The perceived Jets vs. Pats draft strategy question (trade up for a few key players vs. build roster depth) has been discussed in detail fairly recently:
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/13/311014-draft-strategy.html
I think both strategies have their merits, and wouldn't advocate any one exclusively. I think we did a great job of adding depth last year. We clearly picked up one unexpected blue chip prospect in Sebastian Vollmer. Darius Butler could develop into a stud CB as well. Patrick Chung has shown flashes, as did Brandon Tate briefly. Our late round picks were exceptional. All in all a very good draft. If a few people develop, if Ron Brace turns out not to be a dud, if Tyrone McKenzie recovers from his injury to be a contributor, and if Ohrnberger of Bussey develops into a solid guard for us, then it could be a truly outstanding draft. If none of those things happen, it will still be fairly solid given Vollmer, Butler, Edelman, Pryor and Ingram.
This year we have a minimum of 6+ major needs to fill, even assuming that we re-sign Wilfork, Bodden, Mankins, Watson and Gostkowski:
- 1-2 outside pass rushers
Draft Carlos Dunlap at 22 and a later round pick
Trade back into the first and draft Dunlap
- A true SILB to complement Mayo
Sign Karlos Dansby
Trade up for Rolando McClain using 22 and 44
- A true 3-4 DE
I say stick with Pryor/Wright/Brace, as long as we resign Big Vince or sign one, whos available?
- A solid #3 WR (preferably one who can play #2 while Welker is out)
FA(steve Breaston?) and 2nd round pick would be nice (Jordan Shipley would be a reach but maybe Mardy Gilyard)
Sign a FA and use a later round pick on one
- Depth at RB
2nd round pick (maybe Dwyer if he slips)
McCluster late?
- A starting caliber RG to replace Stephen Neal
2nd round pick, Im not sure on who though.
forget the first blue and sign a Pass Rusher instead. Trade the other two seconds back into the first to draft Iupati
We won't be able to fill all of those needs through the draft. I hope that we target 2-3 of these needs in FA, leaving us with 3-4 key needs to address in the draft. With all of our ammunition, we should be well equipped to move around (whether up, down or sideways) to target prospects and fill those needs.
The Jets seem to fall in love with prospects and go after them very aggressively - Sanchez, Darrelle Revis, David Harris, Dustin Keller and Shonn Greene, among others. They often spent quite a bit to get their guy. The Pats generally do not seem as aggressive about targeting individual players. It will be interesting to see if that changes this year, and if they go after a guy like Rolando McClain, who will be very sought after, or a particular pass rusher.
I would like to see us come out of this draft with 2 blue chip prospects and a starting caliber RG. I think that there is a need to add playmakers and difference makers, particularly on defense, and right now I would rather see us get those kind of guys then build a lot of depth with red chip prospects.
