The Pats not picking a LB should not be a surprise

[hallfamebrady]

Although I do not know the number (I can only think of a couple), we have usually filled this need with veteran players.

Vrabel was a FA
Phifer was a FA
Colvin was a FA
Beisel was a FA

The only ones according to drafthistory.com are Ryan Claridge, TJ Turner, and Casey Tisdale. TBC was a DE. I do think Mincey will take the same route.

You have to think they are going to search the FA waters for a LB this year.

 

[Remix 6]

Peter Boulware is a DE/OLB veteran and Chris Chris Claiborne is a solid LB

 

[MrTibbs]

The Patriots did draft a LB..........DE Mincey is 6'4" 260+ lbs...........

 

[PromisedLand]

As I've already said in at least 3 different posts on this board, including earlier today at http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/showthread.php?p=92501#post92501, BB does not like to have rookies at positions where a lot of onfield decision making is involved, and particularly positions where onfield leadership is involved. It's documented in "Management Secrets of the New England Patriots".

For example, D-lineman pretty much do the same thing on every play, whereas backers have to read the play and react. Hence you see BB draft a lot of d-lineman but very few linebackers, and those which he does draft (TBC, Claridge) play special teams for the first 2 or so years.