Instead, the strength of this draft is the second to mid-fourth rounds, where there is a lot of talent, most with a few question marks or warnings attached to them.
The Mine
From pick #40 to about #75. This is where you dig for value and the quality of the team's board comes into full view. Where you will find both "What are they thinking" and "How did he slip that far" picks.
I really do not like the back end of the 1st round and would not be shocked or overly displeased if the Patriots made no picks on Thursday night. I can't think of any players at the back end of the 1st who satisfy the criteria to be 3 down players, with solid production over multiple years to go with the marriage material character that BB likes.
It seems this draft has very few scheme diverse players who are worthy of 1st round grades. Having said that, there is talent to be had at the right price. The NFL is morphing into a matchups game and depth in the receiving corps or secondary or the effectiveness of nickel rushers are having a greater influence than ever before. So while there are not many prospects worth premier grades, there are plenty with 2nd-early 4th round grades who could very much live up to their draft position because they fit the the team that drafts them.
The Patriots have holes in their squad for role players such as nickel rushers (both inside and outside) and could draft mid rounders who would be very cheap (if successful, of course) for mid round picks.
At CB, for example, there are guys with specific strengths eg. Brandon Boykin in the slot or Jayron Hosley in off coverage or Jamell Fleming as a physical corner who likes to step upto his opponents, and are suited for certain roles. As long as the selecting team plays to the strength of the draftee, they should be able to get a dividend for their investment. So teams will grade guys who project well into their system much higher than others.
The same goes for WR where there may not be too many "#1" superstar receivers but there are plenty of role players or solid "#2" receivers.
Bruce Irvin Is a classic example of a guy who could do real damage in the NFL but not for the price of a 1st rounder.
I am tempering my expectations for this draft in terms of drafting an immediate superstar but there are guys who can make an impact. I think the Patriots will have to wait until next year to get a real stud.