past season. At least one of them has to have the ability to stretch the field (to open up the running game). Are those 2 Caldwell and Gaffney? Yes, I think they both
deserve to be in the mix of 4, along with Troy and Jackson. There's room however for another WR to compete with Bam, Kight, and the others. Now if that unknown WR is skilled enough to earn his way up the depth chart and drop others down or out -- great. Competition is healthy and a WR upgrade is welcomed. The bottom line is, that the WR corps be established EARLY...and that the timing between Brady and receivers be intact for game 1. When looking at areas for off-season improvement, I guarantee that BB, the OC, and Brady will prioritize the importance of the QB and WRs being in sync (lots of reps). A core of the WR corps is crucial.
Or on DEFENSE, where our LBs are all 30+ except for Mays, Woods, and Alexander? Where our cornerbacks and safeties have a hard time staying healthy because of the physical game that the team plays?
The ages, possible retirements, contract status, and abilities of each defensive player will be factored into the decision-making process when exploring options. Seau, Bruschi (possible retirements), Vrabel (inside or out?), TBC (performance), Wilson (performance, CB or S?), Harrison (age), Samuel (enough already). That's a HEAVY load if you're BB and Pioli. And that's just one side of the ball!
Is there a possibility for the Pats to meet the needs on the offense and defense? Yes, but reality says that the chance is pretty remote.
Yes, I'm confident we'll address all of our concerns -- but also understand that we have zero control over other teams draft selections, and limited control over which FA wants to sign with us. Most importantly, I'm supremely confident the FO will do what's best for the TEAM overall.
The Pats need a serious influx of younger talent on defense at LB, CB and Safety.
Part of that "influx" could be handled by moving Eugene Wilson from Free Safety to #2 corner and drafting a free safety to learn from Hawkins and Harrison. Maybe Wilson will stop being so gunshy if he's just hitting on receivers, primarily.
But that still leaves Free Safety, Strong Safety (for behind Sanders) and Linebacker.
I'd like to see a playmaking Safety added. If Samuel leaves, obviously a CB with 'ball skills'.
I wouldn't be surprised at all to see BB use 3 of the 4 top picks on the defensive side of the ball with the one offensive pick being either an OT or a RB like Brian Leonard.
We know he'll draft for value and won't reach to fill a need. Hypothetically, he may hope for one of the round one Safeties, but if he's off the board, BB will select a different position and maybe find a value Safety later on. I agree, defense early with maybe an offensive player thrown into the mix -- depending on how the board unfolds.
Great topic -- thanks!